Angan Developments bets on design, community, and long-term vision

Over the past decade, I've seen a remarkable shift in how Bangladeshis think about homeownership.

It's no longer just a race for square footage or the right postcode. The modern buyer is looking for something deeper—an experience, a sense of belonging, and a space that reflects their values. At Angan Developments Ltd., we've embraced this evolution with our guiding philosophy: more happiness per square feet. That's not just a slogan—it's a mindset that shapes every decision we make.

Today's homeowners want more natural light, better ventilation, stronger aesthetics, vibrant communities, and sustainable living. They're not just buying a home—they're investing in a lifestyle. That's why our projects are conceived not as standalone buildings, but as curated ecosystems. From lake-facing balconies and landscaped rooftops to energy-efficient designs, we're building homes that go far beyond the blueprint.

Architecture and aesthetics, once seen as afterthoughts, have become defining elements of a project's value. Buyers now associate good design with trust and longevity. For us, design isn't a luxury—it's an expectation. We work with some of the most visionary minds in Bangladeshi architecture, including Rafiq Azam, to ensure every structure we create is timeless, functional, and rooted in its context. Our goal is to build spaces that stir emotion. Whether it's a minimalist facade or a warm, organic interior, we believe architecture should tell a story. Good design isn't just about beauty—it's about building loyalty.

Of course, the road is far from smooth. Bureaucracy remains one of the most stubborn bottlenecks in our industry. Delays in land mutation, plan approvals, and utility connections can stall entire projects and drive up costs. We've responded by setting up a dedicated liaison and legal team at Angan, whose sole job is to navigate this regulatory maze. Our strategy is simple—stay ahead of the paperwork so that we can stay focused on delivering homes that meet our standards.

Another challenge we contend with is the volatility of construction costs—steel, cement, energy—everything fluctuates. But instead of letting short-term shocks dictate our strategy, we remain anchored in long-term vision. About 80% of our planning still centres on future goals—right site selection, timeless design, and smart technology adoption. That said, we're not naive. We build financial buffers, engage in forward-buying, and maintain strong supplier relationships to ride out price spikes. Long-term resilience always takes precedence over short-term survival.

We're also acutely aware of how rising bank loan interest rates have affected the middle class—the very group that forms the backbone of our market. For many first-time homebuyers, affordability is now a real concern. But the dream of homeownership hasn't died; it's simply more complex. We're tackling this by partnering with banks to create flexible financing schemes and extending payment periods. Internally, we've rethought our unit sizes and layouts to make sure we offer value without compromising quality. At Angan, accessibility and aspiration go hand in hand.

Looking ahead, I do believe that institutional real estate models like REITs hold immense potential in Bangladesh. But we're not quite there yet. For these models to succeed, we need robust legal frameworks, regulatory transparency, and a more structured financial ecosystem. The good news? Developers like us are ready. We have the portfolios, the governance standards, and the long-term mindset to participate. With the right policy push, I'm confident we'll see pilot REITs emerge in commercial or mixed-use spaces within the next few years.

If there's one reform I could introduce overnight, it would be a digitized and time-bound land mutation and approval process. Imagine a one-stop window with fixed service-level agreements—it would transform our industry. Faster project timelines, reduced costs, better transparency—everything would improve. Efficiency and accountability need to be built into the system, not treated as optional.

There is a growing recognition of real estate's role in the national economy, but we still have a way to go. Developers are often viewed as mere land traders, rather than as contributors to GDP, employment, and urban development. It's time we were seen as partners in progress—like the garment sector or IT. We don't just build homes—we build communities, we generate jobs, and we help shape the future of our cities.

Looking toward 2040, I'm cautiously optimistic. I believe we'll see more smart, sustainable buildings—especially as Dhaka continues its vertical evolution. But that future depends on more than just real estate. Urban planning, utility infrastructure, and digital systems must evolve in sync. At Angan, we're already future-proofing our projects—smart home readiness, green building certifications, and thoughtful urban integration are standard in our planning. If the public and private sectors can align, I truly believe Bangladesh will not only catch up—it will set the pace.