News: Amphitheatres and Reflexology Paths: Amenity or Padding?-22-07-2026

An Instagram reel has revived the argument over whether features such as reflexology paths, amphitheatres and outdoor chess boards add real value to housing projects or mainly help them stand out in marketing.

The reel’s creator contends that many facilities listed in brochures are cheap to build, lengthen the amenity count and are barely used once residents move in.

What the reel lists

The amphitheatre is called the "king of fake amenities". In many societies, the creator says, it becomes a set of concrete steps where children occasionally play rather than a venue for performances or community events.

Pebble-lined reflexology walkways, sold as wellness features, are described as inexpensive and rarely used regularly.

Jacuzzis, the video suggests, are sometimes installed where there is no room for a full-sized swimming pool, and it questions whether residents are comfortable sharing them with neighbours.

Meditation zones often amount to a gazebo or pergola with landscaping and sit empty most of the day, according to the creator.

Oversized outdoor chess boards draw curiosity in the first months after possession and then turn into decoration, the reel says. It also mentions open-air gyms, rock-climbing walls and senior-citizen corners.

Pushback from users

Many social media users agreed, but others said usefulness depends on the community, residents’ age profile and how actively the society uses shared spaces. Amphitheatres can host yoga sessions, skating classes and society events, they said, senior-citizen corners give quieter seating and climbing walls are popular with children.

Consultants’ view

Real estate consultants say no universal list of useful or useless amenities exists. Krishna Nair, a real estate consultant based in Mumbai, said usefulness depends on each buyer’s preferences and lifestyle, and that amenities are also an important part of a project’s marketing and positioning. Developers with limited land often differentiate through location, pricing or product design rather than a long amenity list, he said. Buyers ultimately decide what adds value, he added, and no developer or broker would market amenities as useless.

A real estate expert said a few developers have begun adding practical facilities such as co-working spaces, pet parks, EV charging stations and sports facilities.

According to the FICCI-ANAROCK Homebuyer Sentiment Survey published earlier, rising disposable incomes, post-pandemic preferences and hybrid work have raised demand for larger homes with wellness-focused amenities. It found 75% of prospective buyers prefer homes with balconies, 74% want better construction quality and 31% want a dedicated home office or study room.

This report is based on user-generated social media content that Hindustantimes.com has not independently verified.