48% Homebuyers Prefer 3BHKs, INR 90 lakh–1.5 Cr Most Preferred Budget
Bracket – Anarock Survey
- 34%
respondent homebuyers prefer this budget range, followed by 27% for
>INR 1.5 Cr
- Preference
for larger homes continues to grow, 4BHK+ demand also rising; Ahmedabad,
Chennai, Hyderabad & NCR record highest 3BHK preference with >50%
respondents
- 65%
respondents worry about price surge, yet 44% will go ahead with purchase
plans, 38% may delay slightly
- Affordability
concerns influence how & where consumers buy, but overall purchase
intent intact - 31% shifting from buying to renting, 20% considering
peripheral locations
- Housing
remains primarily end-user driven - 68% respondents buying for self-use
- New
launches gain ground - 34% respondents prefer them, while 18% prefer
ready-to-move-in homes
- For
buyers evaluating new launches, developer reputation is top consideration
(34%), followed by location (21%), price (15%) & construction quality
(12%)
Mumbai, 17 September 2026: Indian homebuyers' strong preference
for larger homes stands confirmed with 48% of respondents opting for 3BHKs,
making it the most preferred configuration, according to the Anarock Consumer Sentiment Survey –
H1 2026. The survey, which covered 8,320 respondents aged 23-77
years across 14 cities, also finds that the INR 90 lakh to INR 1.5 crore budget
bracket has emerged as the most preferred price segment, signalling sustained
demand for larger and relatively higher-value homes.
The survey underscores the continued premiumisation of homebuyer
preferences, with buyers increasingly prioritising space and larger
configurations. While 3BHKs account for nearly half of overall preferences,
2BHKs remain the second-most preferred configuration at 38%. The preference for
4BHK and larger homes has risen to nearly 5%, up from around 3% in H1 2024.
"The preference for larger homes is visible across most major
markets, although the intensity varies by city," says Anuj Puri,
Chairman - ANAROCK Group. "Ahmedabad recorded the highest preference
for 3BHK homes at 57%, followed by Chennai and Delhi-NCR at 53% each, and
Hyderabad at 52%. Bengaluru records a 46% preference for 3BHKs, while Kolkata
stands at 46%. Pune records 47% - and at 39%, MMR has the lowest 3BHK
preference among the surveyed cities."
The shift towards larger homes is accompanied by a move towards higher
budget brackets. The INR 90 lakh–1.5 crore segment is now the most preferred
budget range, reflecting buyers’ willingness to allocate higher amounts towards
better space, configuration, and overall housing quality. The survey notes that
preference for homes priced below INR 45 lakh has declined significantly over
the years, while the share of buyers opting for higher-value homes has
strengthened.
This trend is particularly notable against the backdrop of continued housing
price appreciation, suggesting that premiumisation is not limited to a small
investor segment but is increasingly visible in end-user demand.
“The H1 2026 findings clearly point towards a continued premiumisation of
housing demand," says Anuj Puri. "The strong preference for 3BHKs,
coupled with growing interest in higher budget segments and 4BHK-plus homes,
indicates that buyers continue to prioritise space and quality despite the
higher ticket sizes involved. Importantly, this trend is being led by
end-users, suggesting that larger homes are increasingly being viewed as a
long-term lifestyle and value proposition rather than mere premium purchases.
For developers, the opportunity lies in matching this demand for larger homes
with the right locations, configurations, and price-value equation.”
Rising prices reshape housing demand, not reducing it
Despite the enthusiasm for bigger homes, the survey highlights that rising
housing prices are still a major source of worry - 65% of respondents are at
least moderately concerned about the current price surge, and 40% view it as a
long-term trend. Yet, 44% intend to proceed with their planned purchase, so
higher prices have not significantly weakened overall buying intent. While 38%
may delay their purchase slightly, only 18% may postpone indefinitely or cancel
their purchase.
Affordability is the biggest constraint and is cited by 44% of those
delaying or cancelling their purchases, followed by reduced property options
within budget (32%). Among those affected, buyers are opting for peripheral
locations, adjusting purchase timelines, or even temporary renting - suggesting
that price growth is changing buyer behaviour more than the underlying
aspiration for homeownership.
Overall, the survey finds that price appreciation is changing what,
where and when buyers purchase, rather than fundamentally weakening housing
demand.
End-use continues to drive housing demand
Despite the growing investment orientation around residential real estate,
end-use remains the dominant purchase motive. 68% respondents are buying homes
for self-use, compared with 32% for investment. This indicates that the demand
for larger homes is being driven substantially by genuine housing requirements
rather than speculative buying.
The survey also finds that buyers are increasingly evaluating homes as
long-term financial assets. At least 77% consider rental income important or
very important when assessing a property’s investment potential, even if
they're buying it for personal occupation. The mere potential of recurring
rental income alongside capital appreciation is a strong motivator, as is
potential resale value - 67% of respondents rate this factor as important or
very important. These finding indicate that buyers increasingly view their home
as a long-term financial asset alongside its end-use value.
New launches gain traction
The preference for larger homes is also translating into strong interest
in new projects. Around 34% survey respondents prefer new launches, compared
with 18% opting for ready-to-move-in (RTM) homes. As of H1 2026, the ratio of
ready homes to new launches stood at 18:34 as against 30:25 back in H1 2022.
Among factors influencing the selection of a new project, developer reputation
ranks first at 34%, followed by pricing benefits (early-bird pricing or lower
initial financial commitment) at 21%.
Residential real estate continues to hold a strong position as an
investment asset class. 60% of respondents in this survey preferred real
estate, compared with 20% for stocks, 11% for gold and 9% for fixed deposits.
The survey also finds that 44% of respondents who invest in non-real-estate
assets plan to use their future investment gains towards buying a home.
Other Survey Highlights
1. Rising prices are
prompting buyers to adapt rather than exit: 31% are shifting from buying to
renting and 20% are considering peripheral locations, while 43% have not
changed their preferences.
2. 2BHKs remain
preferred in Kolkata, MMR and Pune, with more than 40% of respondents opting
for them. 1BHK demand is also relatively strong in MMR and Pune, highlighting
significant variation in unit-size preferences across major residential
markets.
3. Homebuyers
prioritise track record over brand name; 48% of homebuyers identify customer
reviews/reputation and timely delivery as their top developer considerations,
highlighting the growing importance of proven execution and buyer experience.
4. Non-real estate
investments to still translate into future housing demand; 71% millennials
& 44% generation-X respondents intend to utilise their investment gains for
purchasing a home in the future.
Click to download - Anarock Consumer Sentiment Survey –
H1 2026
