Besides the budget and location preferences, a home buyer must also decide on the configuration of the property – i.e., 1BHK, 2BHK or a 3BHK. Before that, one needs to understand the BHK meaning.
What is BHK?
If you are wondering what is the full form of BHK, you should know that BHK stands for bedroom, hall and kitchen. It is used to convey the number of rooms in a property. For example, a 2BHK means that the particular property has two bedrooms, one hall and a kitchen. A 1 BHK means that the property has one bedroom, one hall and a kitchen. 3BHK means there are three bedrooms, a hall and a single kitchen in the property. Even if there are two bathrooms/toilets, sellers may or may not advertise it that way but will definitely mention the number of bedrooms.
In short,
| BHK Configuration | Description |
| 1 BHK |
One Bedroom, One Hall (living room), and One Kitchen.
|
| 1.5 BHK |
One Bedroom, One Hall, and One Kitchen, with a small additional space (could be a study room or small bedroom).
|
| 2 BHK |
Two Bedrooms, One Hall, and One Kitchen.
|
| 2.5 BHK |
Two Bedrooms, One Hall, One Kitchen, with a small additional space (could be a study room or a small room).
|
| 3 BHK |
Three Bedrooms, One Hall, and One Kitchen.
|
| 3.5 BHK |
Three Bedrooms, One Hall, One Kitchen, with a small additional space (could be a study or guest room).
|
| 4 BHK |
Four Bedrooms, One Hall, and One Kitchen.
|
| BHK |
General term referring to a residential unit with Bedrooms, Hall, and Kitchen (e.g., 1 BHK, 2 BHK).
|
| RK (Room Kitchen) |
A compact unit with a single room that serves as both bedroom and living area, along with a separate kitchen.
|
Note that even if the abbreviation does not include a ‘T’ as in a toilet space, all the BHK have a bath and toilet space. Some sellers may market their property as a 3BHK apartment +2T property. In this ‘2T’ refers to two toilets. This is to highlight the benefit of the added space in the 3 BHK.
BHK meaning
The abbreviation ‘BHK’ is used to refer to the configuration in not just flats but villas, independent homes, builder floor properties and bungalows, as well. In the case of plots, the term ‘BHK’ is not applicable, unless someone is using it to refer to the future potential. – for example, ‘You can build a 3BHK apartment on this plot’.
See also: What is a duplex
1BHK apartment
2BHK apartment
What 0.5BHK full form?
0.5BHK apartment or half bedroom refers to a BHK apartment that has a bedroom that is slightly smaller than a standard-sized bedroom, a bath/toilet and a kitchen. Developers have been experimenting with various BHK apartment formats that are popular among home buyers. Due to rapid urbanisation and evolving demand for dwelling spaces, the trend of 0.5BHK apartment is growing in India. Many luxury BHK apartment also include the option of a half bedroom.
See also: All about tallest building in India
What is 1BHK full form?
A 1BHK full form is a standard-sized master bedroom, a hall and kitchen. The bathroom and toilet are not attached with the master bedroom but is outside the room. The 1BHK is a common configuration for people who are looking at real estate exposure especially in central locations, owing to the price range they are available at.
See also: Details about ghar ka naksha
How would you distinguish between a 1 BHK and a studio?
When looking for homes online, a buyer of a house frequently encounters studio apartments and conflates these two terms. Let us explain the distinction between a 1BHK and a Studio flat if you have had the same problem.
Source: Pinterest
A studio apartment has one huge room where you must allow space for your bed, kitchen, etc. A residential property can be considered 1 BHK if it has a designated room, kitchen, living space, and bathroom/toilet.
Source: Pinterest
A 1 BHK may be the best option for a modest family because the hall may be used as a bedroom for children or other purposes.
While there is a size restriction in a studio apartment, a 1 BHK allows you additional room.
A room and a kitchen are referred to as 1 RK.
