Ashwinder R Singh on Real Estate, Tech, RERA and BCD Group’s Urban Vision

A major construction and real estate company, BCD Group, appointed Ashwinder R Singh in August 2024 as Co-Promoter, Vice Chairman, and CEO. Before joining BCD Group, Ashwinder was CEO, Residential at Bengaluru-based real estate developer Bharti Urban. He has also served as CEO of JLL Residential India, and co-founded the real estate startup ANAROCK.

Born into a Punjabi family, Ashwinder’s father was a war hero while his mother was a homemaker. He has worked at Citibank, ICICI Bank, Deutsche Bank, and Bajaj Housing Finance. Across three decades, he has journeyed from financial services to establishing a strong identity in India’s real estate industry.

He is also known for his versatility. As a verified Spotify artist, he has released music under the Saregama label. Through his podcast show, Irrelevant with Ashwinder, he speaks with industry leaders and shares insights on real estate and entrepreneurship.

Ashwinder is also an author. He has written books such as Master Residential Real Estate and Master Commercial Real Estate.

A former co-chair of the CII Real Estate Committee, Ashwinder has represented India on platforms around the world. His advisory roles with startups in proptech and crypto-asset management highlight his forward-looking approach and commitment to encouraging innovation.

Recently, YourStory spoke with Ashwinder R Singh. Here are edited excerpts from the interview.

YourStory (YS): From financial services to real estate, your career has been quite interesting. What inspired you to step into real estate?

Ashwinder: My move into real estate was driven by its deep impact on people’s lives and on the economy. Real estate is India’s second-largest employer and contributes 7% to GDP. Over the next decade, this figure is expected to rise to 15%. The sector is a powerful engine for job creation and urban development, and it offers a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.

For me, real estate is a great profession. We provide homes, which are the most important asset for any person. A home is a place where dreams grow and life is built. I wanted to inspire more professionals to enter this sector, and I believed the best way to do that was to lead by example.

My career in financial services gave me strategic and analytical expertise, but real estate allowed me to apply those skills in a tangible and transformative way. The opportunity to work at the intersection of business, innovation, and human impact made this shift both strategic and deeply meaningful.

YS: As Vice Chairman and CEO of BCD Group, what is your vision for redefining urban living in India?

Ashwinder: My vision for urban living in India is rooted in creating integrated ecosystems where functionality, sustainability, and community coexist seamlessly. At BCD Group, our goal is to redefine how people experience urban spaces by designing inclusive, environmentally conscious, and technologically advanced developments.

These are not just buildings, but environments that support wellbeing, strengthen connections, and enable economic growth. By prioritising quality, efficiency, and customer-centricity, we aim to deliver projects that stand as benchmarks for excellence and redefine urban living in a rapidly evolving India.

YS: The real estate industry is adopting technology more than ever. What role do you see technology playing in the future of urban development, and how is BCD Group integrating it?

Ashwinder: Technology is no longer optional; it is the new cement of real estate, as important as bricks and mortar in building. At BCD Group, we view data analytics, AI, blockchain, and IT as transformative forces that can streamline operations, improve transparency, and elevate the customer experience.

These technologies help us design smart buildings, ensure secure transactions, and offer personalised services. Ultimately, technology enables us to understand and solve customers’ needs more effectively, making the real estate journey smoother and more engaging. By embedding innovation at every stage, we are shaping communities that are future-ready and aligned with emerging aspirations. Technology is redefining the very essence of real estate, blending tradition with modernity to create enduring value.

YS: As co-chair of the CII Real Estate Committee, you have represented India on platforms worldwide. Which global real estate trends or innovations do you think India should adopt?

Ashwinder: India has immense potential for improvement in areas like master planning and industry organisation. Globally, markets have shown us the importance of following processes diligently and adopting structured approaches to urban development.

Modular construction, efficient infrastructure, and organised processes make global markets more resilient and more customer-centric. Master planning is one of the most important areas for India to learn from global trends. By emphasising disciplined planning and ensuring every aspect of urban development is thoughtfully considered, we can create efficient, liveable spaces. If India adopts these practices and promotes a more structured approach, we can address challenges like urban sprawl and resource management while raising our real estate industry to global standards.

YS: The industry is shifting towards sustainable and eco-friendly projects. How does BCD align with this trend, and what challenges do you face while implementing these practices?

Ashwinder: Sustainability is at the core of BCD Group’s vision. We incorporate practices such as rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and solar energy into our projects to reduce environmental impact and build self-reliant communities. These efforts are complemented by green materials and energy-efficient designs.

However, the challenge lies in balancing affordability with sustainability. Many of these practices come with higher upfront costs, which means we must educate stakeholders about their long-term benefits. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to making sustainability a standard feature of modern urban living.

Our goal is to create projects that benefit both the environment and the communities that live in them.

YS: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing India’s real estate industry today, and what steps should be taken to address it?

Ashwinder: While a lack of trust has historically been a challenge in Indian real estate, regulatory reforms like RERA have significantly improved transparency and accountability, helping rebuild trust among stakeholders. The industry is at a positive inflection point, with greater professionalism, better adherence to timelines, and an improved customer experience.

We must sustain 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 building relationships and delivering value. With these steps, the sector is well-positioned to become a global benchmark for excellence.

YS: What advice would you give to young professionals who want to enter the real estate sector?

Ashwinder: Real estate is a place where attention to detail and perseverance define success. To succeed, professionals need mastery across sales, finance, and the technical and legal aspects. There can be no compromise on any of these.

It is also important to understand that trust, while crucial, is an overused word in the industry. Real estate is fundamentally about professionalism: delivering what you promise, and doing so consistently and with excellence. Most importantly, patience matters. If you are willing to invest time in learning and growth, the rewards can be many times greater than in other sectors. See every challenge as an opportunity to grow, and always prioritise adding value, whether for your team, your customers, or your projects.

YS: Finally, as someone who has achieved excellence across different industries, what legacy do you want to leave behind?

Ashwinder: I want to be remembered as someone who empowered others to dream bigger and achieve more. My legacy lies in the lives I have influenced, whether through the homes we have built, the books I have written, the startups I have guided, or the insights I have shared.

I believe in winning through versatility. At the heart of this journey is a commitment to authenticity and originality, which I consider my greatest strength. Success is not only about personal milestones; it is about enabling others to move forward. My ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impact on people and on the industries I have been fortunate to serve.