What is a BHK? It's a term commonly used in real estate to describe the number of rooms in a house. But do you really know what it means? Let's dive into the full form, meaning, and use of BHKs to gain a better understanding.
Decoding BHKs
The acronym BHK stands for Bedroom, Hall, and Kitchen. It indicates the number of rooms in a residential property. For example, a 2BHK refers to a home with two bedrooms, a hall, and a kitchen. Similarly, a 1 BHK denotes a home with a single bedroom, a hall, and a kitchen.
Image: A typical BHK apartment
In addition to flats, the term BHK is also used for bungalows, independent homes, builder floor properties, and villas. However, it's important to note that BHK does not refer to a plot of land unless it is used to represent its future potential.
Different Types of BHKs
Now, let's explore various types of BHKs and their features:
0.5 BHK
A 0.5 BHK apartment is a smaller-sized unit with a bedroom, a toilet, and a kitchen. These apartments are gaining popularity due to the fast urbanization and changing demand for living spaces in India. They are often seen in posh and high-end apartment complexes and are a popular choice among home buyers.
1 BHK
A 1 BHK apartment consists of a hall, a kitchen, and a standard-sized primary bedroom. The primary bedroom usually has a separate bathroom and toilet. These apartments are popular for their affordability, especially in centrally located areas.
1.5 BHK
A 1.5 BHK apartment features a primary bedroom and a smaller-sized room that can be used as a storage space, study room, servants' quarters, or even a kids' room. Interior designers often suggest using this extra room as a pooja room. However, this additional room may or may not have windows and other amenities like the main bedroom.
2 BHK
A 2 BHK apartment offers two bedrooms, one hall, and one kitchen. The main bedroom usually has an attached bathroom, while the guest bathrooms are located outside the rooms. These apartments are popular among families with young children as they provide more space compared to a one-bedroom apartment but are less expensive than a three-bedroom apartment.
2.5 BHK
A 2.5 BHK apartment refers to a flat with two bedrooms and an additional smaller room that can be used as a servant's quarters or storage space. These apartments are in high demand, particularly in Delhi-NCR, as they offer the convenience of a 3BHK at a more affordable cost. They are often preferred by middle-sized families.
3 BHK
A 3 BHK apartment consists of three bedrooms, one hall, and one kitchen. These apartments are in high demand, especially in cities like Mumbai and Delhi-NCR. They may have three bathrooms, two attached to the rooms and one common bathroom.
4 BHK and Beyond
For those looking for even larger spaces, there are 4 BHK and larger apartments available. These provide ample room for larger families or individuals who prefer more spacious living quarters.
Understanding BHK Sizes
It's important to note that the size of a BHK apartment may vary depending on the location and the builder. Sometimes, a 1 BHK unit may appear larger than a typical 2 BHK, or a 3 BHK may look smaller than a 2 BHK in terms of square footage. This inconsistency occurs because there are no established guidelines for typical BHK sizes. Factors such as the availability of land in a certain area and the cost of construction can influence the size of BHK apartments.
Carpet Area, Built-Up Area, and Super Built-Up Area
When discussing the size of a property, it's essential to understand certain terms:
- Carpet Area: This refers to the actual usable space within your home. It doesn't include areas such as the entrance, lift, staircase, and the width of interior walls.
- Built-Up Area: This includes the carpet area, the area covered by the interior walls, and the balcony.
- Super Built-Up Area: This includes the built-up area, the carpet area, and a portion of the common areas accessible to all residents, such as the stairs, lobbies, and galleries.
Before the introduction of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), developers used to mention the density and spaciousness of new developments. However, the RERA has put an end to misleading practices.
Choosing Between BHKs - Factors to Consider
Deciding between 1 BHK, 2 BHK, or 3 BHK apartments can be a challenging task. Several factors come into play, such as:
Purpose of Buying
If you're buying a property for investment purposes, a 2 BHK is more likely to sell than a 1 BHK. The demand for two-bedroom apartments is consistently higher. However, if you're buying a property for personal use, you need to consider your current and future needs.
Future Planning
Think about your long-term plans. A 1 BHK apartment may initially seem sufficient for a small family, but it may not be enough if you plan to expand your family in the future. A 2 BHK apartment can provide ample room for a growing family.
Property Price
The size of the house directly affects its cost. A 2 BHK apartment will generally be more expensive than a 1 BHK of the same size and location. Consider your budget and the cost of the property before making a decision.
Market Trend
The demand for 2 BHK apartments has led developers to pay closer attention to the supply and facilities they offer. Depending on the location, pricing, and layout, buyers might prefer a 2 BHK over a 1 BHK.
These factors should be carefully weighed to make an informed decision that aligns with your requirements and financial capabilities.
Studio vs. 1 BHK
The terms "Studio" and "1 BHK" are often interchanged, causing confusion among home buyers. Understanding the difference is crucial:
- A studio flat is similar in size to a 1 BHK, but the layout is different. It typically consists of a single large room where space needs to be allocated for the kitchen, bed, etc. There's no separation between the bedroom and living space. If there's a wall separating the sleeping area from the kitchen, it is called a 1 RK (Room Kitchen). However, a studio apartment usually has a larger carpet area than a 1 RK and feels more open and spacious.
- A 1 BHK apartment, on the other hand, has a dedicated bedroom, kitchen, living space, and bathroom.
Choosing Between 2, 3, and 4 Bedroom Apartments
When it comes to deciding between 2 BHK, 3 BHK, or 4 BHK apartments, several factors need to be considered:
Budget & Price
Buying a larger apartment can impose a significant financial burden, so it's essential to assess your budget and the associated costs. Renting might be a better option if buying a larger apartment strains your finances.
Rules & Regulations
Renting an apartment often comes with restrictions on entry timings, structural changes, and visitors. Owning a 2 BHK, 3 BHK, or 4 BHK apartment gives you more freedom and control.
Flexibility
Renting provides greater flexibility in terms of moving to a different area. If relocation is a possibility, renting might be a better choice. On the other hand, if stability is a priority, owning a bigger apartment could be the right decision.
Interior & Layout Design
Renting a home usually comes with limitations on making permanent design changes. When you own a 2 BHK, 3 BHK, or 4 BHK apartment, you have the freedom to customize the interior and layout according to your preferences.
Tax Benefits
Owning a property comes with several tax advantages, such as deductions on home loan interest. Renting, on the other hand, offers limited tax benefits.
Considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your financial situation and lifestyle needs.
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