It could include a bathroom or a private toilet and bathtub. The carpet area of a 1RK is often less than that of a studio apartment. It has fewer amenities, which gives it a lower status. It is mostly intended for bachelors or rentals.
BHK meaning in villas and independent homes
The term BHK (Bedroom, Hall, and Kitchen) applies not only to apartments but also to villas and independent homes. While the basic concept remains the same—indicating the number of bedrooms, living spaces, and kitchen(s)—its implications and usage differ significantly in the context of standalone properties.
How BHK applies to villas and independent homes
Bedrooms: Unlike apartments, bedrooms in villas and independent homes are often more spacious, with additional features like walk-in closets or en-suite bathrooms.
For instance, a 4 BHK villa may include a master bedroom with a private balcony, two guest bedrooms, and a kid’s room.
Hall (Living space): Villas typically have multiple living areas, such as formal drawing rooms and casual family lounges. These spaces may not be specified separately in the BHK count but are understood to be part of the layout.
Kitchen: Kitchens in villas often include additional utility areas or pantries, especially in larger homes. They may also feature modular designs and outdoor access for convenience.
Additional spaces: While apartments adhere strictly to the BHK configuration, villas and independent homes often have extra spaces, such as servant quarters, home offices, or study rooms. These are not explicitly included in the BHK count but significantly enhance the property’s usability.
Differences in BHK configurations for villas vs. apartments
Flexibility in layouts: Villas allow for greater customization. For example, a 3 BHK villa might include an open-plan living-dining area or convertible spaces that can adapt to changing needs.
Scale of amenities: A 4 BHK villa might come with luxurious additions like a private garden, swimming pool, or terrace, which are not factored into the standard BHK count.
Multiple kitchens: Some villas include secondary kitchens, such as a wet kitchen for heavy cooking and a dry kitchen for lighter meals, adding functionality.
Examples of how BHK works in villas
3 BHK villa: Three bedrooms, one hall, and one kitchen. Additional spaces like a private terrace, garden, and garage are typically included but not mentioned in the BHK specification.
4.5 BHK villa: Four full-sized bedrooms and a smaller ‘half room,’ often used as a study or servant quarter. This configuration provides more flexibility for families with diverse needs.
Custom features: A 5 BHK independent bungalow might include a dedicated prayer room, a home theater, and a library, showcasing the expanded utility of spaces beyond the standard BHK definition.
Trends in 1 BHK Prices in the Top 10 Indian Cities
A 1 BHK apartment can range in size and cost from less to more costly than a 2 BHK apartment. Small families, working professionals, and bachelors typically choose it.
| City | Average 1BHK Price Range |
| Delhi | 1.8 Lac – 4 Cr |
| Noida | 7.5 Lac – 85 Lac |
| Gurgaon | 2.7 Lac – 2.98 Cr |
| Pune | 6.5 Lac – 5.50 Cr |
| Mumbai | 5 Lac – 77 Cr |
| Jaipur | 1 Lac – 54.4 Lac |
| Kolkata | 4 Lac – 6.50 Cr |
| Banglore | 3 Lac – 11 Cr |
| Chennai | 10 Lac – 1.23 Cr |
| Lucknow | 10 Lac – 1.65 Cr |
What is 1.5 BHK full form?
A 1.5BHK full from is a standard-sized master bedroom and a smaller-sized bedroom, which can be used as a bedroom or a study room, library, servant room or even a store room. This additional space in the BHK apartment can be used as a utility room, pooja room, kids’ playroom, or store room. The room may or may not include windows and other facilities.
What is 2 BHK full form?
A 2 BHK means a unit has two bedrooms, a hall and a kitchen. There is an attached toilet in the master bedroom of the 2 BHK and the guest washroom outside the rooms. Mid-sized families, with small children, prefer these, because it gives advantage of space over 1 BHK and is affordable as compared to a 3 BHK apartment.
