The Young Landlords

In recent years, the Indian real estate market has witnessed a major shift, with Millennials and Gen- Z emerging as the new power players in property buying. Once the domain of older, wealthier generations, property investment is now on the radar of younger buyers, eager to make long-term financial moves early in life. Cities like Goa, Bengaluru, and parts of South Mumbai have seen a surge in property interest from this demographic. But what's fuelling this shift, and how will it shape the market's future?

Lifestyle Over Location

Gone are the days when the dream of property ownership was reserved for older genera tions. Today young people are diving headfirst into real estate. making it as much a priority as their first car or designer hand bag. With remote work becom ing a permanent fixture post pandemic, young Indians are no longer tethered to the grind of office life

They now have the freedom to explore living in places that align with their lifestyle, rather than just their work. Take Goa, for example. The coastal haven is becoming a top choice for young buyers. Known for its laid-back vibe and beaches, Goa offers affordable properties compared to expensive metros like Mumbai and Delhi.

In North Goa, a 1-BHK apartment can cost between ₹30 lakh and ₹60 lakh. For young professionals looking for the perfect balance of work and leisure, these properties are hard to resist. Data from ANAROCK in 2023 reveals that millennials (aged 25-35) now make up 37% of homebuyers in major cities, up from 28% in 2018. In tech hubs like Bengaluru, young professionals are driving a significant portion of the real estate market, with Bengaluru’s Whitefield area offering 2BHK apartments priced between ₹60 lakh to ₹1 crore.

Tech-Savvy Transactions

Real estate apps like Magicbricks, Housing.com, and 99acres have completely transformed how young buyers shop for properties. Hopping from one property to the next is passé; now youngsters can browse hundreds of listings from the comfort of their homes, compare prices, and get information without stepping foot in a single property. Virtual tours and AR apps add an extra layer of convenience, allowing buyers to take walkthroughs as if they were physically there.

Neha Nagar, a financial influencer, says, “Many young investors turn to social media platforms for tips and advice from real estate influencers. These platforms offer reviews, property walkthroughs, and practical advice on navigating the real estate market.”

The rise of digital financing options is another game-changer. Young buyers can now easily apply for home loans online, securing approvals faster and with competitive interest rates. Crowdfunding and fractional ownership platforms like PropertyShare have also opened doors to real estate for those with limited capital. With a starting investment as low as ₹1 lakh, young investors can now own a slice of prime real estate, bypassing the need for hefty upfront payments.

Affordability Factor

Interestingly, many young buyers are now opting for properties that are a bit farther out from the city centre, in up-and-coming neighbourhoods or suburban areas. This has less to do with a lack of ambition and more to do with a desire for more. They’re looking for space, better amenities, and lower prices — things that are often out of reach in crowded city centres.

While city centre properties in places like Bengaluru’s Whitefield continue to see demand, many young buyers are opting for less central locations, where prices are lower and space is more abundant. For example, Kochi’s Kakkanad area offers a 1BHK for ₹25 lakh to ₹45 lakh, making it a top choice for young buyers looking to balance affordability with quality of life. Even Pune’s suburban areas, like Wakad, are seeing a rise in interest, with 1BHK apartments priced around ₹35 lakh.

Remote work has made these less-central areas more attractive. No longer confined to the hustle and bustle of city life, young professionals are trading up to larger homes in quieter, more affordable areas, with the potential for future price appreciation.

Smart Investments

While young buyers are eager to get a foot in the real estate door, they’re not necessarily going for big-ticket properties. Many are opting for smaller homes — like 1-BHK or 2-BHK apartments. In fact, 1-BHK apartments in emerging areas like Pune’s Wakad can be found for as low as ₹35 lakh, making them attractive options for young buyers.

“The trend is shifting from large, expensive homes to more compact, affordable properties,” says Neha. “This is a reflection of young buyers’ smarter investment approach. They’re looking for properties that offer potential rental income or future appreciation without breaking the bank.”

For example, in South Mumbai, the price tag for a 1BHK apartment can easily surpass ₹1.5 crore. But, for many first-time buyers, this hefty investment is out of reach. That’s where joint ownership and fractional ownership come in. Millennials and Gen Zers are increasingly buying shares in real estate instead of entire properties, thanks to platforms like PropertyShare. For as little as ₹1 lakh, these platforms allow young buyers to own a piece of property — be it residential or commercial — without the hefty financial burden. This opens up investment in high-value properties, including luxury apartments and office spaces, to a wider pool of buyers.

Sustainability Mindset

In addition to affordability and location, today’s young buyers are also becoming more mindful of sustainability. Eco-friendly features in homes, such as energy-efficient designs, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting, are increasingly in demand. Millennials and Gen-Z are not just looking for a good deal — they want to invest in properties that align with their values, such as those that promote a sustainable lifestyle.

As Neha aptly puts it, “Young buyers are more financially literate, opting for flexible home loan options, longer loan tenures to reduce their EMI burden, and making property investments that reflect their environmental concerns.”

Realty Future

Armed with financial savvy, tech tools, and a keen desire for a flexible lifestyle, Millennials and Gen Z are transforming India’s real estate landscape. As remote work continues to shape where people choose to live, these young buyers are increasingly looking beyond city centres, opting for spaces that offer more room, better quality of life, and lower costs. Today’s younger generations are not just buying property to own it. They’re making informed, calculated decisions that reflect their values and long-term goals. Property is not just a place to live — it’s an investment in their future.