VK RealEstate Awards2026

Honouring the People, Projects and Progress Shaping South India's Real Estate

An Initiative By
Process Advisor
Nominations Open

Celebrating the Builders of South India's Growth

South India's real estate sector is entering a defining phase. Cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi and several fast-growing urban centres are attracting unprecedented investment, adopting new technologies, raising design standards and reshaping the way people live and work. As the industry evolves, the conversation can no longer be limited to scale alone. Execution, trust, sustainability, customer experience and long-term value deserve equal attention.

The Vijay Karnataka Real Estate Summit and Awards has been created to recognise those who are raising these standards. Marking Vijay Karnataka's first-ever real estate awards for South India, the platform brings together developers, architects, designers, consultants and allied businesses whose work is changing the region's built environment. It is designed not simply to reward success, but to encourage better practices, spotlight meaningful achievements and celebrate organisations that are setting new benchmarks for the industry.

Every entry will undergo an independent evaluation by an eminent jury, ensuring that merit instead of market presence or brand size solely determines the winners. The result would be recognition of substance over perception and excellence over popularity.

Award Categories

Company / Developer Awards

Recognising leading developers, agencies, consultants, and firms shaping the real estate ecosystem across South India.

Description

Recognizes a developer demonstrating sustained excellence across project execution, timely delivery, financial discipline, and governance practices, while consistently delivering high-quality developments. The category also reflects the developer’s ability to drive innovation, scale, and strong customer outcomes across its portfolio.

Who Can Apply

Established developers with diversified portfolios

Description

Recognizes a high-growth developer demonstrating strong execution, innovation, and rapid market positioning within a short operational period, with clear potential for scalability and sustained growth.

Who Can Apply

Developers established within last 10 years

Description

Recognizes organizations embedding ESG principles and climate resilience strategies into development and operations, contributing to responsible and sustainable growth.

Who Can Apply

Developers, REITs

Description

Recognizes real estate organizations delivering superior end-to-end customer experience across the lifecycle, from inquiry to post-possession services.

Who Can Apply

Developers

Description

Recognizes an architectural firm that has delivered consistent design excellence across multiple projects, demonstrating scale, diversity of portfolio, and sustained contribution to industry benchmarks.

Who Can Apply

Architectural firms

Description

Recognizes a real estate agency that has demonstrated outstanding performance in property transactions, client servicing, market reach, and business growth, while maintaining high standards of professionalism and trust.

Who Can Apply

Real estate brokerage firms and property advisory companies; Institutional real estate consultants (residential and/or commercial)

Description

Recognizes a developer that has demonstrated exceptional performance in South India’s emerging real estate markets (Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities), showcasing strong local market expertise, consistent project execution, high-quality development, and a meaningful contribution to regional urban growth and infrastructure expansion.

Who Can Apply

Developers primarily operating in Tier 2 / Tier 3 cities

Description

Recognizes outstanding achievement in residential sales based on volume, value, absorption rates, and sustained performance driven by effective strategies and customer engagement.

Who Can Apply

Real estate developers

Description

Recognizes a developer specializing in a focused segment who delivers high-quality, differentiated projects with strong attention to detail, innovation, and design excellence.

Who Can Apply

Developers focused on niche segments (luxury villas, themed residences, design-led projects)

Individual / Leadership Awards

Honouring the individuals whose leadership, judgment, and long-term contribution have shaped the industry.

Description

Recognizes an individual architect who has demonstrated outstanding design leadership, creativity, and innovation, delivering impactful projects and influencing architectural thinking in the real estate sector.

Who Can Apply

Registered architects

Description

Recognizes a leader who has demonstrated exceptional vision, strategic leadership, and execution, driving organizational growth, innovation, and significant influence within the real estate industry.

Who Can Apply

CXOs and business heads

Description

Recognizes a woman leader who has demonstrated exemplary leadership, strong business impact, and significant contribution to the real estate sector, while championing diversity, inclusion, and industry advancement.

Who Can Apply

-

Description

Recognizes a young professional who has demonstrated strong leadership potential, innovation, and measurable impact, contributing meaningfully to the growth and transformation of the real estate sector.

