In this blog post, we explore the Square Yards Business Model to explain and understand how the Business Model of Square Yards is structured and to learn about how Square Yards makes money.
In today’s fast-paced real estate market, it is essential for buyers and sellers to have access to reliable and efficient platforms to conduct transactions. The startup Square Yards has gained significant traction as a one-stop solution for all real estate needs. In this blog post, we will explore the business model of Square Yards using Alexander Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas. We will also introduce the company and its founders, providing insights into their journey and the reasons behind the startup’s inception. By analyzing the company’s value proposition, customer segments, and other components of the business model canvas, we will uncover the factors that have contributed to Square Yards’ success.
I. Introducing Square Yards and Its Founders
Square Yards is a technology-enabled global real estate aggregator and transaction platform that provides comprehensive solutions for real estate buyers, sellers, and investors. Founded in 2013 by Tanuj Shori and Kanika Gupta Shori, the platform has become one of the fastest-growing real estate platforms in India, the Middle East, and other global markets. It has achieved a significant presence in over 20 countries, offering its users end-to-end real estate solutions, including property search, research, and transaction support services.
Tanuj Shori, an ex-investment banker with a strong financial background, worked with esteemed organizations like Standard Chartered and Bank of America Merrill Lynch before venturing into the world of entrepreneurship. His wife and co-founder, Kanika Gupta Shori, has a background in strategy consulting and has worked with McKinsey & Co. The duo’s experience in the corporate world and their passion for solving real estate challenges propelled them to establish Square Yards.
II. The Story behind Square Yards
The inception of Square Yards can be traced back to the founders’ personal experience while searching for their dream home. Tanuj and Kanika realized that the real estate sector was plagued with a lack of transparency, efficiency, and professionalism. In response, they decided to create a platform that would not only provide a seamless experience for property buyers but also create value for developers and brokers.
Initially, Square Yards started as a platform for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) looking to invest in Indian properties. However, the founders quickly realized that the challenges they faced were not limited to the Indian market alone. They expanded the platform to cater to a global audience, providing end-to-end real estate solutions across multiple markets. Over the years, the company has evolved and adapted to the changing market dynamics and customer preferences, refining its offerings to create a comprehensive real estate ecosystem.
III. Analyzing Square Yards’ Business Model using Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas
To understand Square Yards’ business model, we will break it down using Alexander Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas. This framework consists of nine building blocks that cover the four main areas of a business: customers, offerings, infrastructure, and financial viability.
- Value Proposition
The primary value proposition of Square Yards lies in offering an end-to-end real estate platform that simplifies property transactions for buyers, sellers, and investors. The platform provides a transparent and efficient way to search for properties, access property-related information, and receive transaction support services. Key elements of Square Yards’ value proposition include:
a. Comprehensive Property Listings: Square Yards offers a vast database of properties for sale and rent, catering to various customer segments such as residential, commercial, and investment buyers.
b. Personalized Recommendations: Using data analytics and machine learning algorithms, Square Yards provides personalized property recommendations based on customers’ preferences and requirements.
c. Research and Analytics: Square Yards offers in-depth research reports and market insights to help buyers make informed decisions. This includes property comparisons, investment potential analysis, and historical trends.
d. Transaction Support: Square Yards assists customers throughout the property transaction process, including site visits, negotiations, documentation, and post-sales support.
e. Value-Added Services: The platform offers additional services such as home loans, property management, and interior design, making it a one-stop-shop for all real estate needs.
- Customer Segments
Square Yards caters to a diverse range of customer segments, including:
a. Residential Buyers: Individuals and families seeking residential properties for purchase or rent.
b. Investors: Investors looking for lucrative real estate investment opportunities, both within their home country and abroad.
c. Commercial Buyers: Businesses and entrepreneurs seeking commercial properties, such as offices, retail spaces, and warehouses.
d. Developers: Real estate developers looking to market and sell their projects.
e. Brokers and Agents: Real estate brokers and agents who can benefit from the platform’s reach and resources.
