real estate business in india

How To Start Real Estate Business in India? (2025)

Published on June 21, 2023
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9 Min read time

Quick Summary

  • Statistics show that real estate significantly contributes to the economy, accounting for 13% of India’s GDP.
  • Key steps include market research, business planning, raising capital, and legal compliance.
  • Focus on marketing, building relationships, leveraging technology, and scaling for growth.

Table of Contents

“Ninety percent of all millionaires become so through owning real estate.”-Andrew Carnegie.

What is real estate business in India?

  • The real estate business in India is one of the leading industries responsible for creating millionaires and billionaires. Statistics show that real estate significantly contributes to the economy, accounting for an impressive 13% of India’s GDP. This presents numerous opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs like you to venture into the real estate market.
  • However, like any business, starting a real estate venture requires careful planning, a solid understanding of local regulations, substantial capital investment, and a well-thought-out strategy for marketing and customer relations.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the essential steps on how to start real estate business in India. From conducting market research and completing business registration to kick-starting operations and scaling for long-term growth, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and get started!

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How to Plan, Start, and Grow a Real Estate Business: Step by Step Guide

real estate business in india
Real estate business in India

Starting the best real estate business in India demands strategic planning, precise execution, and a commitment to continuous growth. With India’s booming real estate sector, opportunities abound for those willing to invest time and effort. From market research and business planning to building a strong network and effective marketing, every step is crucial for success.

Here’s a concise guide to help you navigate the journey from an idea to a thriving real estate business:

1. Conduct Market Research

Study the Local Market: Research the real estate landscape in different cities or regions to understand demand and supply trends, property values, and investment potential. Consider factors such as infrastructure development, population growth, and economic stability.

Understand Buyer Preferences: Study the types of properties in demand—residential, commercial, rental, or luxury. Determine if people prefer apartments, independent houses, or office spaces.

Competitor Analysis: Identify the leading real estate firms and study their strategies, pricing, services, and market position. This will help you understand where you can differentiate yourself.

Regulatory Environment: Understand the local government regulations, zoning laws, RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) guidelines, and taxes related to real estate transactions.

2. Pick up a Specialty

Once you have performed an extensive research, it is important to choose a specialty. the top answer to how to start real estate business in India lies in choosing a specialty. These include:

Residential or Commercial Properties: You can choose to specialize in residential properties (apartments, villas, etc.) or commercial properties (offices, retail spaces, etc.). Each has its target audience and challenges.

Luxury Real Estate or Budget Properties: Choose between high-end luxury properties and affordable housing options based on your target audience’s purchasing power.

Real Estate Investment or Brokerage: Decide whether you want to focus on investments (buying and selling properties) or a brokerage model (representing clients for buying, selling, or leasing).

Property Management or Rentals: Focus on property management services, including maintenance and renting properties on behalf of owners, which has a recurring income potential.

3. Raise Capital

Raising capital is essential for real estate deals. Investors can access finance by exploring six primary sources of working capital.  These include the following: Wholesaling, Private and hard money lenders, Peer-to-peer loans, Private placement memorandums, Crowdfunding, and Self-directed accounts.

4. Get a License

Real Estate Agent License: If you are going to be an agent, you’ll need to register with the local Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). Each state in India has its own RERA.

  • Complete the required training (if applicable) and submit the necessary documents such as proof of identity, address, educational qualification, and experience.
  • Pay the registration fee and obtain a certificate of registration.

5. Business Registration

If you are starting a real estate business in India, you must register your business as a legal entity. You can register as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP (Limited Liability Partnership), or private limited company, depending on your business structure. 2. Minimum Requirements for Real Estate Company Registration 

Registration of a real estate business must meet the following minimum requirements:

  1. The lowest number of shareholders is two. Here, the director and stockholders may be the same individual.
  2. There is no minimum capital needed for company registration.
  3. The proposed business’s name must be distinctive. No other company, LLP, or trademark in the real estate class should be registered under it.
  4. The number of shares held will determine who owns the company. It should have an Indian location for its registered office.

3. Documents Required for Real Estate Company Registration

Required paperwork for registering:

  1. PAN of Shareholders and Directors.
  2. Directors’ and shareholders’ Aadhar.
  3. Bank Utility or statement in the applicant’s name that is no more than two months old.
  4. Email address and Mobile Number.
  5. Verification of digital signatures by video.