Who Can Apply

Young leaders / entrepreneurs

Description

Recognizes an outstanding marketing leader who has demonstrated excellence in brand building, demand generation, digital innovation, and customer engagement in the real estate sector.

Who Can Apply

CMO, Head of Marketing, Marketing Director or equivalent

Project Awards

Celebrating standout developments across residential, commercial, infrastructure, and mixed-use formats.

Description

Recognizes large-scale developments integrating residential, commercial, and social infrastructure to deliver a sustainable live-work-play ecosystem. The category evaluates long-term livability and integrated planning outcomes.

Who Can Apply

Township and mixed-use developers

Description

Recognizes large-scale developments integrating residential, commercial, and social infrastructure to deliver a sustainable live-work-play ecosystem. The category evaluates long-term livability and integrated planning outcomes.

Who Can Apply

Township and mixed-use developers

Description

Recognizes developments enabling efficient logistics and warehousing ecosystems through strong connectivity, scalability, and operational efficiency.

Who Can Apply

Industrial/logistics developers

Description

Recognizes developments enabling efficient logistics and warehousing ecosystems through strong connectivity, scalability, and operational efficiency.

Who Can Apply

Industrial/logistics developers

Description

Recognizes projects addressing healthcare, education, or senior living needs, delivering accessibility, functionality, and measurable community impact.

Who Can Apply

Specialized infrastructure developers

Description

Recognizes projects addressing healthcare, education, or senior living needs, delivering accessibility, functionality, and measurable community impact.

Who Can Apply

Specialized infrastructure developers

Description

Recognizes infrastructure projects delivered under PPP models that significantly enhance urban connectivity and socio-economic development outcomes.

Who Can Apply

Infrastructure firms and PPP players

Description

Recognizes infrastructure projects delivered under PPP models that significantly enhance urban connectivity and socio-economic development outcomes.

Who Can Apply

Infrastructure firms and PPP players

Description

Recognizes a landmark project that demonstrates excellence in architecture or interior design, celebrating innovation, aesthetic quality, spatial planning, materiality, and overall user experience. The award honors projects that set benchmarks in design excellence and deliver a distinctive and high-impact built environment.

Who Can Apply

Architects, designers

Description

Recognizes a landmark project that demonstrates excellence in architecture or interior design, celebrating innovation, aesthetic quality, spatial planning, materiality, and overall user experience. The award honors projects that set benchmarks in design excellence and deliver a distinctive and high-impact built environment.

Who Can Apply

Architects, designers

Description

Recognizes fully operational projects that improve environmental sustainability and urban livability through effective landscape and urban design interventions.

Who Can Apply

Landscape designers, urban planners

Description

Recognizes projects demonstrating measurable environmental performance across energy, water, and resource efficiency, supported by green building certifications.

Who Can Apply

Certified green projects

Description

Recognizes projects demonstrating measurable environmental performance across energy, water, and resource efficiency, supported by green building certifications.

Who Can Apply

Certified green projects

Description

Recognizes developments integrating smart technologies and digital infrastructure to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and user experience.

Who Can Apply

Developers implementing smart solutions

Description

Recognizes developments integrating smart technologies and digital infrastructure to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and user experience.

Who Can Apply

Developers implementing smart solutions

Description

Recognizes the most outstanding real estate project across all asset classes, setting industry benchmarks in design excellence, execution quality, innovation, sustainability, and overall market impact. This award evaluates the project holistically as a flagship development with exceptional performance across all key parameters.

Who Can Apply

Developers / asset owners

Description

Recognizes a residential development that delivers high-quality construction, strong livability, efficient design, and high resident satisfaction, across the mid to premium segments.

Who Can Apply

Residential developers

Description

Recognizes a residential development that delivers high-quality construction, strong livability, efficient design, and high resident satisfaction, across the mid to premium segments.

Who Can Apply

Residential developers

Description

Recognizes a premium residential development that delivers high-end living through superior design, exclusivity, luxury amenities, and prime positioning.