- Channels
Square Yards employs a multi-channel approach to reach its customers and provide a seamless experience. These channels include:
a. Online Platform: The Square Yards website and mobile app serve as primary channels, offering customers easy access to property listings, research, and transaction support.
b. Physical Presence: Square Yards has a network of offices across multiple countries, allowing customers to interact with sales and support staff in person.
c. Marketing and Advertising: The company leverages digital marketing, print media, and outdoor advertising to generate awareness and drive customer acquisition.
d. Partnerships: Square Yards collaborates with banks, financial institutions, and other industry players to offer value-added services to customers.
- Customer Relationships
Square Yards focuses on building strong customer relationships by providing personalized and dedicated support throughout the property transaction process. Key aspects of its customer relationship strategy include:
a. Customer Service: A dedicated team of relationship managers assists customers with their property search, site visits, and documentation.
b. Post-Sales Support: Square Yards provides ongoing support to customers, addressing issues related to property management, maintenance, and other concerns.
c. Customer Engagement: The company engages with customers through regular communication, updates, and events, fostering long-term relationships.
- Revenue Streams
Square Yards generates revenue through multiple streams, including:
a. Commission Fees: The company earns a commission on successful property transactions facilitated through its platform.
b. Advertising and Marketing Fees: Developers and brokers pay Square Yards for advertising and marketing their projects on the platform.
c. Value-Added Services: Revenue is generated through fees for services such as home loans, property management, and interior design.
- Key Resources
Square Yards’ key resources include:
a. Technology: The company’s proprietary technology platform, which powers its property search and transaction support services.
b. Data and Analytics: Square Yards’ extensive database of property listings, research reports, and market insights.
c. Human Resources: A skilled team of sales, marketing, technology, and support professionals.
d. Physical Infrastructure: The company’s network of offices across multiple countries.
- Key Activities
Square Yards’ key activities involve:
a. Property Listing and Management: Aggregating and managing property listings from various sources.
b. Research and Analytics: Conducting research and providing data-driven insights to customers.
c. Transaction Support: Assisting customers throughout the property transaction process.
d. Marketing and Customer Acquisition: Promoting the platform and acquiring new customers through various channels.
- Key Partnerships
Square Yards has established strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, such as:
a. Real Estate Developers: Collaborating with developers to list and market their projects on the platform.
b. Banks and Financial Institutions: Partnering with banks to offer home loans and other financial services to customers.
c. Industry Associations: Engaging with real estate associations to gain market insights and stay abreast of industry trends.
d. Technology Partners: Collaborating with technology partners to enhance the platform’s capabilities and provide value-added services.
- Cost Structure
Square Yards’ cost structure consists of:
a. Technology and Infrastructure: Expenses related to maintaining and enhancing the technology platform, as well as the physical infrastructure, including office space and utilities.
b. Marketing and Advertising: Costs associated with promoting the platform and acquiring customers through various channels.
c. Salaries and Wages: Remuneration for the company’s workforce, including sales, marketing, technology, and support staff.
d. Research and Development: Expenses incurred in conducting research and developing new products and services.
e. Partner Commissions: Payments to brokers, agents, and other partners for their contributions to the platform.
Square Yards has successfully created a comprehensive real estate ecosystem that addresses the pain points of property buyers, sellers, and investors. By leveraging technology, data analytics, and a customer-centric approach, the company has carved a niche for itself in the highly competitive real estate market.
Through the lens of Alexander Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas, we have dissected the various components of Square Yards’ business model, revealing the factors that contribute to its success. From its value proposition and customer segments to its revenue streams and key partnerships, Square Yards has demonstrated a keen understanding of the market dynamics and customer needs.
As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, Square Yards’ adaptable and innovative approach positions the company well for sustained growth and success. By staying true to its mission of simplifying property transactions and delivering value to customers, Square Yards is poised to remain a prominent player in the global real estate market.
Did you know? Realtors like to use our co-working space in Bangalore.
Learn more about our coworking space on our YouTube channel Work Theater Studios where we talk about a variety of topics including personal finance, entrepreneurship, business and life.
Did you know? We also have a private theatre in Bangalore.