See also: Some duplex house design images and details
Trends in 2 BHK Prices in the Top 10 Indian Cities
The most recent trend indicates an increase in demand for 2BHK due to the ease of space distribution. In the cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore, this is more obvious. A 2BHK apartment is preferred by families with children or families with more than two members.
| City | Approx. rate |
| Noida | 36000/sq. ft |
| Mumbai | 15600/sq. ft |
| Delhi | 57000/sq. ft |
| Pune | 55000/sq. ft |
| Jaipur | 11000/sq. ft |
| Kolkata | 62000/sq. ft |
| Banglore | 82000/sq. ft |
| Chennai | 41000/sq. ft |
| Lucknow | 10000/sq. ft |
What is 2.5 BHK full form?
A 2.5BHK means a unit has two bedrooms and a small-size room, which can be used as a storeroom or servant room. Such BHK apartment units are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). Mid-sized families, with around four to five members, often prefer these, because it gives them the comfort of a 3BHK at a relatively affordable price.
See also: Details about stilt house
A 2.5BHK apartment
What is 3 BHK full form?
A 3 BHK means a unit has three bedrooms, a hall and a kitchen. Such BHK apartment units are becoming increasingly popular, especially in Mumbai and Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). In a 3 BHK, there are three sets of washroom with two of them attached to the rooms and the guest washroom outside.
See also: Everything you need to know about studio apartments
Regional variations in BHK Sizes across major indian cities
The size of BHK (Bedroom, Hall, Kitchen) units varies significantly across India’s major cities, primarily due to land availability, property prices, and regional demand. In metropolitan areas with high real estate costs, such as Mumbai, developers often design smaller BHK units to cater to affordability constraints. Conversely, cities with relatively lower land prices, like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, tend to offer more spacious apartments.
Regional variations in BHK sizes
Recent data highlights these disparities:
- Mumbai metropolitan region (MMR): In 2023, the average flat size was approximately 794 sq. ft., reflecting a 5% decrease from 840 sq. ft. in 2022. Over a five-year period, the average size remained relatively stable, with a modest 1% increase from 784 sq. ft. in 2019.
- Hyderabad: This city boasted the largest average flat sizes among the top seven cities, with an average of 2,300 sq. ft. in 2023. This represents a 30% annual increase from 1,775 sq. ft. in 2022 and a 35% rise over five years from 1,700 sq. ft. in 2019.
- Bengaluru: The average flat size increased by 26% annually, from 1,175 sq. ft. in 2022 to 1,484 sq. ft. in 2023. Over a five-year span, there was a 16% growth from 1,280 sq. ft. in 2019.
- National capital region (NCR): In 2023, the average flat size was 1,890 sq. ft., marking a 37% increase from 1,375 sq. ft. in 2022 and a substantial 51% rise over five years from 1,250 sq. ft. in 2019.
- Chennai: The average flat size saw a 5% annual growth, reaching 1,260 sq. ft. in 2023 from 1,200 sq. ft. in 2022. Over five years, there was a 15% increase from 1,100 sq. ft. in 2019.
- Pune: The average flat size grew by 11% annually, from 980 sq. ft. in 2022 to 1,086 sq. ft. in 2023. Over a five-year period, there was a 19% increase from 910 sq. ft. in 2019.
- Kolkata: A slight annual decrease of 2% was observed, with average flat sizes reducing from 1,150 sq. ft. in 2022 to 1,124 sq. ft. in 2023. However, over five years, there was a 12% increase from 1,000 sq. ft. in 2019.
Reasons for size variations
- Land availability and cost: Cities with limited land, like Mumbai, often have smaller BHK units due to high land prices. Conversely, cities like Hyderabad or Bengaluru, where land is more affordable and available, offer larger BHK configurations.
- Population density: In densely populated cities, compact apartments are designed to maximize the number of units per project, catering to a larger population. Less crowded cities can afford to offer spacious homes.
