MMR Homebuyers Prefer 2BHK Homes Amid Rising Property Prices

2BHK Homes Lead Preferences in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region

Homebuyers across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) are showing a clear preference for compact and practical homes as property prices continue to rise. According to the Anarock Consumer Sentiment Survey for the first half of 2026, more than 40% of MMR respondents said they prefer 2BHK homes.

The survey also found that 39% of MMR respondents prefer 3BHK homes. This is the lowest preference for 3BHK units among the major cities covered in the survey.

The findings highlight how affordability and changing housing needs are influencing homebuying decisions in the MMR. While buyers continue to value comfortable homes, many are also considering options that better match their budgets.

MMR Buyers Show Different Housing Preferences

The Anarock survey covered 8,320 respondents between the ages of 23 and 77 across 14 major cities in India. The results showed that MMR has a different housing preference compared with several other major markets.

Demand for 1BHK homes also remains relatively strong in the region. This indicates that buyers in MMR are considering smaller home configurations as they balance space requirements with property prices.

At the national level, the preference is moving more toward larger homes. Around 48% of respondents across India preferred 3BHK properties, making them the most popular configuration. Meanwhile, 38% preferred 2BHK homes.

Interest in 4BHK and larger properties has also increased. Nearly 5% of respondents preferred these larger configurations in H1 2026, compared with around 3% in H1 2024.

3BHK Demand Remains Strong in Several Major Cities

Housing preferences vary significantly across India's major real estate markets. Ahmedabad recorded the highest preference for 3BHK homes at 57%, according to the survey.

Chennai and Delhi-NCR followed with 53% each, while Hyderabad recorded a 52% preference for 3BHK properties. Bengaluru and Kolkata each recorded 46%, while Pune stood at 47%.

MMR recorded the lowest preference for 3BHK homes among the surveyed major markets at 39%.

Anuj Puri, Chairman of ANAROCK Group, said the preference for larger homes is visible across most major markets, although the level of demand differs from one city to another.

Mid-Range Homes Remain Important for Buyers

Budget considerations are also playing an important role in India's housing market. The survey found that homes priced between Rs 90 lakh and Rs 1.5 crore were the most preferred budget segment nationally, accounting for 34% of respondents.

Another 27% of respondents preferred properties priced above Rs 1.5 crore. These figures show that buyers continue to remain active in the residential market while carefully assessing property prices and affordability.

Rising Property Prices Change Homebuying Plans

Increasing property prices are influencing how buyers approach their purchase decisions. The survey found that 65% of respondents nationally are at least moderately concerned about rising home prices.

However, the higher prices have not completely reduced buying interest. About 44% of respondents said they would continue with their planned purchase, while 38% said they could delay their decision.

Some buyers are also changing their housing strategies to manage higher costs. Around 31% said they may shift from buying a home to renting, while 20% are considering properties in peripheral locations.

At the same time, 43% of respondents said their housing preferences had not changed despite rising prices.

Self-Use Remains the Main Reason for Buying a Home

Homeownership for personal use continues to be the biggest driver of residential demand. The survey found that 68% of respondents were looking to purchase homes for self-use, while 32% were buying primarily for investment.

The strong self-use demand indicates that residential properties continue to be viewed as an important long-term housing need rather than only an investment opportunity.

New Housing Projects Attract Buyer Interest

New residential projects are also gaining attention among homebuyers. Around 34% of respondents said they preferred new launches, while 18% preferred ready-to-move-in properties.

For buyers interested in new projects, the reputation of the developer remains an important consideration. Pricing, location and construction quality are also major factors influencing purchasing decisions.

These preferences suggest that buyers are looking beyond the size of a home and are also evaluating the overall value, quality and reliability of a project before making a purchase.

Residential Real Estate Remains a Preferred Investment

Residential real estate continues to hold a strong position among preferred investment options. According to the survey, 60% of respondents selected residential property as their preferred investment asset class.

Stocks were preferred by 20% of respondents, followed by gold at 11% and fixed deposits at 9%.

The survey results point to continued interest in India's residential property market, even as buyers become more careful about budgets, home sizes and locations. In MMR, the strong preference for 2BHK homes reflects how buyers are adapting their choices to balance affordability, comfort and long-term housing needs.