Who Can Apply

Luxury housing developers

Description

Recognizes a premium residential development that delivers high-end living through superior design, exclusivity, luxury amenities, and prime positioning.

Who Can Apply

Luxury housing developers

Description

Recognizes projects delivering quality housing at accessible price points while maintaining efficiency, compliance, and livability.

Who Can Apply

Affordable housing developers

Description

Recognizes projects delivering quality housing at accessible price points while maintaining efficiency, compliance, and livability.

Who Can Apply

Affordable housing developers

Description

Recognizes villa developments offering premium living with focus on privacy, design quality, and community environment. These developments are typically designed to prioritize privacy, featuring independent units, low-density planning, and landscaped buffers that minimize intrusion while maximizing personal space.

Who Can Apply

Villa developers

Description

Recognizes villa developments offering premium living with focus on privacy, design quality, and community environment. These developments are typically designed to prioritize privacy, featuring independent units, low-density planning, and landscaped buffers that minimize intrusion while maximizing personal space.

Who Can Apply

Villa developers

Description

Recognizes an office development that demonstrates strong tenant demand, leasing performance, operational efficiency, and long-term asset value, with a focus on functionality and commercial success

Who Can Apply

Commercial developers

Description

Recognizes an office development that demonstrates strong tenant demand, leasing performance, operational efficiency, and long-term asset value, with a focus on functionality and commercial success

Who Can Apply

Commercial developers

Description

Recognizes retail developments delivering strong consumer experiences, tenant mix, and sustainable commercial performance.

Who Can Apply

Retail developers/operators

Description

Recognizes retail developments delivering strong consumer experiences, tenant mix, and sustainable commercial performance.

Who Can Apply

Retail developers/operators

Description

Recognizes projects transforming existing assets into modern developments, enhancing usability, efficiency, and urban value.

Who Can Apply

Redevelopment developers

Description

Recognizes projects transforming existing assets into modern developments, enhancing usability, efficiency, and urban value.

Who Can Apply

Redevelopment developers

Description

Recognizes a landmark development that sets benchmarks in the ultra-luxury segment through iconic design, exclusivity, architectural distinction, premium amenities, and an exceptional experience. The award celebrates projects that redefine luxury beyond price, through design innovation, craftsmanship, and prestige value.

Who Can Apply

Real estate developers and asset owners with ultra-luxury residential and/or commercial projects

Description

Recognizes a landmark development that sets benchmarks in the ultra-luxury segment through iconic design, exclusivity, architectural distinction, premium amenities, and an exceptional experience. The award celebrates projects that redefine luxury beyond price, through design innovation, craftsmanship, and prestige value.

Who Can Apply

Real estate developers and asset owners with ultra-luxury residential and/or commercial projects

Description

Recognizes a fully delivered landmark residential development that stands out for its architectural excellence, design distinction, scale, and contribution to the city’s skyline or identity, setting new benchmarks in luxury, innovation, and urban living.

Who Can Apply

Real estate developers (primary applicants); Joint ventures between developers and land partners

Description

Recognizes a project development that demonstrates excellence in maintenance, facility operations, resident or occupant services, sustainability practices, and long-term asset management, enhancing overall user experience and project value.

Who Can Apply

Real estate developers and asset owners

Description

Recognizes a plotted development project in South India that demonstrates excellence in master planning, infrastructure development, connectivity, amenities, sustainability, landscaping, and customer experience.

Who Can Apply

Approved plotted community developers

Real Estate Services, Technology & Solutions Awards

Recognising platforms, campaigns, and technology-led solutions driving the future of real estate.

Description

Recognizes a company driving innovation and transformation across the real estate sector through scalable, technology-led platforms and solutions.

Who Can Apply

PropTech firms/platforms

Description

Recognizes an organization that has effectively leveraged advanced technologies, such as AI, IoT, data analytics, PropTech solutions, and digital platforms, to enhance project development, operational efficiency, customer experience, and decision-making. The award celebrates innovation that drives measurable business outcomes and contributes to the digital transformation of the real estate sector.

