How This Couple’s Digital Expertise Turned Goa’s Luxury Property Market into a ₹72 Crore Success Story

In 2018, Prashant Kalra and Ayesha Garewal-Kalra found themselves at a crossroads. Their daughter was struggling with breathing issues in Gurgaon, and they knew they had to make a change. But what started as a personal decision to move to Goa quickly transformed into an unexpected entrepreneurial journey. With no background in real estate, they took a leap of faith and built one of Goa’s most sought-after luxury brokerage firms, The Penthouse Boutique.

Startup Snapshot

 🔹 Founders: Prashant Kalra & Ayesha Garewal-Kalra

 🔹 Founded: 2018

 🔹 Headquarters: Goa

 🔹 Sector: Proptech

 🔹 What It Solves: Making luxury real estate accessible in dream holiday destinations 

 🔹 Funding: Bootstrapped 

When Life Gives You Lemons, Sell Luxury Villas

Leaving behind careers in law and communications, Prashant and Ayesha packed up their lives and moved to Goa, determined to create a healthier environment for their family. Instead of looking for traditional jobs, they turned to social media to market luxury villas in the region. Their approach was simple yet effective: showcase stunning properties online and provide a seamless experience for buyers.

Within just four months, they had successfully closed four deals. Their first client? A lawyer from Delhi, who trusted Prashant and Ayesha to find the perfect home, all without even setting foot in Goa. Word spread quickly, and soon, their inbox was flooded with inquiries from people looking for their own slice of paradise.

Building a Business with More Grit Than Capital

Unlike traditional real estate firms, The Penthouse Boutique started with a minimal investment of just Rs 25,000. Leveraging their expertise in branding and digital communication, the couple handled everything themselves, from designing the website to creating marketing materials. Instead of hiring employees, they streamlined their processes and focused on delivering a premium experience.

“Our biggest strength is our professional background combined with our digital skills,” Prashant explains. “Clients appreciate clear, prompt communication. We ensure that every home we list is truly exceptional—if a property doesn’t meet our high standards, we don’t list it.”

From Goa to Global - No Borders, Just Beautiful Homes

As demand grew, The Penthouse Boutique expanded beyond Goa. They partnered with reputed developers in Greece, Cyprus, Dubai, and Portugal, offering clients not just luxury homes, but also the possibility of foreign residency through real estate investment. Today, their portfolio includes over 150 high-end projects across five countries.

Between 2018 and 2021, the company sold over Rs 72 crore worth of homes a remarkable feat for a business that started with no industry experience. Their commission model is simple: they charge 2% of the final price for properties in Goa and 3% for international listings.

A Pandemic-Proof Business? You Bet!

While many industries suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Penthouse Boutique saw a boom in sales. As people sought escapes from crowded cities, interest in luxury homes in Goa skyrocketed. In fact, their international listings saw three times more inquiries than their Goa properties, with many buyers considering real estate as a long-term backup plan.

“The worse things got in big cities, the more people wanted an alternative,” says Prashant. “Many families started investing in second homes abroad, not necessarily to move right away, but as an option for the future.”

What’s Next? More Dreams, More Homes

Looking ahead, The Penthouse Boutique is eyeing expansion into new markets like the United Kingdom and Italy. With their first standalone villa project underway in Goa, they’re not just selling homes anymore, they’re creating them.

Their journey from complete outsiders to industry leaders is a testament to the power of innovation, adaptability, and sheer determination. As Prashant puts it, “Our focus has always been on simplifying things for buyers while maintaining professionalism and transparency. That’s what sets us apart.”

From a family’s need for a fresh start to a thriving global real estate brand, The Penthouse Boutique is proof that sometimes, the biggest risks lead to the greatest rewards.