There is gradual but substantial change happening in the Indian urban setting. As the commonplace of living improves and cities develop into extra congested, homebuyers — particularly in the Indian context — search smarter and extra adaptable, versatile housing options. The 2.5 BHK configuration appears to be gaining reputation amongst working professionals, nuclear households, and even traders.
The change has solely accelerated in the final 20 years due to socio-economic components comparable to the rising availability of distant work, urban migration, nuclear households, dual-income households, and a necessity for better privateness. In the given context, the 3 BHK will be financially daunting, whereas a 2 BHK on this state of affairs turns into suffocating. With its “half” room, the 2.5 BHK presents the better of each worlds — and that is exactly the place its benefit lies.
What makes the 2.5 BHK tick?
The principal distinction between the 2 BHK and the 2.5 BHK is the addition of a small room — often round 8×10 toes or smaller. Though not ample for a full-sized bed room, this small space can be utilized for a variety of issues. It will be crafted right into a smooth workplace, research, prayer room, interest space, or perhaps a tiny visitor room. Changes to fashionable life will be attributed to the rising reputation of this format. Noteworthy components embody:
Remote and hybrid work fashions: There has been a sustained want for residence workplaces or quiet zones ever since the pandemic, which permits for productive distant or hybrid work. The “half” room serves as an expert house that doesn’t intrude with family routines.
Growing kids: There are households with toddlers or school-aged kids who typically want a further research or playroom, however can’t be comfortably accommodated inside a normal 2 BHK.
Frequent guests or aged dad and mom: A big a part of the Indian inhabitants continues to accommodate visiting dad and mom or prolonged household for lengthy durations of time. These households can readily home them with none lack of basic on a regular basis consolation in a 2.5 BHK.
Cost-effective improve: The 2.5 BHK is comparatively inexpensive in comparison with a 3 BHK and comes with decrease EMIs, upkeep, and tax implications — making it a sensible selection for middle-income earners.
Buyer behaviour and market response
Recent traits in the urban housing markets point out a pointy enhance in the demand for 2.5 BHK models in Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, and sure areas of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
These cities are well-connected and function hubs for younger professionals and IT sector staff, thus serving as a scorching marketplace for first-time owners who’re value-conscious. This demographic tends to view this format as a long-term funding that is versatile sufficient to cater to persisting household wants, thus permitting much less urgency to improve to bigger houses in a while.
Developer methods and design improvements
Now, actual property builders are contorting flooring plans to utilise the new “half” room. Some are offering modular choices that allow the house to both be opened up or enclosed relying on the purchaser’s preferences. In some instances, the 0.5 room is now being strategically positioned to seize pure gentle, improve air flow, or present higher acoustic separation — the room is extremely practical even inside restricted house.
A glimpse into the future
Aside from a room, the 2.5 BHK presents myriad alternatives. For {couples} simply beginning a life collectively, it may translate into an area wanted to allow a brand new enterprise thought.
For kids, it may imply centered tutorial consideration. For professionals, it permits for better separation between work and residential life.
This configuration enhances these purchasers’ worth propositions. Even primary housing models are extra interesting to actual property traders, as they will perceive the performance for a broader goal market.
Having an additional room, nonetheless small, improves rental worth, resale potential, and even catches the curiosity of tenants who want multi-use residential properties.
The author is Director, RPS Group.
