A recent analysis by ANAROCK reveals a substantial increase in average flat sizes across the top seven Indian cities, with a remarkable 32% growth over the past five years. The average flat size has expanded from 1,145 square feet in 2019 to 1,513 square feet in the first half of 2024.
Key Findings:
- NCR Leads in Growth: The National Capital Region (NCR) has experienced the most significant growth, with average flat sizes soaring by 96% from 1,250 square feet in 2019 to 2,450 square feet in H1 2024. This surge is attributed to a boost in new luxury housing supply.
- Yearly Trends: Average flat sizes in the top seven cities have risen by 7% in the last six months, with the average size in 2023 being approximately 1,420 square feet.
- City Comparisons: NCR has the largest average flat size among the top cities, followed by Hyderabad at 2,010 square feet. Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) has the smallest average size, with a modest increase of 5% over five years, reaching 825 square feet.
Detailed City Insights:
- NCR: The average flat size grew by 96% over five years and 30% in the past six months alone, reflecting a strong shift towards luxury homes. NCR saw the highest growth among the top cities, driven by increased supply in the luxury segment.
- Hyderabad: This city saw an 18% increase in average flat size over five years, rising from 1,700 square feet in 2019 to 2,010 square feet in H1 2024. However, Hyderabad experienced a 13% decrease in average flat sizes in the past six months.
- Bengaluru: Flat sizes increased by 27% over five years, from 1,280 square feet to 1,630 square feet. Between 2023 and H1 2024, Bengaluru saw a 10% rise.
- Chennai: Chennai’s average flat size grew by 32% over the last five years, reaching 1,450 square feet in H1 2024. In the past six months, it saw a 15% increase.
- Pune: Pune experienced a 21% increase in average flat size over five years, growing from 910 square feet in 2019 to 1,103 square feet in H1 2024. There was a slight 1% increase in the past six months.
- Kolkata: Kolkata’s average flat size rose by 13% in five years, reaching 1,125 square feet in H1 2024 from 1,000 square feet in 2019. The size remained relatively stable compared to 2023.
- MMR: MMR continues to have the smallest average flat size among the top cities, with only a 5% increase over five years, reaching 825 square feet. The region saw a modest 4% increase in the past six months.
Expert Commentary:
Santhosh Kumar, Vice Chairman of ANAROCK Group, commented on the trends: “The significant increase in average flat sizes, particularly in NCR, is largely driven by the rise in luxury apartment supply over the past year. Developers are responding to the heightened demand for spacious, high-end homes. This is a notable shift from the previous dominance of affordable housing in NCR, which has seen a steady decline in recent years.”
He added, “While MMR saw the least growth in flat sizes, the increase across other major cities highlights a broader trend towards larger homes. The preference for more spacious living environments persists despite rising prices and the end of pandemic-driven demand spikes.”
Market Implications:
The increase in average flat sizes across major cities reflects a shift in consumer preferences towards larger homes, despite rising residential prices. In NCR, the shift towards luxury housing has significantly impacted the average flat size, while other cities like MMR show minimal changes. This trend highlights ongoing demand for more spacious homes amid fluctuating market conditions.
