2-bedroom flats go out of style as buyers go big

2-bedroom flats go out of style as buyers go big

TNN | Jan 23, 2025, 03.59 AM IST

Chennai: IT professional K Gopinath recently bought a 3.5-bedroom apartment in Porur for 85 lakh. They’re only a family of three, but that did not stop the 30-year-old from going big.

“I work on Anna Salai and could have stayed in the core city. But for the same money, I would have a smaller house. Here, I can enjoy a better lifestyle. I use the smaller room in the apartment for online fitness classes and meetings,” he said.

Two-bedroom apartments are rapidly falling out of favour in Chennai as homebuyers prioritise larger, more personalised living spaces. According to Anarock data, the city recorded a 31% increase in average apartment sizes since 2019. The average flat size in Chennai grew from 1,100sqft in 2019 to 1,445sqft in 2024, with a 15% surge last year.

“Inside the city, two-bedroom apartments are already out of vogue. In developing areas, this trend is catching up fast. Three and four-bedroom apartments are selling more in areas such as Manapakkam, Gerugambakkam, Porur, and Kundrathur,” said P Kruthivas, executive committee member of Credai-Chennai.

This shift aligns with a national trend. Across India’s top seven cities, average apartment sizes increased by 34% over the past six years. Experts attribute this change to post-pandemic lifestyle adjustments. “With remote work and hybrid models becoming the norm, homebuyers want extra rooms for offices, study areas, or online fitness,” said Sanjay Chugh, city head and director (Chennai), Anarock Group.

Rising aspirations and affordability in suburban areas also contribute to the demand for larger homes. “In the suburbs, buyers get more value for their money. Larger homes are more affordable here, catering to the demand for spacious, lifestyle-driven living,” said Chugh.