Lohit Bansal, Managing Director, PLPB
As I walk through any of the real estate projects, I’m reminded that buildings are so much more than just “concrete and steel.” They are the starting point for stories and the backdrop for countless moments that make up a full life. Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the expectations people bring with them when they look for a home—or a workspace—have changed. This shift, I believe, is both exciting and necessary.
Beyond Walls: Creating Spaces for Human Flourishing
We are living in an era where real estate must transcend its old boundaries. It is no longer about just providing physical shelter or swanky amenities. Instead, we are being called upon to create environments—ecosystems, really—that support well-being, learning, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.
This isn’t just a vision for the future. Across the world, I see like-minded developers, town planners, and policymakers challenging themselves to put people, planet, and shared prosperity at the heart of what they build.
Take, for instance, how fractional ownership models like those offered by Pacaso in the US or La Haus in Latin America are enabling a wider group of people to access quality living spaces and community. Or the rapid proptech investment we have witnessed—even during uncertain economic times. According to industry analysts, global PropTech funding leapt 18% in 2024 alone, a sign that the appetite for smarter and healthier homes is only growing.
Meanwhile, cities from Singapore to São Paulo are exploring co-living and modular housing—spaces that can easily adapt to different family sizes and life stages, or foster a sense of togetherness that many people craved during the pandemic.
Conscious Development: Why ESG Matters Today
At PLPB, the driving question for us is not just, “How do we build?” but “Why, and for whom?” That’s where the principles of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) development become not only ideals but daily touchstones.
Environmental stewardship is now a baseline, not a bonus. Net-zero ambition, minimising waste and carbon, supporting local biodiversity—these are responsibilities to our children and theirs. On the social front, I am proud of how universal design and accessibility are now woven into our DNA, but I know there’s always more to do to make our communities welcoming at every level.
And, perhaps most importantly, governance today means deep collaboration—with residents, civic authorities, and even local artists—because the best solutions rarely come from one person at the top.
These are not just ethical or philosophical movements; they’re practical, too. A 2024 RICS report showed a 63% surge in demand for sustainable assets in Europe, and similar patterns in the UK and worldwide. When we build with responsibility, we’re not just serving the planet—we’re making sound business sense. Sustainable buildings have higher values, better occupancy, and lower risks. There is real power in leading by example.
The Rise of the Smart, Flexible, and Humane Home
Technology, when guided with empathy, can be transformative. Today, AI quietly runs in the background, keeping the air clean, conserving energy, and even nudging us—gently—towards healthier living habits. Proptech innovations allow us to feel ‘at home’ even when our needs change. The 30-year-old creative entrepreneur and the retired couple next door may use their spaces differently, but both can feel supported and safe.
Modular design and co-living are not just trends—they reflect a deeper longing for flexibility, affordability, and connection. Millennials and Gen Z, especially, prize these qualities, choosing sharing and adaptability over rigid ownership models.
The Developer’s Dharma: Capitalism with a Conscience
Having worked in this sector for a decade, I’ve seen how easy it is to measure success only by what’s tangible—square feet built, projects sold, profit earned. But today’s most forward-looking developers are expanding their definition of a “good outcome.”
Regeneration, trust, and purpose matter just as much as the numbers. That means restoring land, investing in long-term relationships, and measuring our success by lives touched, inequalities reduced, or emissions cut. Knight Frank’s 2025 research found that three-quarters of young real estate professionals want this mindset—a clear signal that the next generation is seeking meaning behind the business.
Listening, Learning, and Leading
I’ve learned that the boldest ideas often come when we invite everyone—residents, policymakers, social entrepreneurs, and even local artists—into the discussion. Initiatives like Brokers for Charity demonstrate how we can align commercial outcomes with social good. Instead of seeing these objectives as mutually exclusive, I see them as intrinsically linked.
Our Commitment at PLPB
At PLPB, we believe our projects must reflect empathy, innovation, and responsibility—not just for today but for generations to come. Our guiding credo is simple: we don’t just create buildings; we help cultivate places where people and communities can thrive in harmony with the planet.
As I look ahead, I am convinced that the future of real estate is not a question of technology or regulation alone—it is a commitment to shared purpose and humanity. For us—and hopefully for our entire industry—success will mean leaving behind more than structures; it will mean nurturing living, breathing ecosystems ready for the future human.