1BHK Demand Hits 18% in MMR as Homebuyers Balance Affordability With Space
Mumbai Metropolitan Region | September 21, 2026: India’s homebuyers continue to prefer larger homes, but demand for compact housing remains significant in key urban markets. 1BHK homes account for 18% of buyer preference in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, followed by 10% in Pune and 9% in Bengaluru, according to Anarock’s latest Consumer Sentiment Survey.
The findings show that while affordability is pushing some buyers towards smaller homes or peripheral locations, the broader preference for larger configurations remains strong.
MMR Leads 1BHK Demand at 18%
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region recorded the highest preference for 1BHK homes among the major markets covered by the survey, at 18%.
Pune followed with 10%, while Bengaluru recorded 9%.
The relatively stronger demand for compact homes in these markets reflects the role of affordability and the need for smaller entry points in expensive urban housing markets.
2BHKs Remain Strong in MMR and Pune
While 1BHK demand remains notable, 2BHK homes are the preferred configuration in Kolkata, MMR and Pune, with more than 40% of respondents in each of these markets choosing the format.
This indicates that compact housing demand is not limited to the smallest units. Buyers in these markets continue to balance affordability with the need for additional living space.
In Pune, industry experts cited the city's IT and education ecosystem and its large young-professional population as factors supporting demand for smaller homes.
3BHK Homes Still Dominate National Preference
Despite the demand for compact homes, larger properties remain the dominant choice among surveyed buyers.
Across the markets covered, 48% of respondents preferred 3BHK homes, compared with 38% for 2BHK units.
Demand for 3BHK homes was particularly strong in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai and Delhi-NCR, where more than half of respondents preferred the configuration.
Bengaluru recorded the highest preference for 4BHK and larger homes at 10%.
Demand for Larger Homes Rises Despite Prices
The survey also found that preference for 4BHK and larger homes increased from 3% in H1 2024 to nearly 5% in H1 2026.
The trend suggests that higher property prices have not eliminated buyers' preference for larger homes, although affordability continues to influence where and when they purchase.
For developers, the findings point to continued demand across both compact and larger formats rather than a uniform shift towards smaller homes.
₹90 Lakh to ₹1.5 Crore Is the Top Price Band
The ₹90 lakh–₹1.5 crore price bracket emerged as the most preferred range, selected by 34% of respondents.
Another 27% preferred homes priced above ₹1.5 crore, highlighting continued demand for relatively higher-value properties.
In Pune, first-time buyers looking for a more accessible entry point are increasingly considering peripheral locations. Areas such as Pimpri-Chinchwad, Wagholi, Dhanori, Ambegaon and Undri were identified as entry-level markets where homes are priced around ₹60 lakh.
Affordability Remains the Biggest Buying Constraint
The survey shows that affordability is increasingly shaping the timing and location of home purchases.
Among respondents delaying or cancelling their purchase:
- 44% cited affordability as the main constraint
- 32% said suitable properties were unavailable within their budget
- 38% of respondents overall said they may delay their purchase slightly
- 18% said they may postpone indefinitely or cancel
Some buyers facing higher prices are responding by moving towards peripheral locations, delaying purchases or continuing to rent.
What the Survey Means for Homebuyers
The findings show two parallel trends in India's housing market. Buyers continue to aspire towards larger homes, but affordability is forcing some households to reconsider the location, size or timing of their purchase.
For developers and property buyers, the city-level differences are particularly important. A 1BHK can remain relevant as an entry-level product in expensive markets, while 2BHK and 3BHK homes continue to command stronger overall preference.
The survey covered 8,320 respondents aged 23 to 77 across 14 cities, providing a broad snapshot of current homebuyer sentiment.