Who Can Apply

Developers and technology-enabled firms

Description

Recognizes platforms enabling seamless, transparent, and efficient digital property transactions and customer journeys, enhancing trust and accessibility in the real estate market.

Who Can Apply

Real estate portals/platforms

Description

Recognizes marketing campaigns that demonstrate strategic positioning, creativity, and measurable business impact in driving sales and brand visibility in the real estate environment.

Who Can Apply

Developers and agencies

Description

Recognizes a real estate website that delivers an exceptional digital experience through intuitive design, innovative features, accurate information, seamless navigation, and strong lead generation capability.

Who Can Apply

Real estate developers with official project/company websites; Property listing platforms and PropTech portals

Description

Recognizes an organization delivering an innovative initiative in the real estate sector that has improved access to funding, enhanced affordability, enabled project viability, or introduced new financing models such as structured finance, REITs, co-investment platforms, or buyer-focused financial solutions.

Who Can Apply

Real estate developers with innovative financing models; Housing finance companies (HFCs) and NBFCs; Banks and institutional lenders

Description

Recognizes an organization delivering an innovative initiative in the real estate sector that has improved access to funding, enhanced affordability, enabled project viability, or introduced new financing models such as structured finance, REITs, co-investment platforms, or buyer-focused financial solutions.

Who Can Apply

Real estate developers with innovative financing models; Housing finance companies (HFCs) and NBFCs; Banks and institutional lenders

Description

Recognizes co-working and managed workspace brands operating atleast 5 distinct active co-working centres that drive innovation in workplace design, technology integration, flexibility, member experience, community building, and operational excellence.

Who Can Apply

Co-working operators, managed office space providers, flexible workspace brands, enterprise workspace solutions providers

Category descriptions, application routes, and sub-category variants on this page now reflect the latest VK Real Estate Awards category mastersheet shared for the 2026 edition.

Eligibility Criteria

General

Baseline requirements every participating organisation must meet across all categories.

The participating organization should have its registered office or operational presence in South India and must have a minimum of 5 completed years of business operations in the region as of March 31, 2026. This applies to all categories except emerging categories.

The participating organization must have at least one completed or ongoing real estate project in South India as of March 31, 2026, demonstrating active participation in the sector.

All projects, initiatives, or campaigns submitted for evaluation must fall within the defined assessment window for the 2026 awards cycle.

  • Completed projects must be operational on or before March 31, 2026.
  • Ongoing projects or initiatives must have commenced on or after April 1, 2024.

The participating organization must be compliant with applicable regulatory requirements, including registration under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), wherever applicable.

Company Awards

Criteria specific to company and developer-level recognitions.

  • The organization must have a minimum of 10 years of real estate development experience in South India as of March 31, 2026.
  • The organization must have delivered at least 5 completed real estate projects, with a minimum of 2 projects delivered within the last 3 years.
  • The participating organization must have been incorporated within the last 10 years as of March 31, 2026.
  • The organization must have at least 2 completed projects.
  • The participating organization must have a defined ESG framework or policy in place.
  • The organization must demonstrate implementation of sustainability or climate resilience initiatives within the defined timeframe.
  • The firm must have completed at least 5 projects.
  • The firm must demonstrate experience across multiple asset classes or large-scale developments.
  • The agency must have closed a minimum of 50 property transactions in the last 3 years as of March 31, 2026, across residential and/or commercial segments.
  • The participating organization must have achieved a minimum of INR 100 crore and above residential sales value or volume threshold over FY 2025-26 as of March 31, 2026.
  • The participating organization must have at least 1 completed project within a specific niche segment as of March 31, 2026.
  • The total property portfolio size should not exceed 5 completed projects as of March 31, 2026.
  • The participating organization must have a minimum of 7 years of real estate development experience in South India as of March 31, 2026.
  • The organization must have delivered at least 3 completed real estate projects in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, with a minimum of 2 projects delivered within the last 3 years.
  • At least 70% of the organization’s project portfolio by number of projects or revenue must be concentrated in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets in South India.

Project Awards

Criteria applied to individual project and development submissions.

