Menavid has witnessed Sri Lanka’s property market transform across four decades, from a relationship-driven trade built on trust to a digitally connected industry shaped by e-commerce and investor insight. Today, as the market stabilises and evolves, the company stands at the intersection of tradition and technology, balancing heritage with innovation to meet the expectations of a new generation of local and overseas investors. Naveed Zaveer, Director of Menavid, shares how the company’s legacy, market experience, and focus on transparency are helping clients navigate an increasingly dynamic real estate landscape.

Menavid’s story spans over four decades. How has that legacy shaped your understanding of how Sri Lanka’s real estate market works today?

Menavid’s journey began in 1980 when my father, Rimza Zaveer, founded the company. He was inspired by my grandmother, Zaneera Zaveer, who was an established figure in Sri Lanka’s real estate sector during the 1960s. Her work set the foundation for the values that continue to guide us today. Over more than four decades in the industry, we have learned that Sri Lanka’s real estate market operates on two tracks: tradition and transformation. Trust and reputation remain essential, but innovation is equally important.

Our approach balances the principles that built Menavid with technology and modern strategies, enabling us to serve both local and overseas buyers efficiently while maintaining long-term partnerships and market credibility. In this new era, digitalisation plays a key role, through e-commerce and social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, to complement the referral-based business model built over decades. While online presence captures new audiences, referrals and established reputation continue to drive client trust. Together, this combination ensures credibility and growth in the current market.

How would you describe the current trajectory of Sri Lanka’s real estate market, and what indicators point to sustained growth in the coming years?

Sri Lanka’s real estate market is evolving, shaped by more informed buyers, faster decision-making, and growing competition driven by digital disruption. Strong indicators of sustainable growth include rising interest from younger local buyers and overseas investors, supported by improved infrastructure and greater access to financing. Today’s clients expect efficiency and digital engagement through data-driven marketing. Companies that combine innovation with a trusted reputation are best positioned to capture this momentum. Long-term growth will depend on how well industry players balance heritage and modern strategies to meet the expectations of a new generation of investors.

Investor expectations are evolving as infrastructure and financing conditions improve. What shifts have you seen in how local and overseas buyers approach property investment?

Investor expectations have changed considerably. Local buyers, especially younger professionals, now prioritise convenience, speed, and personalised service. They look for properties developed by trusted builders that offer long-term value and community appeal.

Overseas investors, on the other hand, focus on transparency and streamlined processes. Many prefer condominiums and high-end developments that are easy to maintain, rent, or use as second homes. Improved financing and digital accessibility have made property investment more inclusive and relationship-driven, with trust and professional guidance valued as highly as the property itself. At Menavid, meeting these expectations means combining decades of experience with technology-backed systems and clear communication to deliver confidence for every investor.

Transparency and legal assurance remain key concerns for investors. What are the main challenges in these areas, and how is Menavid working to bridge them?

These are key priorities for property investors. Their main challenges often stem from verifying property documents, securing bank approvals, and keeping up with regulatory changes, which can create uncertainty for both local and overseas buyers. We aim to address these issues through a clear, structured process. We verify all documentation, coordinate with banks and authorities, and work closely with reputed law firms to ensure every transaction is compliant and secure.

For overseas investors, we provide additional guidance on property laws and ownership regulations. By combining legal diligence with open communication and trusted service, we simplify what can often be a complex process, thus making each transaction transparent, efficient, and reliable from start to finish.

As Sri Lanka’s property sector matures, where do you see the most meaningful opportunities for long-term investors and industry operators?

Sri Lanka’s property sector is entering a phase of steady expansion, led by rising residential demand and selective investor confidence. Professionals and families continue to seek quality developments by trusted builders, especially in Colombo and its suburbs. There is also growing interest in redeveloping older properties in prime city areas into modern mixed-use spaces.

Coastal regions are another bright spot, with one-bedroom and holiday-style condominiums appealing to both local and overseas buyers seeking personal use or short-term rental income. High-end apartments and villas remain popular among non-resident Sri Lankans and foreign investors, while large projects such as Colombo Port City signal long-term confidence in the luxury residential and commercial markets. Investor-friendly policies, including property-linked visa schemes, could further strengthen foreign participation.

The best prospects today lie in well-located, high-quality developments that combine design, lifestyle, and value. Investors who focus on sustainability and innovation are likely to benefit most from Sri Lanka’s ongoing urban and coastal growth.