Women in Real Estate Leadership: Trends, Insights & Opportunities

In an exclusive interaction with Jaipriya, Assistant Editor at Homes India, Yukti Nagpal, Director, Gulshan Group shares about how women in real estate are redefining what leadership in real estate looks likes in an industry long considered a male bastion.

Known for her progressive vision and human-centric approach to development, Yukti represents the new generation of leaders driving both business growth and cultural change within the sector. In this conversation, she shares her insights on the evolving role of women in Indian real estate, the power of inclusivity, and how the next decade could belong to empathy-driven leadership in the Indian real estate market.

1. What unique challenges do women face in real estate leadership, and how can they turn these into growth opportunities?

Real estate has traditionally been male-led, which often means women must first establish their credibility before being heard. I’ve always viewed this as a growth phase rather than a setback. Women bring depth, balance, and an innate understanding of people and spaces—qualities that naturally strengthen leadership. Consistency, competence, and empathy can turn perceived challenges into strategic advantages. Your work should speak before you do, particularly as more women leaders in the property sector rise.

Also Read: The Changing Face of Real Estate: Women at the Forefront of Property Ownership in India

2. How important is gender diversity in shaping the future of real estate, and what initiatives has your organization implemented to support women leaders?

Gender diversity is fundamental to innovation. The built environment we create impacts everyone, so it’s only natural that diverse voices should shape it. At Gulshan Group, we don’t view diversity as a box to tick; it’s a culture to nurture. We have women leading across design, HR, marketing, and project management, each bringing fresh perspectives that elevate the brand’s vision. Flexibility, mentorship, and a culture of trust have been central to ensuring that women can grow into leadership roles without having to compromise on their personal aspirations. This commitment strengthens gender diversity in real estate.

3. What emerging trends in residential and commercial real estate are women leaders uniquely positioned to drive?

Women leaders are driving the transition from constructing buildings to crafting experiences. In residential real estate, there’s a growing emphasis on wellness, sustainability, and design sensitivity—values women naturally integrate into planning. In the commercial space, we’re seeing a move towards more collaborative and human-centric work environments. Women understand the subtleties of balance between efficiency and warmth, aesthetics and practicality, and that sensibility is reshaping the way spaces are conceived, shaping upcoming real estate industry trends.

4. What advice would you give to aspiring women professionals aiming for leadership roles in the real estate sector?

Be unapologetically curious and confident. Learn the technicalities—finance, design, operations—because knowledge builds authority. Leadership requires both vision and grit. Don’t wait for validation; let your performance create it. And remember, leadership isn’t about adopting a masculine or feminine style, it’s about being authentic. When you lead with conviction and clarity, you naturally command respect and strengthen your position in real estate leadership.

5. How do you envision the role of women leaders evolving in India’s real estate market over the next 5–10 years?

The next decade will witness women not just participating in real estate but transforming it. As more women enter roles across architecture, urban design, and management, we’ll see projects becoming more inclusive, empathetic, and sustainable. Women will play a crucial role in steering the industry toward conscious luxury and community-driven development. It’s an exciting time; the foundations of tomorrow’s real estate are being shaped by voices that understand both the business and the human side of growth, especially as women in real estate dive into change at scale.