  • The submitted project must be located in South India.
  • The project must be submitted either under Completed or Ongoing classification, and evaluation will be conducted accordingly.
  • The project must have a minimum land parcel of 25 acres.
  • The project must include at least 3 distinct asset classes such as residential, commercial, or retail.
  • The project must be designed for logistics, warehousing, or industrial use.
  • The project must demonstrate tenant occupancy or leasing activity for completed projects.
  • The project must fall under healthcare, education, or senior living infrastructure.
  • The project must demonstrate operational functionality and end-user utilization.
  • The project must be executed under a formal public-private partnership arrangement with a government authority.
  • The project must have obtained or applied for a recognized green certification such as IGBC, LEED, or equivalent.
  • The project must demonstrate implementation of smart technologies, including IoT systems, automation, or digital infrastructure.
  • The project must be classified as a residential development with defined housing units and amenities.
  • The project must be positioned within the premium or luxury housing segment, supported by high-value offerings and amenities.
  • The project must be located in a prime, premium, or emerging high-value area within the respective city.
  • Minimum unit price must be INR 3 crore and above.
  • The project must have a maximum unit price not exceeding INR 75 lakh as of March 31, 2026.
  • The project must consist of independent villa units or low-density housing formats.
  • The project must have a minimum of 20 units.
  • The project must be developed as a commercial office asset.
  • The project must have a minimum built-up or leasable area of 1,00,000 sq. ft.
  • The project must demonstrate leasing activity, tenant occupancy, or income generation.
  • The project must be developed as a retail asset such as a mall, high street, or retail complex.
  • The project must demonstrate tenant mix or operational activity for the completed category.
  • The nominated project must involve redevelopment or transformation of an existing built asset or land parcel.
  • The project must be positioned in the ultra-luxury segment within either residential or commercial real estate.
  • The project must be located in a prime, premium, or high-value micro-market or business district.
  • The project must demonstrate exceptional design, high-end specifications, exclusivity, and superior quality of development.
  • Residential: minimum unit price of INR 10 crore and above.
  • Commercial: presence of marquee tenants, high-value transactions, or Grade A+ asset positioning.
  • The project must be completed and operational on or before March 31, 2026.
  • The project may belong to any asset class such as residential, commercial, mixed-use, or retail.
  • The project must demonstrate excellence across design, execution, sustainability, innovation, and market success.
  • The project must have achieved strong market recognition, occupancy, or user adoption.
  • The project must fall under either architecture or interior design within residential or commercial real estate.
  • Residential entries should show premium positioning, high-value units, or strong design-led differentiation.
  • Commercial entries should show Grade A or Grade A+ specifications, quality occupiers or tenants, or enhanced workplace and environmental experience.
  • The project must be an approved plotted community with developed infrastructure and common amenities.
  • Nominees must submit relevant project approvals, master plan/layout, project progress or completion details, and supporting project documentation.

Individual Awards

Criteria for leadership and individual-contribution recognitions.

  • The nominee must have a minimum of 8 years of professional experience in architecture as of March 31, 2026.
  • The nominee must have been involved in the design and execution of at least 5 completed projects, with a minimum of 2 projects completed within the last 3 years.
  • The nominee must be actively practicing in South India, with projects located within the region.
  • The nominee must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in the real estate sector as of March 31, 2026.
  • The nominee must have held a leadership role for at least 2 years in the current organization.
  • The nominee must currently hold a leadership role such as CXO, Director, VP, or equivalent.
  • The nominee must be a female and have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the real estate sector as of March 31, 2026.
  • The nominee must have held a leadership role for at least 2 years in the current organization.
  • The nominee must currently hold a leadership role such as CXO, Director, VP, or equivalent.
  • The nominee must have up to 10 years of professional experience in the real estate sector as of March 31, 2026.
  • The nominee must have a minimum of 1 year of tenure in the current organization as of March 31, 2026.
  • The nominee must have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in real estate marketing.
  • The nominee must have held a leadership role for at least 2 years in the current organization.
  • The nominee must currently hold a senior marketing leadership role such as CMO, Head of Marketing, Marketing Director, or equivalent.

