Monday December 02, 2024. 9 min Read
Born in a Punjabi family, Ashwinder's father was a war hero while his mother was a housewife. He has worked in Citibank, ICICI Bank, Deutsche Bank, and Bajaj Housing Finance. In a career spanning three decades, Ashwinder has made a special mark in the country's real estate industry, starting from his beginnings in financial services.
Born in a Punjabi family, Ashwinder's father was a war hero while his mother was a housewife. He has worked in Citibank, ICICI Bank, Deutsche Bank, and Bajaj Housing Finance. In a career spanning three decades, Ashwinder has made a special mark in the country's real estate industry, starting from his beginnings in financial services.
Construction and real estate giant BCD Group appointed Ashwinder R Singh as co-promoter, vice chairman and CEO in August 2024. Prior to joining BCD Group, Ashwinder was CEO-Residential at Bengaluru-based real estate developer Bharti Urban. He has also been the CEO of JLL Residential India, and co-founded real estate startup ANAROCK.
Born into a Punjabi family, Ashwinder's father was a war hero and his mother was a homemaker. He has worked with Citibank, ICICI Bank, Deutsche Bank, and Bajaj Housing Finance. In a career spanning three decades, Ashwinder has come a long way from starting out in financial services to making his mark in India's real estate industry. He is a man of many talents. Apart from being a verified Spotify artist, Ashwinder has also released music under the Saregama label. He interacts with industry stalwarts on his podcast show — Irrelevant with Ashwinder — where he shares insights on real estate and entrepreneurship.
Ashwinder is also an author. He has written books like Master Residential Real Estate and Master Commercial Real Estate. Having co-chaired the CII Real Estate Committee, Ashvinder has represented India at forums across the world. His advisory roles with startups in proptech and crypto-asset management highlight his visionary thinking and dedication to fostering innovation.
YourStory recently spoke to Ashvinder R Singh. Read the edited excerpts of this interview here
YourStory [YS]:
From financial services to real estate, your career has been quite interesting. What inspired you to enter real estate?
Ashwinder R Singh [ARS]:
My move into real estate was inspired by its profound impact on people’s lives and the economy. Real estate is the second-largest employer in India, contributing 7% of GDP. This figure is projected to grow to 15% in the next decade. The sector is a powerful engine for job creation and urban development, offering a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. For me, real estate is a noble profession. We provide homes — the most important asset for any individual. Home is a place where dreams flourish and lives are created. I wanted to inspire more professionals to enter this sector and believed the best way to do this was to lead by example. My career in financial services gave me strategic and analytical expertise, but real estate allowed me to apply these skills in a concrete, transformational way. The opportunity to work at the intersection of business, innovation, and human impact made this transition both strategic and poignant.
YourStory [YS]:
As the VC and CEO of BCD Group, what is your vision to redefine urban living in India?
Ashwinder R Singh [ARS]:
My vision for urban living in India lies in creating integrated ecosystems where functionality, sustainability and community co-exist seamlessly. At BCD Group, we aim to redefine the way people experience urban spaces by designing inclusive, environmentally conscious and technologically advanced developments. These are not just buildings, but environments that inspire well-being, foster relationships and support economic growth. By prioritising quality, efficiency and customer-centricity, we strive to deliver projects that stand as benchmarks for excellence and redefine urban living in a rapidly evolving India.
YourStory [YS]:
The real estate industry is adopting technology more than ever before. What role do you see technology playing in the future of urban development and how is BCD Group incorporating it?
Ashwinder R Singh [ARS]:
Technology is no longer an option; it is the new cement of real estate. It is as important as bricks and mortar in building a building. At BCD Group, we see data analytics, AI, blockchain and IT as transformational forces that can streamline operations, increase transparency and improve customer experience. These technologies are helping us design smart buildings, ensure secure transactions and provide personalised services. Ultimately, technology enables us to better understand and solve customer needs, making the real estate journey more seamless and engaging. By incorporating innovation at every stage, we are shaping communities that are future-ready and in sync with emerging aspirations. Technology is redefining the essence of real estate, blending tradition with modernity to create lasting value.
YourStory [YS]:
As co-chairman of the CII Real Estate Committee, you have represented India at forums across the world. What trends or innovations in global real estate do you think India should adopt?
Ashwinder R Singh [ARS]:
India has immense scope for improvement in sectors such as master planning and industry organisation. Globally, markets have shown us the importance of diligently following processes and adopting a structured approach to urban development. Modular construction, efficient infrastructure and organised processes make global markets more resilient and customer-centric. Master planning is one of the most important areas for India to learn from global trends. By emphasising on disciplined planning and ensuring that every aspect of urban development is thoughtfully considered, we can create efficient and liveable spaces. Suppose India adopts these practices and promotes a more structured approach. In that case, we can address challenges such as urban sprawl and resource management while elevating our real estate industry to global standards.
YourStory [YS]:
The industry is seeing a shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly projects. How does BCD keep up with this trend, and what challenges do you face in implementing these practices?
Ashwinder R Singh [ARS]:
Sustainability is core to BCD Group's vision. We incorporate practices such as rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and solar power into our projects to reduce environmental impact and create self-sustaining communities. These efforts are complemented by green materials and energy-efficient designs. However, the challenge lies in balancing sustainability with affordability. Many of these practices come with high initial costs, which require us to educate stakeholders about their long-term benefits. Despite the challenges, we are committed to making sustainability a standard feature of modern urban living. Our goal is to create projects that benefit the environment and the communities that live in them.
YourStory [YS]:
In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the Indian real estate industry today and what steps should be taken to solve it?
Ashwinder R Singh [ARS]:
While lack of trust has historically been a challenge in Indian real estate, regulatory reforms such as RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) have significantly improved transparency and accountability, rebuilding trust among stakeholders. The industry is on a positive inflection point, with greater professionalism, adherence to timelines, and improved customer experience. We must maintain this momentum by leveraging technology, promoting ethical practices, and creating customer-centric policies. Real estate is no longer just about selling a product — it is about developing relationships and delivering value. With these steps, the sector is well-positioned to become a global benchmark for excellence.
YourStory [YS]:
What advice would you give to young professionals looking to enter the real estate sector?
Ashwinder R Singh [ARS]:
Real estate is where knowledge and perseverance define success. To succeed, professionals need to master the sales and financial, technical and legal aspects. None of these are negotiable. It is also important to understand that trust, while important, is an overused word in the industry. Real estate is fundamentally about professionalism — delivering what you promise and doing so with consistency and excellence. Most importantly, patience is key. If you are willing to invest time in learning and growth, the rewards can be many times greater than in other sectors. Look at every challenge as an opportunity to grow, and always prioritize adding value — whether it is to your team, your clients, or your projects.
YourStory [YS]:
Finally, being a personality who has excelled in different industries, what legacy do you want to leave behind?
Ashwinder R Singh [ARS]:
I want to be remembered as someone who empowered others to dream bigger and achieve more. My legacy lies in the lives of the people I have impacted, whether through the homes we have built, the books I have written, the startups I have mentored, or the insights I have shared. I believe in winning through versatility. At the core of this journey is a commitment to authenticity and originality, which I consider my greatest strengths. Success is not just about personal milestones; it is about enabling others to move forward. My ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impact on the people and industries I have been fortunate enough to serve.
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