The Future Of Real Estate Is Smart, Sustainable And Sensory Living: What Is In It For Consumers?

By HS Kandhari,

Imagine a house that adapts to your way of life intuitively, saves resources without sacrificing comfort, and is a statement of both sophistication and sustainability. It is no longer a dream of the future but the new face of Indian real estate. According to a report by Xynteo, in tier-1 Indian cities, middle-income residential consumers prefer paying up to a 10 per cent premium for green-certified buildings. Around 60 per cent of luxury homebuyers today actually look for sustainable elements in their homes. Clearly, luxury is being redefined today—not by excess, but by intelligence, intention, and innovation. The new Indian homebuyer is no longer simply investing in property; they are assembling a lifestyle that is smart, sustainable, and sensorially rich.

For today's highly informed consumers, luxury is no longer about marble floors or views from the top. It is now a commitment to sustainability—homes that express not only personal style but personal values. Houses with renewable energy systems like solar panels on roofs and passive energy design are signatures of the high-end city lifestyle. Solar adoption, according to a report, can lower electricity bills by as much as 70 per cent, which means that such homes are not only trendy but also wiser investments.

In the world of luxury living, conservation has evolved into an art form.

With cities like Bengaluru and Gurugram experiencing critical water stress, luxury residential projects are integrating rainwater harvesting systems, greywater recycling, and low-flow luxury fittings that combine design with resilience. These not only help save on utility bills but also bring a new level of mindful living.

Technology is the new concierge. The evolution of smart home automation—from AI-driven climate control to IoT-enabled security and lighting systems—redraws the lines of comfort and convenience. As per Statista, India’s smart home market expanded sharply and turned out to be a $4.8bn market in 2024, led by a prosperous class seeking personalisation and control. Picture climate-responsive blinds, voice-controlled lighting, or a house that cools itself upon your arrival—this is not fiction, it's the new normal of sophisticated living.

Even the materials used to design our living areas are under transformation. Low-VOC paints, reclaimed wood, and green insulation are soon becoming standard in luxury building. These minimise indoor pollution, making sure that the quality of air indoors is as clean as the exterior appearance of your home.

The advantages of this new generation of real estate are multiple. Economically, they provide long-term cost savings by consuming fewer utilities. Visually, they provide innovative design with added thoughtful touches. Psychologically, they provide peace of mind—understanding that your house is part of something greater. And tactically, they provide increased resale value and higher demand as a result of their forward-thinking design and eco-friendly status.

Essentially, intelligent, sustainable, and sensory houses are no longer a dream but the new brand of high-end city living. And for buyers, they provide something that classic houses never did: an opportunity to live beautifully, responsibly, and smart.

(The author is Founder and Executive Director, Harmony Infra)

(Disclaimer: Views expressed are the author’s own, and Outlook Money does not necessarily subscribe to them. Outlook Money shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly.)