- Regional preferences: Cultural and lifestyle differences also play a role. For example, in Northern India, buyers often prefer larger homes to accommodate joint families, whereas in Southern cities, nuclear families may prefer smaller, functional units.
- Economic segments targeted: Developers cater to different economic segments. Luxury projects in premium locations may offer larger BHK units with expansive layouts, while affordable housing projects prioritize compact designs to keep costs low.
- Builder strategies and market trends: Builders often adjust unit sizes based on demand trends. For instance, there’s a growing demand for 2.5 BHK units, which provide additional space at a marginally higher cost than 2 BHK units.
Urban planning regulations: Government norms and Floor Space Index (FSI) regulations can impact the design and size of apartments. Higher FSI in some areas allows for larger units, while lower FSI leads to more compact designs.
Implications for homebuyers
Understanding these regional variations is crucial for prospective buyers:
- Affordability: In cities like Mumbai, smaller BHK units may be more affordable but offer limited space.
- Space requirements: Buyers seeking larger living areas might consider markets like Hyderabad or Bengaluru, where more spacious units are prevalent.
- Investment potential: Awareness of regional size trends can inform investment decisions, as preferences for unit sizes may influence future demand and property values.
Resale demand analysis for 1 BHK, 2 BHK, and 3 BHK apartments
When considering the resale potential of residential properties, the configuration—whether 1 BHK, 2 BHK, or 3 BHK—plays a significant role. Here’s an analysis of the resale demand for these apartment types:
1 BHK apartments:
- Target Audience: Primarily attracts singles, young professionals, and small families.
- Resale Demand: Generally lower compared to larger configurations. While 1 BHK units are more affordable, they may not appeal to a broad segment of buyers seeking more space for future family expansion.
2 BHK apartments:
- Target Audience: Ideal for small to medium-sized families, making them a popular choice among homebuyers.
- Resale Demand: High demand due to their balance between affordability and space. They attract many buyers, including small families and working professionals, enhancing their resale value.
3 BHK apartments:
- Target Audience: Suitable for larger families or those desiring extra space.
- Resale Demand: Demand can vary based on location and market trends. 3 BHK units may command higher resale value in areas that prefer spacious living. However, they also come with a higher price tag, which can limit the pool of potential buyers.
Market trends and considerations:
- Investment potential: 2 BHK apartments often offer a good balance between cost and potential resale value, making them a preferred choice for many investors. They tend to have better resale value than 1 BHK flats and attract more buyers, including small families and working professionals.
- Location impact: In metropolitan areas with higher land prices, such as Mumbai, the demand for smaller units like 1 BHKs may be higher due to affordability constraints. Conversely, in cities like Hyderabad or Bangalore, where land is more available, larger configurations like 2 BHKs or 3 BHKs may be more prevalent and in demand.
- Future outlook: The Indian residential real estate market is expected to grow significantly, with projections indicating a rise from USD 227.26 billion in 2024 to USD 687.27 billion by 2029. This growth suggests a positive outlook for property resale values across various configurations.
Understanding bathroom configurations in BHK properties
In Indian real estate, the term ‘BHK’—standing for Bedroom, Hall, and Kitchen—indicates the number of these rooms in a property but does not specify the number of bathrooms or toilets. Typically, a 2 BHK unit includes two bedrooms, a hall, and a kitchen. In such configurations, it’s common for the master bedroom to have an attached bathroom, while a second, common bathroom serves the other areas. However, the exact number and placement of bathrooms can vary based on the builder’s design and the property’s layout. Therefore, when evaluating a property, it’s essential to verify the bathroom arrangements to ensure they meet your specific needs.
Understanding the ‘half’ room in 1.5 BHK and 2.5 BHK configurations
In real estate terminology, configurations such as 1.5 BHK and 2.5 BHK include an additional space referred to as a ‘half’ room. This ‘half’ room is typically smaller than a standard bedroom and serves various functional purposes.
