Real estate sector today is a key pillar of of socio-economic development

Sanjay R. BhoosreddyHousing has been a basic human need since the dawn of civilization. From primitive shelters to planned urban habitats, the quest for a secure dwelling has shaped societies and cultures. However, in contemporary times, the real estate sector has evolved far beyond fulfilling an individual household requirement. It has emerged as a central pillar of socio-economic development, influencing the national economic ethos in profound ways.
The modern real estate sector, comprising primarily residential and commercial segments, drives a multitude of allied industries such as cement and steel manufacturing, banking and financial services, logistics and warehousing, consumer goods and home appliances, hospitality and retail. Every residential complex and commercial tower stimulates demand across supply chains, generating employment and expanding economic opportunity. In that sense, real estate is not an isolated industry; it is an ecosystem that sustains growth.Today, the real estate sector stands as the second largest contributor to GDP and employment both in Uttar Pradesh and in the country. If India is to achieve its vision of becoming a $5 trillion economy within a targeted timeframe, sectors beyond agriculture must accelerate their growth. Real estate is uniquely positioned to catalyse this acceleration.In the financial year 2024–25, the sector contributed 7.5% to the national GDP. Projections indicate that by 2030, it could grow into a $1 trillion industry, contributing around 13-15% of GDP. By 2047, when India celebrates a century of independence, the sector is expected to reach nearly $5.8 trillion in value, contributing around 15.5% to the national economy. These figures are not aspirational rhetoric; they reflect the sector's inherent multiplier effect and its capacity to absorb labour, capital and technology at scale.In UP, the contribution of real estate to the State GDP is even more pronounced. In 2025, the sector accounted for 12.7% of the state's GDP, compared to 7.5% nationally. The year 2025 witnessed a phenomenal 53% rise in investment in the real estate sector over 2024. This surge did not emerge suddenly; it has been building steadily since 2023 and has gathered momentum at a pace that few would have anticipated before that year. The figures speak clearly: the sector is on an upward trajectory.A central pillar behind this transformation is the regulatory framework established under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act. The UP RERA has functioned not merely as a regulator, but as a balancer and dispenser of justice. RERA's mandate is to foster a healthy, accountable, transparent and vibrant real estate sector while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders.The impact of RERA in Uttar Pradesh has been both measurable and transformative. In UP, project registrations have increased steadily, and so have the number of saleable units and total investments. The disposal of complaints has been nothing short of remarkable. There was a time when nearly 40% of all RERA complaints in the country were from UP, with 30 to 35 complaints being filed daily. That number has now reduced to 9 to 10 per day. If legacy projects are excluded, the complaint ratio per new project is minimal.Time-bound completion of projects is becoming the norm. Promoters are securing Occupancy Certificates and Completion Certificates in a structured and transparent manner. Consumers are receiving possession and, in case of grievances, have access to speedy redressal through RERA. Financial institutions increasingly rely on RERA registrations before sanctioning project finance. Their recoveries have improved and non-performing assets have declined in projects operating within the RERA framework.RERA has standardized processes and documentation, ensured the maintenance of project-specific accounts and introduced clear guidelines regarding extension and withdrawal of registrations. The real estate agent certification programme is nurturing trained and ethical intermediaries who serve consumers responsibly. Those who err know that regulatory oversight is vigilant; those who suffer from unfair practices, know that protection is assured.Equally significant is the role played by UP govt in building the infrastructure backbone that supports real estate development. The development of the Noida International Airport represents a transformative milestone as it is poised to redefine regional connectivity and catalyse commercial, residential and logistics development across western Uttar Pradesh.The state's vast network of expressways including the Purvanchal Expressway, the Bundelkhand Expressway and the Ganga Expressway, has significantly enhanced intercity connectivity. Metro rail expansions in major cities and the revitalization of religious and cultural hubs have further stimulated real estate growth.As a result, real estate development is no longer confined to the NCR belt. Cities such as Varanasi, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Jhansi, Mathura and Bareilly are witnessing accelerated project registrations. Lucknow today records project numbers comparable to Gautam Budh Nagar.For developers, RERA has created a level playing field. It ensures that only those willing to adhere to the rulebook, accept accountability and deliver on commitments can thrive. Developers are required to ensure clear land titles, obtain requisite approvals, establish RERA-compliant banking arrangements and disclose financial details transparently. Planning must precede execution. The Authority provides comprehensive user manuals and handholding during registration, ensuring approvals within stipulated timelines. The forthcoming RERA Portal 2.0 will further digitize and streamline compliance processes.Consumer trust forms the bedrock of this revival. Prior to RERA, large-scale fund diversions and stalled projects had severely eroded confidence. Prominent projects remained incomplete despite substantial collections from buyers. Today, transparency through online disclosures and prompt grievance redressal has restored faith. Consumer confidence itself has become a driver of demand. Buyers are willing to invest at higher values because they believe that regulatory safeguards exist and that RERA stands as a sentinel of their rights.Financial institutions have also benefited from this ecosystem. Although real estate projects are primarily financed by consumers, structured project finance and home loans are critical for timely completion. RERA compliance simplifies due diligence for banks. The first document scrutinized during loan processing is often the RERA registration. Institutions such as SWAMIH Investment Fund I are financing stressed projects within the RERA framework, aiding rehabilitation and safeguarding homebuyers.Yet challenges remain. It is a concern that 58 companies promoting 268 projects in UP are undergoing Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process. Such developments jeopardize thousands of homebuyers and substantial investments. Often, the triggers for insolvency are avoidable. Delays in project execution, imprudent borrowing, failure to adhere to repayment schedules and poor financial management can push companies into distress.Developers must maintain sound managerial and financial health. Timely adherence to construction schedules and repayment commitments is essential. Liabilities toward consumers should be discharged promptly. Litigation should never be used as a strategy to defeat consumer protection. Compliance with RERA provisions is not merely a statutory requirement; it is a shield against corporate decline.The path to a $5 trillion India runs through disciplined growth, institutional trust and collaborative governance. Real estate, with its vast linkages and employment potential, stands at the centre of this journey. In Uttar Pradesh, robust infrastructure, proactive governance, regulatory transparency and rising consumer confidence have created a conducive environment for sustained expansion.The transformation witnessed over the past seven years demonstrates that reform, when implemented with commitment and fairness, can restore credibility to an entire sector. Real estate is no longer defined by opacity and speculation. It is increasingly defined by professionalism, accountability and structured growth.The collective responsibility of regulators, govt, developers, financial institutions and consumers is clear. Together, we must ensure that growth remains inclusive, ethical and sustainable. If we succeed in maintaining this equilibrium, the real estate sector will not only contribute significantly to India's $5 trillion aspiration but will stand as one of the strongest pillars supporting the nation's economic future.(Writer is UP RERA chairman. Views expressed are personal)Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's day wishes, messages and quotes !