The allowable business structures for real estate enterprises are the following:

Public Limited Company.

Proprietorship/Individual

Partnership

LLP (Limited Liability Partnership)

Private Limited Company

6. Develop a Business Plan

Define Your Niche and Objectives: Clearly state your business’s goals—whether it’s to become a top real estate broker, developer, or property manager. Identify your target market (location, income group, type of properties).

Budget and Financial Plan: Estimate startup costs (office space, advertising, licensing, etc.) and revenue forecasts. Plan your cash flow and funding options (personal savings, loans, investors, etc.).

Marketing and Sales Strategy: Decide how you will generate leads, what channels you will use (online/offline), and your sales tactics.

7. Hire Professionals

Hiring a business attorney is crucial for lawful and compliant business transactions. They help develop business structures, divide ownership interests, and overcome obstacles. An inexperienced attorney can harm your chances of closing a deal.

8. Locate Suitable Business Location

Choose an attractive and inviting location for your business. This will tend to leave a positive impression on clients. Consider the location’s cost, and demographics. Also, consider exploring options and consulting with a local bank. This can help make an informed decision. You can also start an online real estate business.

9. Develop a Marketing Strategy

Develop a marketing strategy to focus on building your brand. Also, converting leads into customers. Some of the marketing strategies to grow your real estate business are: Plan for marketing costs, encourage referrals and word-of-mouth, you can also create a real estate newsletter, determine the intended audience use social media and make a website.

8. Networking

When it comes to how to start real estate business in India, networking is very crucial. It can be done in the following ways:

Join Real Estate Associations: Become a member of local real estate associations such as NAR (National Association of Realtors), CREDAI (Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India), or FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry).

Attend Industry Events: Participate in conferences, property exhibitions, and seminars to meet potential clients, investors, and partners.

Build Relationships with Builders and Developers: Networking with builders can help you get exclusive listings and first access to new developments.

Local Networking: Build relationships with lawyers, architects, banks, and financial institutions. They can provide essential referrals and expertise for your clients.

9. Launch the Business

Launch your real estate business after completing the necessary preparations. This includes licensing, structure, and setup. Consider hosting a launch event, and collaborating with others. Also, create an online presence, and network, and provide content to attract clients. Refine marketing strategies and adapt to market conditions for success.

10. Leverage Technology and Tools

Embrace technology to streamline operations and improve client experiences. Use CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software to manage leads, automate follow-ups, and track progress.

Invest in property listing platforms, virtual tour tools, and AI-powered analytics to stay ahead of the competition. An online presence with tools like Google My Business and SEO can also enhance visibility.

11. Increase Online Presence

Real Estate Portals: List properties on top Indian property sites like Magicbricks, 99acres, Housing.com, and CommonFloor.

Create a Professional Website: Have a user-friendly website that showcases your services, listed properties, and client testimonials. Ensure it is mobile-friendly and optimized for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to rank higher in search engine results.

Social Media Marketing: Create business profiles on popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube to share real estate tips, property listings, market insights, and news. Use paid advertising to target specific demographics.

Content Marketing: Write blogs, guides, and articles related to the real estate market. Offering helpful information can build trust and improve your SEO.

12. Prioritize Legal Compliance and Risk Management

Ensuring legal compliance is crucial for building trust and credibility in the real estate business in India. Stay informed about laws like RERA (Real Estate Regulation and Development Act) and work with legal experts to verify property titles, draft contracts, and address land use regulations.

Proactively managing risks by conducting due diligence and investing in professional liability insurance can protect your business from potential disputes, ensuring smoother transactions and client satisfaction.

13. Offer Value-Added Services

Planning, starting, and growing a real estate business requires careful strategy, capital, and effort. By following these steps—market research, legal setup, strategic growth—you can position yourself for success in the dynamic real estate industry. Stay adaptable, focus on customer service, and always look for new opportunities to expand and thrive.

Planning, starting, and growing a real estate business requires careful strategy, capital, and effort. By following these steps—market research, legal setup, strategic growth—you can position yourself for success in the dynamic real estate industry. Stay adaptable, focus on customer service, and always look for new opportunities to expand and thrive.

14. Environmental Clearances

Ensure that your real estate projects comply with environmental regulations and obtain necessary clearances from the respective authorities. This step is crucial to avoid legal issues related to environmental impact.