Typical Size of the ‘Half’ Room
The size of a ‘half’ room generally ranges between 50 to 70 square feet, depending on the property’s overall layout and design. While smaller than a full-sized bedroom, this space is designed to be versatile and functional.
Common Uses of the ‘Half’ Room
- Study Room or Home Office: Ideal for setting up a compact workspace, the ‘half’ room can accommodate a desk and shelving units, providing a quiet area for work or study.
- Children’s Room: Suitable for young children, this space can be furnished with a small bed and storage, serving as a cozy bedroom for kids.
- Guest Room: The ‘half’ room can function as a guest bedroom, offering a comfortable sleeping area for visitors without occupying significant space.
- Storage Room: For households requiring additional storage, this room can be organized with shelves and cabinets to store items like seasonal clothing, equipment, or supplies.
- Servant’s Quarter: In some households, the ‘half’ room is utilized as accommodation for domestic help, providing a private and functional living space.
- Pooja Room: For families observing religious practices, this space can be dedicated as a pooja room, offering a serene area for worship.
BHK: Resale value of additional half-room properties
As already mentioned, developers are experimenting with these additional ‘half-rooms’ or 0.5 BHK. The reason behind such experimentation is the demand from home buyers. Naturally, more buyers are drawn towards affordably-priced properties. Since 2BHK units are very popular, 1.5BHK and 2.5BHK means attractive opportunity for buyers who do not want to switch to a 3BHK and pay more. Half-rooms provide such home owners with the flexibility and additional space they were looking for and thus, even in the secondary market, these 0.5 BHK units are in demand.
What is the difference between a flat and a studio apartment?
Flats and studio apartments are two distinct types of living spaces, each offering different layouts, sizes, and levels of functionality. Understanding their differences can help in choosing the right option based on personal needs and lifestyle.
Flats are typically larger residential units consisting of multiple rooms. These include a separate living room, one or more bedrooms, a kitchen, and often additional features such as multiple bathrooms and storage spaces. Flats offer more privacy and room to move around, making them ideal for families or groups of roommates who require space for different activities. They can be rented or owned, and their larger size allows for more flexible use of space.
In contrast, studio apartments are compact, self-contained units where the living room, bedroom, and kitchen are combined into one open space. The only separate room in a studio is the bathroom. Due to their smaller size, studio apartments are often more affordable than flats, making them a popular choice for students, young professionals, or anyone seeking an economical living space in urban areas. While the lack of separate rooms can be a downside for some, studio apartments offer convenience and efficiency. They require careful space planning and creative storage solutions to maximize the available square footage.
Overall, flats are suited for those needing more space and privacy, while studio apartments offer an affordable and functional solution for individuals or couples in need of a more compact living arrangement.
What is 1RK?
Another variant for those looking at small apartments is a 1RK unit. Popular in parts of Maharashtra, 1RK stands for a unit with one room and a kitchen, with a bath/toilet space. As the abbreviation implies, such a unit has given a miss to the hall space.
A 1RK unit
Buyers with limited budget settle for this configuration. It is also useful for those who are frequent travellers. Such people may not intend to spend too many days at a hotel and may not want to invest too much into property in a different city either. A 1RK is a suitable configuration for such professionals.
BHK: What to know about the property’s size?
At times, a 1BHK unit may come across as bigger than a regular 2BHK or a 2BHK could easily be passed for a 3BHK or even renovated into a 3BHK unit. In short, some builders may offer an 800-sq ft property as a 1BHK and some others may package a 2BHK in that space.
Generally, the area of a standard 2BHK apartment ranges from 650 sq ft to 1,000 sq ft or more, depending on the project. In Mumbai and other expensive cities, you would commonly find 2BHK flats of sizes ranging from 650 sq ft to 700 sq ft. In certain localities, the sizes can be less than 600 sq ft. However, 2BHK apartment configurations of sizes 1,000 sq ft or more in luxury residential projects, provide spacious homes for prospective buyers.
