Proptech startups ride the online home-buying wave

Indian proptech startups like Square Yards and Aurum PropTech are revolutionizing real estate with AI, blockchain, and VR. With $100 billion market potential and growing investments, they are driving transparency, innovation, and efficiency in the property sector.
Proptech Startups Leveraging AI and VR for Real Estate Innovation.

The proptech industry in India is witnessing a surge in investments as technology continues to transform the real estate sector. Leading companies like Square Yards, Aurum PropTech, Spyre Proptech, and Relata.io have ambitious plans to scale their operations, leveraging advanced technologies to revolutionize the way properties are bought, sold, rented, and managed.

With India’s real estate market projected to reach $1 trillion in revenue by 2030 and proptech anticipated to grow at a compound annual rate of 9.6% from 2021 to 2025, the sector is poised for significant growth. Reports suggest the Indian proptech market could touch a $100 billion valuation by the end of the decade.

Technologies such as artificial intelligence, Big Data analytics, machine learning, virtual reality, and blockchain are at the core of this transformation. These tools streamline property valuations, automate property search and listing processes, digitize contracts, and offer solutions like online property auctions and smart home management systems.

Square Yards has announced plans to invest $30-40 million in the next two years as it prepares for an initial public offering. The company aims to achieve ₹1,000 crore in revenue for the financial year 2023-24, with significant investments planned for technology, interiors, and working capital.

Aurum PropTech is investing ₹550 crore, which includes funds from a rights issue and the sale of two real estate assets. Founder and CEO Ashish Deora emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency and digital transformation, leveraging data analytics to better understand and serve online customers.

Housing.com continues to expand its reach, reporting a 43% growth in its app audience. Dhruv Agarwala, Group CEO of Housing.com and PropTiger.com, expressed optimism about the platform’s future, highlighting its focus on delivering exceptional user experiences.

Spyre Proptech Venture Fund has committed ₹400 crore over the next two to three years to support around 30-35 startups in the proptech space, aiming to foster innovation and market access.

Relata.io, based in Pune, is launching an accelerator program for startups and plans to invest ₹3 crore within a year. The company also intends to raise ₹50 crore in two phases, with expansion plans targeting international markets such as Dubai and Singapore. Founder Samudragupta Talukdar outlined plans to add 10 startups to its portfolio and prepare for an initial public offering by 2027-28.

The proptech wave in India underscores the growing role of technology in reshaping the real estate landscape. With substantial investments and a focus on innovation, these companies are driving a new era of efficiency, transparency, and consumer satisfaction in the sector.