Indian homebuyers are showing a clear preference for larger homes, with 48% of respondents opting for 3BHK units, while the ₹90 lakh–₹1.5 crore price bracket has emerged as the most preferred budget segment, according to the Anarock Consumer Sentiment Survey – H1 2026.
The survey covered 8,320 respondents aged 23-77 years across 14 cities. It found that 34% of respondents preferred homes priced between ₹90 lakh and ₹1.5 crore, followed by 27% opting for homes priced above ₹1.5 crore.
The preference for larger configurations is also strengthening. While 3BHKs accounted for 48% of overall preferences, 2BHKs remained the second-most preferred configuration at 38%. Demand for 4BHK and larger homes rose to nearly 5%, from around 3% in H1 2024.
Chennai among markets with highest 3BHK preference
Ahmedabad recorded the highest preference for 3BHK homes at 57%, followed by Chennai and Delhi-NCR at 53% each and Hyderabad at 52%.
Bengaluru and Kolkata recorded 46% preference for 3BHKs, while Pune stood at 47%. MMR had the lowest preference among the surveyed markets at 39%.
“The H1 2026 findings clearly point towards a continued premiumisation of housing demand,” says Anarock Group Chairman 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.”
Rising prices change buying behaviour
The survey found that rising property prices remain a significant concern, with 65% of respondents at least moderately worried about the current price surge. However, 44% intend to proceed with their planned purchase, while 38% may delay their purchase slightly. Only 18% may postpone indefinitely or cancel their plans.
Affordability was cited as the biggest constraint by 44% of those delaying or cancelling purchases, followed by reduced property options within their budget at 32%.
Rather than abandoning homeownership, buyers are adapting their plans. Around 31% are shifting from buying to renting, while 20% are considering peripheral locations. Overall, 43% said their preferences had not changed.
End-users drive housing demand
Self-use remains the dominant purchase motive, with 68% of respondents buying homes for their own use compared with 32% purchasing for investment.
At the same time, buyers are increasingly viewing residential property as a financial asset. At least 77% consider rental income important or very important while assessing investment potential, while 67% attach importance to potential resale value.
New launches gain ground
New launches are gaining traction, with 34% of respondents preferring them compared with 18% opting for ready-to-move-in homes. The ratio has shifted from 30:25 in H1 2022 to 18:34 in H1 2026.
Developer reputation was the leading consideration when evaluating new projects, cited by 34% of respondents, followed by pricing benefits at 21%.
The survey also found that real estate remains the preferred investment asset for 60% of respondents, compared with 20% for stocks, 11% for gold and 9% for fixed deposits.
The findings indicate that higher property prices are influencing the location, timing and configuration of home purchases, while overall demand for homeownership remains intact.