So, why do such irregularities exist when it comes to the area of a property? This is because there are no set rules for a standard-sized BHK property and the localities or property markets may establish an unsaid rule pertaining to the same.
See also: What is Carpet Area, Built-Up Area and Super Built-Up Area?
For example, you may be able to find bigger 2BHKs in Hyderabad as compared to Mumbai. Size irregularities in BHK means availability of land in a certain region. It also depends on the premium attached to a building in that space, the overall construction cost and the sale price, etc.
Usable area vs. super built-up area in BHK configurations
When choosing a BHK configuration, understanding the difference between carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area is crucial. Builders often advertise properties based on super built-up area, which can be misleading if buyers are unaware of how much actual usable space they are getting.
What is carpet area?
Carpet area refers to the actual usable space within the walls of an apartment. This includes:
- Bedrooms, hall, and kitchen
- Bathrooms and balconies (if enclosed within the flat)
- Any internal passage or storage space
It does not include:
- Wall thickness
- Common areas like staircases, lobbies, or lifts
For example, in a 2 BHK apartment with a super built-up area of 1,000 sq. ft., the carpet area may only be 650-700 sq. ft., meaning the buyer gets much less usable space than expected.
What is built-up area?
Built-up area includes:
- Carpet area plus wall thickness
- Any balcony or terrace attached to the unit
Typically, the built-up area is about 10-15% larger than the carpet area. For instance, if the carpet area of a 2 BHK apartment is 700 sq. ft., the built-up area may be around 800-850 sq. ft.
What is super built-up area?
Super built-up area is the largest figure marketed by builders. It includes:
- Built-up area
- A proportionate share of common areas like corridors, staircases, lobbies, lifts, and clubhouses
Builders often inflate the super built-up area by adding 30-40% extra to the carpet area, which makes the apartment seem bigger than it actually is. For example:
- If the carpet area is 700 sq. ft.,
- The built-up area could be 850 sq. ft.,
- The super built-up area might be 1,000-1,100 sq. ft.
How to calculate usable space when buying a BHK?
To get a realistic idea of the space, buyers should:
- Ask for the carpet area instead of relying on the super built-up area.
- Check the floor plan to verify the layout.
- Compare carpet area percentages (carpet area should ideally be at least 65-70% of the super built-up area).
How builders market utility areas in BHK configurations
While BHK stands for Bedroom, Hall, and Kitchen, developers often market additional areas like balconies, utility rooms, puja spaces, and store rooms to inflate perceived value—without formally increasing the BHK count. For example, a 2BHK unit with two large balconies and a utility space may still be marketed as “spacious” or “premium,” even though these add-ons don’t qualify the unit as a 2.5 BHK.
This can create confusion for buyers who assume every usable space contributes to the official configuration. Unlike a clearly demarcated ‘half room’ (used in 2.5 BHK or 3.5 BHK), utility and storage spaces are not counted in BHK but are used as marketing leverage to justify a higher price tag.
Buyers should carefully examine the floor plan, carpet area, and actual room dimensions to ensure these additions meet their functional needs and are not just aesthetic enhancements with no real utility.
BHK: Carpet area and built-up area
When we discuss size of the property, it is important to understand carpet area. Carpet area in a BHK means the actual usable area you get for use in your home. It does not include the thickness of the inner walls, or the space used in building the lobby, the elevator, the stairs, the play area, etc. On the other hand, built-up area in a BHK means is the carpet area plus the area that is covered by the inner walls and the balcony. We have discussed it at length here.
1BHK versus 2BHK: Why should one prefer to buy a 2BHK flat?
When deciding on the option of buying a 1BHK flat versus a 2BHK unit, there are a number of things to keep in mind. While the debate on the choice between 1BHK versus 2BHK flat is quite common among the home buyers on a slightly tight budget, it gets confusing with multiple options by real estate developers with various formats and even home loan offerings by banks and NBFCs. The factors that can influence the decision are property price, location, space, builder, future family requirements, etc.
