The vision of owning a slice of real estate in India, whether it be a luxury apartment in Mumbai or a high-yield property in Pune, is becoming increasingly accessible. This transformative concept was highlighted at the Mint Money Festival 2026, held on February 14 in Mumbai. Avinash Rao, the founder of Alt DRX—a Bangalore-based, blockchain-powered digital real estate marketplace—envisions a future where owning property is as effortless as purchasing everyday items. Rao draws parallels between the convenience of modern transactions and his goal of 'tokenizing' real estate, suggesting a shift from traditional ownership to a more democratized investment model.
Rao's approach to real estate ownership focuses on the idea of fractionalization, akin to how consumer products like shampoo have been marketed in sachets to make them more accessible. He argues that by tokenizing real estate, property can transition from being a locked physical asset to a fluid digital investment. This innovation could potentially unlock a $16 billion market by 2030, allowing individuals to own a square foot of property from the comfort of their homes through their mobile devices. Global precedents such as Arrived in the United States and Get Stake in Dubai provide a framework for this change, demonstrating the viability of fractional ownership in real estate.
By separating the technology of tokenization from the misconceptions associated with cryptocurrencies, Rao emphasizes that this model is not about speculation but rather about the democratization of asset ownership. The digitization of properties into tokens allows investors to bypass the usual challenges of property management, such as handling tenant relations and navigating local regulations. This streamlined process could encourage broader participation in the real estate market, particularly among those who may have previously found it daunting due to high entry costs and local market complexities.
While commercial real estate is often touted for its investment potential, Rao believes that India's residential segment, particularly properties priced between ₹75 lakh and ₹1 crore, offers significant opportunities for capital appreciation. He notes that traditional investment barriers can deter individuals from exploring properties outside their immediate geographical area. However, with the potential to invest in real estate for as little as ₹10,000 or one square foot, investors could diversify their portfolios across multiple cities without the usual hesitations. Thus, the tokenization of real estate could fundamentally alter how ownership is perceived and pursued in India, making it a more inclusive and approachable asset class for the average investor.