As housing remains largely end-user driven with prospective buyers opting for self-use, this year, the festive season will see demand for larger (3BHK) value homes with price-constrained buyers even going for 2BHK homes in some cities.

A latest consumer sentiment survey by Anarock for H1 2026 reveals that low mid-priced homes costing between INR 80 lakh and INR 1.5 crore are emerging as the most preferred price segment. The survey done across 14 cities shows that amid premiumization of homebuyer preferences, 3BHKs account for nearly half of overall choice. For the value buyers, 2BHKs remain the second-most preferred configuration at 38 percent followed by preference for 4BHK and larger homes. Homebuyers across major markets have expressed their desire for 3BHK homes with Ahmedabad topping the list with 57 percent homebuyers followed by Chennai and Delhi-NCR at 53 percent each, and Hyderabad at 52 percent. Bengaluru records a 46 percent preference for 3BHKs, while Kolkata and Pune record 46 percent and 47 percent respectively.  MMR has the lowest 3BHK preference among the surveyed cities with 39 percent homebuyers planning to buy 3BHK homes. Prospective buyers in Kolkata, MMR and Pune have preference for 2 BHK homes while demand for 1 BHK homes is stronger in MMR and Pune. 

According to the survey findings, a notable trend is that while buyers for mid-priced higher configuration spacious homes are on the rise, buyers opting for affordable homes (below INR 45 lakh) have significantly declined. This trend is particularly notable against the backdrop of continued housing price appreciation, suggesting that premiumization is not limited to a small investor segment but is increasingly visible in end-user demand. To cash in on this opportunity, developers need to match the demand for larger homes with the right location, configuration and value equation.

The rising housing prices, as per the survey, are still a major worry for majority of prospective homebuyers who are concerned about the current price surge. Consequently, 18 percent may postpone indefinitely or cancel their purchase. Against 44 percent who intend to proceed with their planned purchase, as many as 38 percent may delay their purchase. Affordability is the biggest constraint and is cited by 44 percent of those delaying or cancelling their purchases, followed by reduced property options within budget (32 percent). As many as 31 percent budget-constrained buyers are shifting from buying to renting while 20 percent are looking for peripheral locations.

Over two -third of those inclined towards homebuying, want it for personal use with one third wanting homes in newly launched projects against less than one fifth preferring ready-to-move homes due to lower initial financial commitment. These end-users are increasingly looking at homes as long-term assets, with capital appreciation, rental income and potential resale value. Only one-third prospective buyers are looking at buying for purely speculative purposes.