15. Fire and Safety Clearances

Obtain a fire safety certificate from the local fire department to ensure that your projects comply with fire safety norms and regulations. This is important for the safety of the residents and to avoid potential legal complications.

Real Estate Business Ideas to Start Now

Are you thinking of starting your own real estate business in India? This industry offers a variety of opportunities. Let’s explore some of the options available to help you get started.

1. Residential Properties 

One popular real estate business idea is to specialize. This includes buying, selling, or renting residential properties. This has a focus on apartments, villas, or independent houses. One can cater to the needs of individuals and families looking for their dream homes.

2. Commercial Properties

Another great idea for a real estate business in India is to specialize in buying, selling, or renting commercial properties. This could include office spaces, retail locations, or warehouses. By focusing on commercial real estate, you can cater to the needs of businesses and entrepreneurs who are looking to establish or expand their operations. As the demand for business spaces grows, especially in India’s rapidly developing cities, there is significant potential to tap into this lucrative market. Understanding the specific requirements of commercial clients and offering tailored solutions can help you build a successful and sustainable business in this sector.

3. Rental Properties

Managing rental properties is another viable real estate business idea. You can specialize in managing rental properties for landlords and tenants. This can involve tasks such as marketing vacancies and screening potential tenants. Also, collecting rent, and handling maintenance requests.

4. Real Estate Brokerage

Starting a real estate brokerage firm is a fantastic idea for launching a real estate business in India.To succeed, learn how to become a real estate agent and gain a solid understanding of the Indian property market.

As a broker, your primary income comes from earning commissions on property sales and purchases. Building strong relationships with clients and maintaining trust are essential to thriving in this competitive industry.

How much money is needed to start a real estate business in India? 

Starting a real estate business in India typically requires an initial investment ranging from ₹5 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs or more, depending on the scale and location of operations. Costs may include registration, office setup, legal fees, marketing, and technology for property listings. But there is huge profit in real estate business in India.

Additionally, acquiring property (if you’re looking to develop or sell directly) and forming partnerships with developers or real estate agents will require significant capital. Costs vary based on the specific focus of the business, such as residential, commercial, or property management.

Establish Your Successful Real-Estate Business Today

Starting a real estate business in India offers immense potential, given the sector’s significant contribution to the economy. By following seven essential steps—from conducting market research and developing a robust business plan to completing legal registration and launching your operations—you can build a profitable venture.

Key areas to focus on include obtaining the necessary licenses, selecting the appropriate business structure, and implementing a strategic marketing plan to attract clients. With commitment, the right expertise, and effective networking, your real estate business in India can flourish in the country’s rapidly growing market.

Innovative, low-investment ideas for the hidden entrepreneur in you! Explore our guide on Business Ideas.

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Conclusion

The real estate sector in India is experiencing significant growth, fueled by urban expansion, economic development, and an increasing need for both residential and commercial properties. Experts predict that the market could hit $1 trillion by 2030. The introduction of the RERA Act has improved transparency and boosted consumer trust.

Nevertheless, the industry is highly competitive, you should necessitating careful planning and innovative approaches to thrive. In summary, while the Indian real estate market presents promising opportunities, effectively managing regulatory and market hurdles is essential for long-term success.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Q1: How profitable is the real estate business in India?

The real estate business in India is highly profitable, with the sector contributing 13% to the country’s GDP. The industry’s rapid growth, fueled by urbanization, increasing demand for both residential and commercial properties, and government initiatives, offers significant opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.

Q2: Which is the No 1 real estate company in India?

The No. 1 real estate company in India is DLF Limited. Known for its large-scale residential, commercial, and retail projects, DLF has established itself as a market leader with a strong presence in major cities across India.

Q3: What are the 5 types of real estate?

The five types of real estate are:

1. Residential Real Estate
2. Commercial Real Estate
3. Industrial Real Estate
4. Land
5. Special Purpose Real Estate

Q4: What are the 4 sectors of real estate?

The four primary sectors of real estate are:

1. Residential: Homes, apartments, and other living spaces.
2. Commercial: Office spaces, retail outlets, and business properties.
3. Industrial: Warehouses, factories, and production facilities.
4. Land

Q5: Which real estate investment is best?

The best real estate investment is residential properties in growing urban areas or commercial real estate in prime locations tend to offer the highest returns. Additionally, REITs are a good option for passive investors looking for steady income and capital appreciation.

Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor

Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.

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