Apartment sizes up 15% in 6 years as Kolkata seeks larger homes post Covid
Times of India | 26 January 2025
KOLKATA: The average size of residential apartments in Kolkata has increased by 15% in the past six years, a growth fuelled by the need for larger flats during the pandemic-induced lockdown in 2020 when families were confined indoors for months.
A report by real estate consultant Anarock shows average flat size in Kolkata has increased from 1,000 sq ft in 2019 to 1,149 sq ft in 2024, which translates to a bigger living space and an additional room of modest size for use as a study or guest room.
“The demand for bigger homes happened post Covid and the trend has persisted. People now want bigger living spaces, baths and kitchens,” said Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of India (Credai) Bengal president Siddharth Pansari.
According to Credai West Bengal president Sushil Mohta, the demand for bigger homes also indicates an increase in affordability. “The income of the middle class has gone up. This has also led to a change in the definition of middle and high-income groups. While middle-income flats used to cost Rs 35-40 lakh, now they extend up to Rs 1.5 crore. On the other hand, high-income group apartments that used to cost Rs 1.5-2 crore now cost over Rs 4-5 crore,” he said.
CREDAI’s Sushil Mohta said, “Salaried people, mid-level executives, small business owners, and doctors who are yet to make a big name with an income of around Rs 25-40 lakh per annum are purchasing homes priced over Rs 1 crore,” he said.
This shift in demand has prompted developers to return to the drawing board to increase the size of units by making living rooms and bathrooms bigger and adding another room to the unit.
Siddha Group MD Sanjay Jain says while two bedroom units were traditionally the fastest moving ones, it is now reverse with people preferring three and four bedroom apartments. “People are also willing to travel further to purchase a bigger unit if the one’s in their preferred location are too expensive,” he said.
“As we navigate the evolving landscape of Kolkata’s real estate market, it’s clear that homebuyers are increasingly seeking more spacious and luxurious living options. In the recent past, we’ve witnessed a significant uptick in demand for larger homes. This trend is driven by a growing desire for comfort, luxury, and modern amenities,” said Purti Realty Managing Director Mahesh Agarwal.
The ratio of the hike in average flat size in Kolkata is higher than Mumbai’s 8% but is lower than the all-India average of 34%. Nationally, average flat size has increased from 1,145 sq ft in 2019 to 1,540 sq ft in 2024.