News: 3BHK Top Choice for 53% of Delhi-NCR Buyers: ANAROCK-18-09-2026
Homebuyers in Delhi-NCR are moving towards larger and costlier homes, with 3BHKs the preferred configuration and Gurugram’s growth corridors seeing stronger demand for spacious, amenity-rich residences, 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 48% prefer 3BHK homes. 2BHKs are second at 38%. Preference for 4BHK and larger homes has risen to nearly 5% from around 3% in H1 2024.
ANAROCK Group chairman Anuj Puri said the trend is visible in most major markets with varying intensity. Ahmedabad leads on 3BHK preference at 57%, followed by Chennai and Delhi-NCR at 53% each and Hyderabad at 52%. Pune stands at 47%, Bengaluru and Kolkata at 46% each, and Mumbai Metropolitan Region is lowest at 39%.
In Gurugram, Dwarka Expressway, Southern Peripheral Road (SPR), Sohna Road and New Gurugram are drawing buyers as connectivity and infrastructure improve.
End-users, not investors, are driving the shift: 68% of respondents are buying for self-use and 32% for investment.
Sudeep Bhatt, director-strategy, Whiteland Corporation, said buyers in Gurugram NCR want privacy, premium amenities, better planning and long-term value, and that the company’s move to larger 4BHK configurations at Westin Residences reflects this. Rajjath Goel, managing director, MRG Group, said the preference for 3 BHK and 4 BHK-plus apartments and for the Rs 90 lakh - Rs 1.5 crore segment points to larger, value-added housing driven by lifestyle aspirations.
Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder and Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd, said the survey mirrors what is seen on the ground, with robust end-user demand for well-planned, larger homes in micro-markets like Southern Peripheral Road and Dwarka Expressway. Rishabh Periwal, senior vice-president, Pioneer Urban Land and Infrastructure Ltd, said Gurugram buyers seek generous living spaces with premium amenities. Adil Altaf, CEO, ANHAD Developers, said they look beyond square footage to thoughtful layouts, privacy and homes that adapt to changing family needs. Shantanu Gambhir, co-founder and MD, Rise Infraventures, said buyers now prioritise space, function and long-term value, and that end-user demand remains a strong driver.
Purchase intent has held up despite rising prices. While 65% of respondents were at least moderately concerned about the price surge and 40% saw rising prices as a long-term trend, 44% intend to go ahead with their purchase and 38% may delay slightly. Only 18% may postpone indefinitely or cancel. Among those affected, affordability was the main constraint at 44%, followed by fewer options within budget at 32%.
New launches are gaining ground. About 34% prefer new-launch projects against 18% for ready-to-move-in homes. The ratio of ready homes to new launches was 18:34 in H1 2026, compared with 30:25 in H1 2022. Developer reputation was the top factor in choosing a new project at 34%, followed by pricing benefits at 21%.
Real estate remains the preferred asset class for 60% of respondents, ahead of stocks at 20%, gold at 11% and fixed deposits at 9%. Of those investing in non-real-estate assets, 44% plan to use future gains to buy a home.