Below given are factors in detail:
- Planning for the future: For a first time home buyer, a 1BHK means the best combination of affordability and comfort. But investment in a home must be considered with a long-term view. For a small family, a 1BHK apartment may seem to be enough initially, but if you decide to expand the family, the same flat may not be sufficient. But a 2 BHK apartment can offer enough space for a modern-day family to enjoy comfort.
- Real estate market dynamic: Even for a bachelor, a 2BHK apartment may make more sense. This is because 2BHK apartments are more in demand, and therefore the real estate companies pay far more attention to the supply and amenities of a 2BHK flat. More options in the market for 2BHK means the buyer gets more options for location, price, etc.
- Investment purpose: A 2BHK flat has more chances of getting sold in the market than a 1 BHK apartment. This is because the demand for 2BHK is always more than for the single bedroom format. So if you are purchasing an apartment for investment purpose, then a 2BHK house is always preferable.
- Price of the apartment: It is needless to say that real estate prices depend on the size of the property. A 2BHK house of the same size and in the same location as a 1 BHK flat will cost more. So if the 2BHk flat is out of budget, even after taking a home loan, then the 1BHK flat will be the only option.
Considering all the points and the realities of Indian real estate, a 2 BHK apartment is almost always better than a 1 BHK flat.
Considerations to be made for choosing the correct BHK unit size
The following factors should be taken into account while choosing a BHK housing property for yourself:
-
Apartment size
The sizes may vary in certain situations, it’s possible to find 2BHK apartments that are as roomy as 3BHKs.
For instance, one broker could provide a 2 BHK residential apartment in a 1200 sq ft space, while another realtor would offer a 3 BHK housing property of similar size under a different building.
In such a situation, you need to consider the size of your family and your preferences, such as if you would want fewer rooms but larger rooms or more rooms but smaller rooms.
-
Establish a budget
The location and the facilities that the builder offers are the main determinants of the pricing of the various flat configurations. It is better to create a budget and then stick to it.
-
Proximity to basic facilities
You should check the proximity of amenities like grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail shops before selecting a suitable living apartment.
Buyer demographics and BHK preferences
BHK preferences often vary by age and income. Younger buyers in their 20s and 30s usually opt for 1BHK or 2BHK units due to affordability. Buyers in their 40s and 50s prefer 3BHK homes to accommodate growing families. Higher-income groups typically lean toward 3BHK+, 4BHK, or villas for added space and lifestyle needs.
How to choose the right BHK for long-term use
Choosing a home isn’t just about current needs—future planning matters too. If you’re expecting children, consider a 2.5 BHK or larger to avoid outgrowing the space. If you work from home or often host guests, a 3BHK or more with a dedicated study or guest room is ideal. For families with elderly members, a ground-floor 2BHK with minimal stairs ensures accessibility and comfort.
2BHK apartment/ 3BHKapartment/ 4BHK apartment: Renting vs buying
There are a lot of aspects to consider while choosing to take a 2BHK/3BHK/4BHK apartment on rent or buying the same. Here are some of them:
Budget and prices
Renting or buying is one dilemma that confronts almost everyone at one stage or another, especially in a metro city. Buying a flat 2BHK/3BHK/4BHK means one will be more burdened financially than renting. One has to calculate one’s income and then look at the EMI if one is planning to buy any configuration BHK apartment. The budget of the BHK apartment has to be judged on various factors, and if a home loan is to be taken, then the EMI should ideally be up to 25% of one’s salary. But if buying a 2BHK/3BHK/4BHK apartment will put excessive strain on the pocket, then one must go for rent.
Flexibility
If one stays on rent, one can easily vacate the apartment and move to another one in a different location when the need so arises. But such an option will not be so easy in case of purchase of a 2BHK/3BHK/4BHK apartment. There is far greater flexibility involved in a renting a property be it any BHK . Purchasing of a property must be done after careful analysis of chances of relocation required by the buyer.
