Legacy & Growth: Family-owned Real Estate in India

In an email interaction with Homes India magazine, Aishwarya Bansal, Co-Founder, Smartworld Developers, highlights fundamental values passed down by generations in a family-owned real estate business and throws some light on prevailing real estate trends in India’s residential and commercial property market. Aishwarya is a dynamic leader who blends financial acumen with creative brilliance. She has been honored with multiple national awards, and she’s recognized as one of India’s most influential young business minds.   

What are some of the fundamental values passed down by generations in a family-owned real estate business?

In a family-run sustainable real estate legacy, values aren’t just inherited. They’re lived, every single day. Becoming part of a family so deeply rooted in this industry gave me an early, almost instinctive understanding of its layers. I’ve seen up close how integrity, resilience, and a real commitment to community aren’t just ideals. They’re the lens through which every decision is made.

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For us, projects are never just about transactions. They’re responsibilities. To honour the land, to deliver quality, and to build with empathy. That mindset has quietly shaped how I lead today. Ambition matters, of course, but for me it’s always anchored in accountability. Because in this world, trust isn’t just earned once. It’s built, carefully, patiently, and consistently, brick by brick.

How do you balance heritage preservation and adapting to modernization?

Both heritage and modernity are two layers of the same narrative which are equally important. It’s about preserving the soul of a place while reimagining it for today’s world. Cultural roots aren’t something we need to replicate exactly as they were. They deserve thoughtful reinterpretation, in a way that respects where we’ve come from but speaks to how we live now.

Sometimes that’s expressed through architecture or the materials we choose. Sometimes it’s about how a space invites people to connect, to feel a sense of belonging. I’ve found that progress feels most honest when it’s anchored in identity. That’s what gives a place lasting relevance. It’s what makes it not just contemporary, but timeless.

What are the prevailing trends in India’s residential and commercial property market?

The residential and commercial property landscape in India is evolving with a new sense of clarity and consciousness. In residential real estate, the shift is quite visible. Homebuyers today are no longer just looking for four walls and a roof. They are seeking homes that align with their lifestyle, wellbeing, and aspirations. Wellness-centric homes, sustainable living is no longer a trend. It is fast becoming a baseline expectation. People want homes that foster a sense of belonging, with natural design elements, tech-enabled convenience, and thoughtfully planned communities that encourage connection.

Luxury housing, in particular, is seeing remarkable momentum. Discerning buyers are leaning toward curated, experience-driven residences that reflect not just status but intent and individuality. Branded luxury residences are a clear example of this shift. We have seen this firsthand with Trump Residences in Gurugram, where the response was overwhelming. That kind of demand speaks volumes. High-net-worth individuals are increasingly looking for homes that come with an international pedigree, where design excellence is paired with legacy, prestige, and an elevated lifestyle. Today’s consumer is not just buying real estate. They are choosing identity, exclusivity, and an ecosystem that reflects their narrative.

On the commercial side, the transformation is equally significant. The market is moving toward flexible, future-ready workspaces that prioritize adaptability and employee wellbeing. Offices are becoming more than just places to work. They are lifestyle hubs designed for collaboration and creativity. We are also seeing retail spaces evolve. High streets and commercial centers are no longer just about shopping. They are turning into social and cultural destinations, offering experiences that draw people in and keep them engaged.

When we build, we are not just creating structures. We are shaping spaces that influence how people live, connect, and grow.

How does design shape your approach to building spaces that feel both personal and purposeful?

Design has never just been about how something looks. It is about how it feels, how it works, and the kind of life it enables. When we build, we are not just creating structures. We are shaping spaces that influence how people live, connect, and grow. That is a responsibility I carry with care.

Good design should listen before it speaks. It needs to respond to the people who will use the space, while respecting the place it belongs to. At Smartworld Developers, we focus on blending functionality with warmth, innovation with tradition, and luxury with meaning. It is about making life easier, yes, but also more beautiful and more human. The goal is simple, to create spaces that feels personal, purposeful, and lasting. That is the kind of legacy I want to build.

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What is your vision for future urban corridors and smart cities real estate?

Thinking about the future of urban corridors and smart cities, I do not just picture tall buildings or tech-driven spaces. I imagine living, breathing ecosystems where technology, infrastructure, and people’s well-being come together naturally. For me, smart cities are not only about faster connectivity or automation. They are about creating places that understand human needs that make everyday life easier, healthier, and more connected to the community.

Future cities should feel personal, even when they are large-scale. That means spaces where people can take a peaceful stroll, stay connected to nature, and enjoy beautiful, thoughtfully designed surroundings. Technology should work quietly in the background, enhancing daily life without dominating it, while making our spaces safer and more sustainable.