As Goa’s real estate market matures, the conversation is increasingly shifting beyond individual projects toward questions of planning, infrastructure, sustainability and long-term value creation. Among the developers contributing to this evolving landscape is Avez Shaikh, CEO & Founder of Mohidin Properties & Holdings. Since establishing the company in 2006, he has overseen the delivery of over one million square feet of residential and mixed-use developments across the state of Goa, while helping position Central Goa as an emerging growth corridor.
Alongside his role in business, Avez Shaikh serves as Secretary of CREDAI Goa and is part of its Executive Committee, contributing to industry dialogue around policy, urban growth and responsible development. Through the Mohidin Educational & Charitable Trust and his continued association with educational initiatives such as Anjuman H.I. High School, he has also remained actively engaged in community development beyond the real estate sector.
In conversation with The Décor Journal India, Avez Shaikh shares his perspective on Goa’s evolving development landscape, the growing importance of integrated communities and the responsibilities that come with shaping the built environment.
Q: You established Mohidin Properties & Holdings in 2006, at a time when Goa’s real estate sector was still relatively unstructured. How did those early years shape your approach?
Avez Shaikh:
Those years reinforced the importance of delivering quality homes to Goans while building sustainable internal systems. Markets evolve, regulations change and customer expectations shift, but consistency comes from having clear processes and a disciplined approach to execution. From the beginning, our focus was on planning, quality control, accountability and delivering on commitments. Growth was never pursued for its own sake – it had to be sustainable and supported by a strong operational foundation.
Q: Mohidin Group has a legacy that extends well beyond real estate. How has that broader business background influenced your outlook as a developer?
Avez Shaikh:
The Group’s history spans multiple sectors and generations, which naturally encourages a long-term perspective. There is an understanding that reputation is built over decades and that every decision contributes to that legacy of trust that the Mohidin name has to continue delivering on. In real estate, this translates into a focus on durability, functionality and real value creation for all stakeholders. It also brings a culture of responsibility to clients & community – that influences how we approach every development.
Q: As Secretary of CREDAI Goa and a participant in industry and planning discussions, how has institutional engagement influenced your perspective on development?
Avez Shaikh:
It has highlighted the importance of alignment between development and broader planning objectives. Real estate does not exist independently of infrastructure, mobility, environmental considerations or policy frameworks. Engaging with industry bodies and institutions provides valuable insight into how cities and regions evolve over time. It encourages a more responsible and collaborative approach to development, where long-term outcomes take precedence over short-term opportunities.
Q: Your recent developments place greater emphasis on community spaces, amenities and integrated planning. What is driving this shift?
Avez Shaikh:
Homebuyers today are evaluating far more than the apartment or plot itself. They are looking at lifestyle, convenience, accessibility, community interaction and overall quality of life. Integrated developments allow these elements to be planned cohesively rather than independently. Open spaces, recreational facilities, pedestrian-friendly environments and supporting infrastructure all contribute to creating communities that function well and remain relevant for the long haul.
Q: You often speak about creating long-term ‘real’ value rather than simply delivering projects. What does that mean in practical terms?
Avez Shaikh:
Real value is about ensuring that the product, pricing and long-term living experience are all aligned. A project’s success should not be measured only at the point of handover. The true test is how it performs years later. Maintenance standards, operational efficiency, community management and the overall living experience all influence long-term value. Developers have a responsibility to think beyond construction and consider how a development will function throughout its lifecycle. That mindset increasingly informs our approach to planning and post-possession engagement.
Q: Sustainability has become a prominent industry conversation. How do you ensure it remains meaningful rather than purely aspirational?
Avez Shaikh:
Sustainability is no longer optional in real estate – it is a baseline expectation and an essential component of responsible development. Many sustainable practices have been part of our developments long before sustainability became a mainstream industry conversation. The key is integrating them into planning decisions from the outset rather than treating them as standalone features. Whether through resource efficiency, operational optimisation, responsible material choices or environmental initiatives, the objective is to create measurable benefits for residents and society at large. Equally important is educating homebuyers about the long-term benefits of sustainable development and future cost-saving, enabling them to make more informed decisions and actively support projects that create lasting value for both communities and the environment.
Q: Beyond business, you remain actively involved in educational and charitable initiatives. How do these commitments connect with your work as a developer?
Avez Shaikh:
The Mohidin Group has always believed that business and community development go hand in hand. Through the Mohidin Educational & Charitable Trust, we support the education of students and welfare of women and children, while through Anjuman H.I. High School, we educate over 1,200 underprivileged children. While this work may be distinct from real estate, it reflects the same commitment to creating a positive and lasting impact beyond business.
Q: What do you believe will define the next phase of real estate growth in Goa?
Avez Shaikh:
I believe the sector will increasingly move toward integrated developments supported by stronger infrastructure, greater policy clarity and more sophisticated buyer expectations. We will see greater emphasis on integrated communities, technology-enabled living, sustainability and professional asset management. As the market matures, collaboration between policymakers and developers will become even more important in shaping sustainable growth for the state of Goa.
Q: How do you view the role of a developer in Goa today?
Avez Shaikh:
The role has evolved significantly. Developers are no longer simply creating buildings; they are contributing to how communities grow and how urban environments function. That responsibility extends beyond delivering quality homes but extends to long-term stewardship of this beautiful state we get to call ‘home’. Ultimately, our developments should not just create real value for homeowners & stakeholders, but contribute meaningfully to the larger fabric of the community.
As Goa enters a new phase of growth, voices such as Avez Shaikh’s reflect a broader shift within the industry – one where development is measured not only by what is built but by the long-term value it creates for communities, cities and future generations.
