In the past decade, India’s real estate sector has undergone a significant transformation, emerging as a major contributor to job creation and one of the fastest-growing contributors to the country’s GDP. With rapid urbanization, shifting demographics, and increased investment opportunities, the real estate industry has become a vital engine of economic growth, generating employment across various sectors.
Employment in the Indian real estate sector has witnessed remarkable growth, with over 3 crore new jobs created in the last 10 years. This surge can be attributed to the growing housing needs in the country, driving the demand for skilled and unskilled workers across the construction, architecture, engineering, design, sales, marketing, and property management sectors.
A report by real estate consultant ANAROCK and NAREDCO revealed that employment in the Indian real estate sector soared to 7.1 crore in the last calendar year, up from 4 crores in 2013. This growth was fueled by healthy expansion in the housing segment, supported by policy reforms initiated by the Modi government at the Centre.
The real estate sector has emerged as a significant employer, engaging more than 18% of the country’s workforce and contributing nearly 7% to the GDP. Construction, in particular, has been a major driver of job creation, employing millions of workers across various roles, from skilled laborers like masons, carpenters, and electricians to unskilled workers involved in excavation and site maintenance.
Between 2014 and 2023, the top seven primary residential markets in India saw a collective housing supply of 29.32 lakh units, with 28.27 lakh units sold. Over the past decade, average housing prices in these cities have appreciated between 25% and 60%. The real estate boom has also catalyzed the growth of ancillary industries such as manufacturing of construction materials, furniture, fixtures, and fittings. This has led to an expansion of manufacturing facilities and created jobs in production and distribution sectors.
The surge in infrastructure projects, residential complexes, commercial buildings, and urban development initiatives has further boosted employment opportunities. Professionals with expertise in urban planning, architectural design, civil engineering, and interior design are in high demand as developers strive to deliver projects meeting international standards.
Moreover, the real estate industry has created employment in sales, marketing, and property management, driven by the rise of organized retail and commercial spaces. Roles like real estate agents, marketing professionals, and property managers involve market research, customer engagement, negotiation, and facility management, providing diverse employment opportunities.
Signature Global, a renowned real estate promoter, acknowledges the real estate sector as a significant employment generator and emphasizes its contribution to fulfilling housing needs while boosting the country’s GDP. The sector’s rapid growth has led to a massive surge in employment between 2013 and 2024, reflecting its pivotal role in India’s economic landscape.