India's Shift Towards Need-Based Community Living
The Indian real estate landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with a growing focus on need-based community living. This shift is driven by the increasing recognition that different life stages require different kinds of living environments, and developers are responding by creating homes that adapt to the evolving needs of residents.
From Transactions to Life-Centric Design
For decades, housing in India was built for transactions, not for life. However, as Arvind Ola, CMD, Reneev Developers, notes, this approach is rapidly changing. Developers are now recognizing the importance of designing homes that cater to the diverse needs of residents, including seniors and individuals with special needs.
- Seniors' Needs: India's senior population is projected to reach 191 million by 2030, with a demand for approximately 1.7 million organized senior living units.
- Accessible Design: Developers are incorporating universal design principles to create barrier-free homes that enable people to age in place with dignity.
- Continuity of Care: Homes are being designed to support the evolving needs of residents, with integrated care ecosystems that offer a complete, integrated care experience.
The Scale of the Opportunity
The demographic and market signals are hard to ignore. As Rajat Likhyani, Principal Partner, Square Yards, notes, the market is evolving beyond standalone retirement housing toward hybrid, intergenerational models that integrate care within larger residential ecosystems.
- Market Growth: Organized senior living supply stands at approximately 22,000 units, with a demand of around 1.7 million units.
- Hybrid Models: Developers are creating hybrid models that integrate care within larger residential ecosystems, catering to the diverse needs of residents.
Designing for Continuity of Care
At the core of this transformation is the idea of continuity of care – homes that adapt as residents' needs evolve. As Rajit Mehta, MD & CEO, Antara Senior Care, notes, senior living must go beyond real estate to offer a complete, integrated care ecosystem.
- Integrated Care Ecosystems: Homes are being designed to offer a complete, integrated care experience, with a focus on continuity of care.
- Geriatric-Trained Staff: Developers are hiring geriatric-trained staff to provide high-quality care and support to residents.
Building for Accessibility, Not Adjustment
A defining feature of need-based community living is its emphasis on accessibility from the ground up. As Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson, Svayam, notes, accessibility must be integral to community design, not an afterthought.
- Barrier-Free Design: Developers are incorporating universal design principles to create barrier-free homes that enable people to age in place with dignity.
- Accessible Amenities: Homes are being designed with accessible amenities, including wheelchair-friendly common areas and emergency response systems.
Community as the Core
While infrastructure and services are critical, the emotional dimension of housing is equally important. As Neha Chopra, Head of Marketing, Bombay Realty, notes, housing is moving toward becoming a living support system where independence and care coexist within a socially connected environment.
- Intergenerational Living: Developers are creating intergenerational living models that bring together residents of different age groups and abilities.
- Community Engagement: Homes are being designed to foster social interaction through shared spaces, group activities, and community engagement.
The Future: Liveability Over Luxury
As the Indian real estate landscape continues to evolve, the focus is shifting from luxury or affordability to liveability. As Rahul Phondge, COO – Residential & CBO, Anarock Group, notes, projects that incorporate continuity of care are not only socially meaningful but also commercially viable, offering annuity-style revenue potential and long-term demand stability.
- Liveability: The focus is shifting from luxury or affordability to liveability, with a focus on creating homes that adapt to the evolving needs of residents.
- Commercial Viability: Projects that incorporate continuity of care are becoming commercially viable, offering annuity-style revenue potential and long-term demand stability.