Ankita Luharuka on Building Alliance City Developers, Real Estate Growth & the Future of Indian Housing
Ankita Luharuka, CEO of Alliance City Developers, shares her journey in real estate, the importance of timely delivery, changing homebuyer expectations, women in leadership, and her vision for building lasting communities.
India’s real estate sector continues to expand as urbanisation, rising incomes, infrastructure development and changing homebuyer preferences drive demand. The overall Indian real estate market is estimated at US$585.09 billion in 2026and is projected to reach US$926.56 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 9.63%. Residential real estate remains a major part of the sector, with the market expected to grow from US$438.54 billion in 2026 to US$702.43 billion by 2031, at a 9.88% CAGR.
The long-term outlook also remains significant. A 2026 KPMG-NAREDCO study cited by IBEF projects India’s real estate industry to reach US$970 billion by 2030, more than three times its estimated 2025 size. Increasing urbanisation, organised housing demand, institutional investment and greater transparency are expected to support the sector's next phase of growth.
Against this backdrop, Ankita Luharuka, CEO of Alliance City Developers, shares her perspective on building a real estate business, balancing entrepreneurship and marriage, understanding modern homebuyers, delivering projects on time and creating communities that can remain meaningful for generations.
Building a Business and Marriage Together
StartupTalky: You and your husband built Alliance City Developers together. What's harder, building a real estate company or balancing business and marriage under the same roof?
Ankita Luharuka: Building a business and building a marriage are both long journeys, and in our case, they have grown together over the years. Real estate is a demanding industry, so there are times when work naturally finds its way into personal conversations. But we have always felt that trust, mutual respect and understanding are the foundation of a healthy marriage and a successful business. We have diverse perspectives and it’s actually helped us make better decisions. At the end of the day, we are all working towards the same objective of producing homes and growing a company that people can trust. That shared vision has enabled us to grow together personally and professionally.
Why Ankita Luharuka Chose Real Estate
StartupTalky: Real estate is often seen as a tough, high-pressure industry. What made you decide this was the space where you wanted to build your career?
Ankita Luharuka: For me, real estate was never just about buildings or numbers. This is one of those sectors where you develop something that becomes a part of people’s life for centuries. One of the most important decisions a family makes is buying a home and being a part of that journey is tremendously satisfying. I was drawn to the idea of designing environments that improved everyday living and promoted social interaction. That sense of purpose has always motivated me and continues to motivate me now.
Creating More Than Just Homes
StartupTalky: You've delivered homes to hundreds of families. Was there a moment when you realized you're not just selling apartments, you're shaping people's lives?
Ankita Luharuka: You got it. One of my most special moments is seeing families get the keys to their new homes. For many, that home is years of hard work, sacrifices and hopes. Seeing the happiness on their faces, parents walking proudly into their home or children ecstatic about getting their own room, makes you know we are not simply creating buildings. We’re becoming part of people’s travels and creating experiences that will live for years to come. Moments like this show us why trust and on-time delivery are so important.
Making “On Time Every Time” a Reality
StartupTalky: Your company stands by "On Time Every Time." In an industry known for delays, how difficult is it to actually keep that promise?
Ankita Luharuka: Keeping that promise requires discipline, planning and a strong focus on execution. Timely delivery does not happen by chance. It's the product of a lot of experience and a culture that takes obligations seriously. When customers invest in a home, we know they're putting their trust in us. That trust carries responsibilities. Delays are typically considered as usual in this market and we wanted reliability to be one of our main strengths. The happiness of handing over homes on time has always been one of our biggest motivations.
Understanding the Modern Homebuyer
StartupTalky: What do you think most developers still don't understand about today's homebuyer?
Ankita Luharuka: Today's homebuyers are much more aware and involved in the decision-making process than before. They are not merely buying a property, they are searching for a better lifestyle, sense of community and long-term value. People today expect openness and want developers to deliver what they promise. I think customers value honesty and consistency, and developers who get these expectations right and prioritize customers will continue to gain their trust.
Building Credibility as a Woman in Real Estate
StartupTalky: As a woman leading a real estate company, have there been moments where you felt you had to prove yourself more than others?
Ankita Luharuka: I think every leader has to earn trust and credibility over time, regardless of gender. Having said that, real estate has traditionally been seen as a male-dominated industry, and there have been occasions where I felt I had to work harder to establish myself. But I have never seen that as a challenge. I’ve always believed in hard effort, persistence and that outcomes speak for themselves. I have observed a positive trend over the years, with more women taking up leadership roles across industries. I hope my experience inspires more women to take up possibilities with confidence and trust in themselves.
Putting People Before Numbers and Design
StatupTalky: When you're planning a new project, what's the first thing you think about, the numbers, the design, or the people who will eventually live there?
Ankita Luharuka: The people are always first. Numbers and architecture are essential, but at the end of the day, it’s about the family who will live there. We continually consider how to make life easier and more comfortable for our consumers. It’s so much more than walls and facilities. It is where memories are made and lives lived. The rest, design, implementation, just follows when we grasp the real needs of people.
The Biggest Mistake Young Real Estate Entrepreneurs Make
StartupTalky: What's one mistake you see young entrepreneurs making when they enter the real estate business?
Ankita Luharuka: One mistake I often see is the desire to grow too quickly. The real estate business is one that requires patience and a long-term perspective. You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do. Customers remember for a long time if you provided what you promised. I think new entrepreneurs should focus on building trust, transparency and value creation rather than chasing short-term success. Your greatest asset over the long haul is credibility.
What India’s Real Estate Ecosystem Needs to Improve
StartupTalky: If you could change one thing about India's urban housing and real estate ecosystem, what would it be?
Ankita Luharuka: I would like to see faster approvals and easier processes. The business has come a long way, and reforms like RERA have helped boost openness and confidence among customers. Shaving down approval times and streamlining processes will help developers get projects done faster and better serve homebuyers as well. Ultimately, a more efficient environment is to everyone’s benefit and encourages better urban growth.
Building Communities That Last for Generations
StartupTalky: When someone walks into an Alliance home 20 years from now, what do you hope they feel about the community you've built around them?
Ankita Luharuka: More than anything I want they feel belonging and pride. Buildings evolve throughout time, but the memories, relationships and communities established within them last for generations. I hope people look back and feel that choosing an Alliance home was one of the best decisions they made, not only because of the quality of the development, but because of the trust and ideals that come with it. But if our homes continue to provide enjoyment and enduring memories for families, that’s the greatest legacy we can ever hope to leave.
Varun Bhardwaj
