Forty-one years-old Smita Patil is the Managing Director of SSPL Group, a Pune-based diversified enterprise with over two decades of experience, specializing in premium residential and commercial real estate, infrastructure development and land investment. She is also the President of Naredco-Mahi, the women wing of the National Real Estate Development Council, an apex body of real estate developers in India. In this light hearted conversation with Torbit Realty, she bares her heart about her idea of real estate and success in this profession, Gen Next leaders in real estate, prospects and challenges of family-run businesses and role of industry bodies and their women wings in shaping real estate. Excerpts.

Vinod Behl 

What does real estate mean to you?

Real estate, to me, is more than just constructing buildings, it is about shaping lives, creating communities, and building sustainable futures. Every project is an opportunity to contribute to the growth of society, provide people with secure homes, modern workplaces, and better living environments. It is a responsibility that goes beyond business; it is about creating a legacy of trust and value.

How do you look at the entry of Gen Next leaders in real estate?

The entry of Gen Next leaders is extremely positive. They bring fresh perspectives, technological expertise, and a global outlook, which is much needed in today’s fast-changing real estate landscape. They are more adaptive to digital tools, sustainability, ESG goals, and innovative models of construction. At the same time, they also carry forward the core values of credibility and customer trust that this industry is built on. —

How do you look at the prospects and challenges of family-run businesses in today’s corporatised real estate?

Family-run businesses have traditionally been the backbone of Indian real estate. The challenge today lies in professionalizing operations, embracing transparency, and adapting to corporate governance norms. But their prospects are very bright.  When family values of commitment, long-term vision, and trust are combined with professional management and new-age thinking, these businesses can thrive and even set benchmarks in the corporate world.

One thing you want to change about Indian real estate?

If I could change one thing, it would be to bring in faster policy implementation and ease of approvals. Real estate has immense potential to contribute to India’s economy and urban development, but delays in approvals and regulatory bottlenecks slow down progress. A smoother ecosystem would encourage more sustainable, customer-centric, and timely project delivery

What inspires and drives you as a professional?

What drives me is the vision of creating a sustainable, inclusive, and impactful real estate sector. I am deeply motivated by the idea of contributing to environmental conservation through green buildings and sustainable practices. At the same time, empowering women professionals in real estate and building a platform for them through Naredco Mahi inspires me every day.

You head Naredco MAHI. How effective are such industry bodies in shaping policies for the growth of real estate?

Industry bodies like Naredco and its women’s wing, Mahi, play a very critical role. We act as a bridge between the government, developers, and consumers. By presenting the industry’s challenges, ideas, and recommendations directly to policymakers, we can shape reforms that are practical and growth-oriented. Mahi, in particular, not only advocates for women’s representation in real estate but also takes initiatives like Nirmal Jal Prayas for water conservation and Shashwat Nirman for sustainable construction. These add value not just to the industry but to society at large.

What’s your idea of success? What do you want to achieve in life?

For me, success is not just financial growth, it is about making a difference. My idea of success is when my work creates long-term positive impact: when a family feels proud of owning their new home, when sustainable practices become the norm in the industry, and when more women take leadership roles in real estate. Ultimately, I want to be remembered as someone who contributed to shaping a greener, inclusive, and progressive real estate ecosystem in India.