Homebuyers Opt Functional Layouts, Make Convenience Priority

Homebuyers are increasingly prioritising functional apartment layouts, with a growing preference for two bathrooms in 2BHK homes and three in 3BHK apartments.

Homebuyers opt functional layouts, make convenience priority . (Image for representational purpose only)

PROPERTY PULSE

Homebuyers are increasingly looking beyond the number of bedrooms and overall apartment size when evaluating residential properties. Bathrooms, once treated as secondary spaces in floor-plan decisions, are emerging as an important consideration, with buyers showing a preference for dedicated facilities for every bedroom.

Two bathrooms in a 2BHK apartment and three in a 3BHK home are gradually becoming preferred configurations among many buyers. The shift reflects changing family structures, working lifestyles and a growing emphasis on personal privacy and convenience.

Private Facilities

During the 1960s and 1970s, many Indian households had one toilet for the entire family. Attached bathrooms were generally associated with larger homes. This arrangement continued in urban apartments into the late 1990s and early 2000s, when many two- and three-bedroom flats had one common bathroom and, in some cases, an additional attached facility for the master bedroom.

Family lifestyles have since changed. Dual-income households, children attending schools and colleges, and elderly parents living with families have increased the need for multiple bathrooms. A single common facility can become inconvenient, particularly during busy mornings when several family members need to get ready.

Privacy has also become a greater consideration. Exposure to modern hotels and hospitality facilities has raised expectations around bathroom design, fittings and comfort.

Space & Functionality

The preference for additional bathrooms presents a design challenge for developers, who must accommodate these facilities without significantly reducing bedroom and living areas. In a typical 2BHK apartment, bathrooms may account for approximately 7–10 per cent of the total carpet area.

In a 3BHK home, the share could rise to around 9–12 per cent, depending on the apartment's size and layout. Adding bathrooms requires more than allocating floor space. Plumbing networks, drainage, waterproofing, ventilation and natural lighting must also be considered. Their positioning at the design stage is important to ensure functionality without compromising the overall floor plan.

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Bathroom Design Gains Attention

Just as modular kitchens have become an important feature in residential projects, bathroom design is receiving greater attention from homebuyers. Buyers increasingly evaluate sanitaryware, fittings, tiles, shower enclosures, vanity units and storage facilities rather than focusing only on the number of bathrooms.

A mid-range bathroom renovation, including tiles, sanitaryware, fittings and a vanity unit, can cost approximately ₹1 lakh–₹2 lakh. Premium fittings, shower enclosures, specialised storage and high-end finishes can increase the expenditure considerably.

For developers, the challenge is to combine functional layouts with attractive finishes while keeping construction costs under control. For buyers, the number, accessibility and quality of bathrooms are becoming part of the broader assessment of a home's comfort and usability.