How PR is Revolutionizing the Real Estate Industry in India

The real estate industry in India has always been one of the most dynamic and competitive sectors. With growing urbanization, increasing foreign direct investments (FDI), and evolving buyer preferences, real estate companies are seeking innovative ways to build credibility and trust. One of the most effective strategies to achieve this is through public relations (PR). PR has emerged as a game-changer for Indian real estate, helping developers, agents, and property consultants shape their brand image, manage crises, and drive sales. This article explores how PR is transforming the Indian real estate landscape, backed by case studies, reports, and industry statistics.
The Growing Role of PR in Real Estate
1. Building Brand Trust and Credibility
Consumer mistrust stemming from previous incidents of fraud, delays, and deceptive advertising is one of the largest problems facing the Indian real estate industry. Through strategic communication, PR plays a vital role in resolving this issue by encouraging authenticity and transparency.
Case Study: A well-known Mumbai developer received criticism for the project’s delayed completion. The business publicly addressed the issues, gave real-time updates, and interacted with customers via social media and media interviews by putting in place a PR-driven communication plan. This proactive strategy kept customers and restored trust.
Best Practice: PR firms enhance a real estate brand’s image through influencer collaborations, press releases, and media attention. 92% of consumers place greater trust in earned media (news stories, expert evaluations) than in paid ads, citing a Nielsen study.
2. Effective Crisis Management
Legal battles, environmental issues, building hold-ups, and regulatory changes are all commonplace for real estate firms. An effective crisis management public relations strategy may control the story and minimise harm.
Example: Affected builders experienced bad press and consumer panic after the Supreme Court prohibited construction in some Delhi NCR neighbourhoods due to environmental concerns. Developers that hired public relations agencies quickly released press releases,
Best Practice:
- proactive dialogue to resolve issues before they get more serious.
- Teams dedicated to crisis management will keep an eye on bad news and act quickly.
- Media outlets should use consistent message to avoid spreading false information.
3. Leveraging Digital PR and Social Media
India has more than 600 million internet users, and digital platforms are changing the way real estate marketers interact with their target audience. Reaching tech-savvy homebuyers now requires influencer partnerships, content marketing, and digital PR.
Statistics:
- Before making a choice, 52% of Indian homebuyers look up houses online, per Statista.
- Compared to traditional marketing, social media marketing increases engagement for real estate firms by a factor of four (HubSpot, 2024).
Example: To promote its developments, a premium real estate company with headquarters in Bangalore uses YouTube property tours, LinkedIn articles, and Instagram Reels. Within the first quarter of launch, they sold 35% of units and enhanced engagement by 70% through digital storytelling and focused PR campaigns.
Best Practice:
- SEO-optimized press releases to enhance brand visibility.
- Social media PR campaigns to engage homebuyers with testimonials, virtual property tours, and expert insights.
- Influencer partnerships with real estate bloggers and financial advisors to establish credibility.
4. Positioning Developers as Industry Thought Leaders
By improving their reputation and influencing market trends, public relations assists real estate professionals in becoming thought leaders.
Example: Top Indian real estate companies, such as Godrej Properties and Prestige Group, regularly participate in Forbes India, Economic Times, and CNBC real estate panels to exchange investment projections, market insights, and regulatory debates.
Best Practice:
- Op-ed articles in major publications to establish authority.
- Webinars and podcasts featuring company leadership.
Speaking opportunities at real estate summits and expos.
5. Boosting Sales Through Strategic PR Campaigns
Marketing initiatives driven by public relations establish a sense of exclusivity and urgency, which affects consumer choices.
Case Study: An influencer partnership, media coverage, and exclusive interviews were used to promote a limited-time offer PR campaign for a Pune real estate project. The campaign increased property reservations by 15% and enquiries by 25% in just 60 days.
Best Practice:
- Press events for new project launches to attract media coverage.
- Targeted storytelling campaigns featuring success stories of previous buyers.
Strategic tie-ups with financial institutions to offer attractive home loan options and enhance credibility.
Reports and Industry Data
Metric | Report Source | Data |
Trust in earned media | Nielsen | 92% of consumers prefer news articles over ads |
Online property research | Statista | 52% of buyers research properties online |
Social media engagement | HubSpot | 4X higher engagement for real estate brands |
PR-driven sales boost | Campaign Study | 25% higher inquiries and 15% increase in bookings |
Why Indian Real Estate Needs PR More Than Ever
By 2030, the Indian real estate market is expected to reach $1 trillion (IBEF). To be competitive, real estate companies must, however, embrace a strategic PR-driven approach in response to issues including customer scepticism, digital disruptions, and regulatory changes (RERA compliance).
Partner with Atom Communication for Effective Real Estate PR
Leading the way in digital marketing and public relations solutions for the Indian real estate business is Atom Communication. Our proficiency in digital PR tactics, crisis management, and media interactions helps real estate brands increase sales, visibility, and trust. We create customised PR strategies that complement the objectives of your brand because we have a thorough understanding of the sector.