Technology Awards

Criteria for technology, innovation and solutions recognitions.

  • The website must be owned and operated by a real estate company or agency and active as of March 31, 2026.
  • The platform must demonstrate measurable user engagement such as traffic, lead generation, or conversion metrics.

All eligibility references in this section are based on the latest Times Real Estate Awards eligibility criteria sheet shared for the 2026 edition.

Why Nominate?

01

Regional Recognition and Reach

Earn an award backed by one of South India's most credible media brands, with your achievement reaching millions of readers, viewers, and digital audiences across the region.

02

Network at the Highest Level

Be in the room with South India's most influential real estate minds, including developers, investors, designers, and policymakers shaping the region's built environment.

03

Benchmark Your Work Against the Best

Every entry is assessed through a rigorous evaluation process, giving participants an objective measure of how their work stands alongside South India's finest projects and organisations.

04

Raise the Bar for the Industry

Your nomination contributes to a culture where better design, stronger execution, responsible development and higher professional standards become the benchmark.

Prime Nomination Tiers

Standard Entry

₹40,000 + GST
  • 1 Category Nomination
  • Listing on Official Awards Website
Select Tier

Spotlight Plan

₹80,000 + GST
  • 2 Category Nominations
  • Digital Nomination Certificate
  • Social Media Feature (LinkedIn or Instagram)
  • Listing on Official Awards Website
Select Tier

Elite Entry

₹1,60,000 + GST
  • 2 Category Nominations
  • Exclusive Brand Feature Article
  • Social Media Feature (LinkedIn or Instagram)
  • Digital Nomination Certificate
  • Priority Listing on Official Awards Website
Select Tier

The Judging Process

01

Official Tabulator Review

Entries first undergo preliminary screening by independent official tabulators for completeness, eligibility, and compliance.

02

Expert Jury Evaluation

Shortlisted entries advance to the distinguished jury for final assessment based on innovation, impact, and excellence.

Contact Us

Speaking and Nominations Enquiries

Sagun Kumari

sagun.kumari@timesinternet.in +91 93044 12377

Sponsorship Enquiries

Gaurav Vats

gaurav.vats@timesinternet.in +91 98115 73962

Awards Nominations Enquiry

Simran Singh

simran1@timesinternet.in +91 7838788554

Brand Partnerships

Deepika Pawar

deepika.pawar@timesinternet.in +91 9971129087

Frequently Asked Question

Can I apply in more than one category?+

Yes. Applicants may apply in multiple relevant categories. However, a separate application form must be submitted for each category.

In which language should the application be submitted?+

All applications must be submitted in English.

How do I submit my nomination?+

Applicants must complete and submit the online application form available on the official awards website. All mandatory fields must be filled in before submission.

Is there an application fee?+

Yes. The standard nomination fee is 40000 INR + GST.

Is it mandatory to submit supporting documents?+

Certain supporting documents may be mandatory to verify eligibility and claims. Applicants are encouraged to provide relevant supporting information to strengthen their submission. Incomplete or unverifiable applications may not be considered for jury evaluation.

What happens after submission?+

Applications will first be reviewed for eligibility and completeness. Eligible entries will proceed to jury evaluation. Shortlisted nominees may be contacted for clarification, if required. Incomplete or ineligible applications will not proceed to the jury round.

Can I edit my application after submission?+

Once the application is submitted, changes cannot be made. Applicants are advised to review all information carefully before final submission.

What is the last date for submission?+

10 September 2026, 11:59 PM IST is the last date to submit nominations. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

When will the results be announced?+

Winners will be announced at the official award ceremony. The date and venue are communicated on the website and through official communication channels.

Can an award be withheld?+

The organisers reserve the right to withhold an award in any category if entries do not meet the required standards.

Who cannot participate?+

Employees of the Awards Management, jury members, sponsors, and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate. Applications not meeting the eligibility criteria may be disqualified.

Where can I access the Terms and Conditions?+

The detailed Terms and Conditions can be accessed here.

Enquire for Nomination

Gokulam Grand Hotel, Bengaluru 25 September 2026