Restrictions
Living in a rented 2BHK or 1 BHK or 3 BHK comes with a lot of restrictions on what one can do and what one cannot do. There can be restrictions on the time of the entry and exit also. There can be no major alterations made to the structure of the 2BHK/3BHK/4BHK flat. But these restrictions are not there in the case of a self-owned 2BHK/3BHK/4BHK flat.
Interiors
A person living on rent may not be able to do up the interiors of the 2BHK/ 3BHK/ 4BHK flat beyond a certain limit. But the owner of a 2BHK/ 3BHK/ 4BHK flat can do as much interior work as one desires.
Tax benefits
For a rented 2BHK/3BHK/4BHK flat, one can only avail tax benefits on the rent amount. But in case of the purchase of 2BHK/3BHK/4BHK flat, there are several tax benefits. The tax benefits on the purchase of property have increased after the 2019 Budget. The interest paid on the home loan qualifies for a deduction of Rs 2 lakh. In case the stamp duty value of the purchased property is more than Rs 45 lakh, the tax benefits go up to Rs 3.5 lakh per annum.
Know about: Jaipur Flats
Price trend of 1 BHK and 2 BHK apartments in top 10 Indian cities
Understanding the price trends of 1 BHK and 2 BHK apartments across major Indian cities is crucial for prospective homebuyers and investors. Below is an overview of the average price ranges for these configurations in the top 10 Indian cities:
1 BHK Apartments
| City | Average Price Range (INR) |
| Delhi | 1.8 lakh – 4 crore |
| Noida | 7.5 lakh – 85 lakh |
| Gurgaon | 2.7 lakh – 2.98 crore |
| Pune | 6.5 lakh – 5.50 crore |
| Mumbai | 5 lakh – 77 crore |
| Jaipur | 1 lakh – 54.4 lakh |
| Kolkata | 4 lakh – 6.50 crore |
| Bangalore | 3 lakh – 11 crore |
| Chennai | 10 lakh – 1.23 crore |
| Lucknow | 10 lakh – 1.65 crore |
2 BHK Apartments
| City | Approximate Rate (INR per sq. ft.) |
| Noida | 36,000 |
| Mumbai | 15,600 |
| Delhi | 57,000 |
| Pune | 55,000 |
| Jaipur | 11,000 |
| Kolkata | 62,000 |
| Bangalore | 82,000 |
| Chennai | 41,000 |
| Lucknow | 10,000 |
FAQs
What is the full name of BHK?
BHK stands for bedroom, hall, and kitchen in its entire form.
What does 1RK flat's full name mean?
1 RK, or One Room Kitchen, is its full name. There is a separate cooking area and one bedroom in a one-room apartment.
Are 1RK and studio apartments the same?
Both 1RK and studio apartments are similar given that they are smaller configurations. However, a studio apartment does have a hall or living space while a 1RK gives a miss to the hall space.
Describe 1.5 BHK.
The abbreviation 1.5 BHK means one hall, one-and-a-half bedroom and one kitchen. A 1.5 bedroom is a somewhat smaller than average 2 bedrooms combination.
How do you define 2BHK?
In real estate, a 2 BHK refers to two bedrooms, a hall, and a kitchen.
Describe 3B2HK.
Three bedrooms, two hallways, and one kitchen are all referred to as 3B2HK.
2.5 BHK 2T Flat: What is it?
Two bedrooms that are the usual size plus one that is smaller than the standard size, one kitchen area, one hall, and two attached bathrooms make up a 2.5 BHK 2T.
Are smaller configurations easier when it comes to resale?
Most home buyers opt for smaller units, because of budget constraints or investment preferences. In recent times, 2BHK have moved faster in the market, because these are relatively affordable as compared to 3BHKs. However, whether a small unit will move faster in the secondary market depends on market sentiments and trends typical to a given property market.
(Images courtesy Housing.com and developer websites)
