Homebuyers Showing Strong Preference For 3BHK Homes, Says Study

Indian homebuyers are increasingly choosing and buying larger homes. This is even as property prices increase and there’s significant pressure on affordability. The 3BHK units have emerged as the most preferred configuration, with homes that are priced between Rs 90 lakh and Rs 1.50 crore being the preferred choice, according to data shared in Anarock’s H1 2026 Homebuyer Sentiment Survey. The survey was conducted between January and June 2026, and covered nearly 8,320 respondents across 14 cities. The findings point to a continued shift towards larger and higher-value homes despite the concerns over rising residential prices.

3BHKs Remain The Preferred Home Configuration

About 48 per cent of respondents said they preferred 3BHK homes, making the configuration the most popular choice among prospective buyers. This was followed by 2BHK units, preferred by 38 per cent of respondents.

The preference for larger homes has remained strong despite the increase in property prices, indicating that buyers continue to prioritise additional space and larger configurations. The preference varies across cities. The demand for 3BHK units is particularly strong in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai and Delhi-National Capital Region (Delhi0-NCR), where more than half of respondents in each market preferred this configuration. Bengaluru recorded the highest preference for 4BHK and larger homes at 10 per cent. In comparison, 2BHKs remain more popular in Kolkata, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Pune, with more than 40 per cent of respondents opting for the configuration.

Anuj Puri, Chairman, Anarock Group said: “The shift towards larger homes is accompanied by a move towards higher budget brackets. The Rs 90 lakh-1.50 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 Rs 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 preference for larger homes is accompanied by a shift towards higher-value housing. According to the survey, 34 per cent of prospective buyers prefer homes priced between Rs 90 lakh and Rs 1.50 crore, making it the largest preferred budget segment in H1 2026. Another 21 per cent of respondents preferred homes priced between Rs 45 lakh and Rs 90 lakh.

Rising Prices Have Not Eliminated Housing Demand

The move towards larger and more expensive homes comes even as homebuyers remain concerned about rising property prices. About 65 per cent of respondents said they were at least moderately concerned about the recent increase in housing prices, while 40 per cent viewed the rise as a long-term trend. However, higher prices have not resulted in a broad withdrawal from the housing market. About 44 per cent of respondents said they would proceed with their purchase as planned, while 38 per cent said they may delay their purchase slightly.

For buyers affected by higher prices, affordability and limited options within their budget were the key constraints. Some are adapting by considering peripheral locations or shifting towards renting rather than abandoning their homeownership plans.

"The latest ANAROCK survey reflects a clear evolution in homebuyer preferences, with demand increasingly moving towards spacious, well-designed homes that offer enhanced comfort, functionality and lifestyle value. In the premium and luxury segments, buyers are looking beyond just specifications and are placing greater emphasis on larger residences, superior construction quality, prime locations and the credibility of the developer," says Robin Mangla, President, M3M.