Date: December 06, 2024 Author: Team Piramal Realty

What is BHK

When searching for your dream home, whether it’s in bustling Mumbai, serene Kolkata, or anywhere across India, you’ve likely come across the term BHK. But what is BHK? Simply put, BHK means Bedroom, Hall, and Kitchen. It is a shorthand way of describing the configuration of an apartment, making it easier for home buyers and renters to understand the layout and space offered.

In a typical 1 BHK apartment, for example, you'll have one bedroom, one hall (living area), and one kitchen. As you move up in terms of the number, the space increases: a 2 BHK has two bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen, and so on. This straightforward labeling has become increasingly popular, especially in the context of urban living, where multi-storey apartments are the norm.

Piramal Realty offers various BHKs to suit your needs at prime locations, providing flexibility for individuals and families alike to find their perfect space in a city like Mumbai.

Classification of BHKs:

1 BHK: Bedroom, Hall, and Kitchen. Ideal for singles or couples, consisting of one bedroom, a hall, and a kitchen.
2 BHK: 2 Bedrooms, Hall, and Kitchen. Common among small families, offering two bedrooms along with a hall and kitchen.
3 BHK: 3 Bedrooms, Hall, and Kitchen. Suitable for medium to large families, providing three bedrooms, more space, and comfort.
4 BHK: 4 Bedrooms, Hall, and Kitchen. Designed for larger families or those seeking more space, offering four bedrooms with a hall and kitchen, often accompanied by additional features like a study or servant’s room.
5 BHK: 5 Bedrooms, Hall, and Kitchen. A luxury option for joint families or those desiring expansive living, providing five bedrooms and ample space for larger households or premium lifestyles.

Now that you know the BHK full form, let’s understand a bit more about carpet area and built-up area, as they play an equally important role in shortlisting a flat.

Understanding Carpet and Built-Up Area:

Understanding Carpet Area and Built-Up Area is crucial when choosing your ideal home. The carpet area refers to the usable floor space within an apartment, excluding the thickness of walls, balconies, and shared spaces. It represents the actual living area where you can place your furniture and move around. On the other hand, the built-up area includes the carpet area plus the thickness of walls and certain semi-covered spaces like balconies, typically amounting to 10-20% more than the carpet area. Knowing these terms helps you gauge the practical usability of a flat and make an informed decision about whether it aligns with your needs.

Does a BHK Define a Standard Size?

While a BHK indicates the number of rooms in a home, it does not define a standard size for these spaces. For instance, what is 3 BHK in a luxury residential complex might feature significantly larger rooms compared to a 3 BHK in an affordable housing project. The size of bedrooms, halls, and kitchens can vary greatly depending on the builder, location, and property type. Additionally, factors like the 3 BHK flat price in Mumbai can vary based on these differences, making it essential to check the carpet area and built-up area for a clearer understanding of the available space.

The Rise of BHK and the Shift in Urban Living

In cities like Mumbai, where space is at a premium, the demand for housing has led to a shift in how homes are marketed. Rather than focusing on square footage, the BHK system provides a more tangible way to compare apartments. The rapid urbanization of major cities in India has fueled the need for compact, efficient living spaces, with a focus on functionality. The introduction of BHK terminology helps home buyers to quickly assess the type of space available without diving deep into detailed measurements. For example, options like 3 BHK luxury flats in Mumbai cater to families seeking spacious, premium living spaces in urban environments.

Significance of BHK:

Now that you know what is BHK, let’s explore its significance.

Simplifies decision-making: By providing a clear understanding of the apartment's layout, BHK classifications make it easier for buyers to select a home that matches their needs.
Caters to diverse requirements: From singles to joint families, the system ensures there’s something for everyone—be it a compact 1 BHK or a luxurious 5BHK.
Improves market transparency: Buyers can easily compare properties based on configuration without needing detailed architectural plans.
Reflects lifestyle preferences: The choice of BHK is often tied to lifestyle needs—such as a larger BHK for growing families or smaller units for professionals on the go.
Enhances affordability assessment: BHK types often correlate with price ranges, helping buyers align their budget with their expectations.

Over time, as more people migrated to urban centers in search of job opportunities, particularly in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata, the real estate landscape evolved. High-rise apartments became the go-to choice for many, and the BHK classification made it easier for individuals to filter through the numerous options available. Whether you're a single professional looking for a 1 BHK or a family in need of more space with a 3 BHK, the system has helped simplify the decision-making process.

How to Decide Between a 1 BHK, 2 BHK, and Beyond

Choosing the right BHK configuration for your home is an essential decision that depends on several factors. Read on to explore the key factors that will help guide your decision and ensure you choose the perfect home for your needs.

Family Size and Living Requirements

Singles or Young Professionals: A 1 BHK is typically sufficient for singles or couples starting out. It offers the ideal balance of space—compact enough to be low-maintenance, yet comfortable and functional for day-to-day living.
Small Families: For small families with one or two children, a 2 BHK strikes the perfect balance between space and cost. The additional bedroom can be utilized as a children's room or guest room, offering flexibility without compromising on comfort.
Large or Joint Families: Families with more than two children or those living with parents might consider a 3 BHK in South Mumbai or any other part of Mumbai to accommodate everyone comfortably. Additional rooms ensure privacy and allow for activities like remote work or study.

Lifestyle and Work Preferences

Work-from-Home Professionals: With the rise of remote work, professionals often prefer a 2 BHK or 3 BHK as it offers the added benefit of space to create a dedicated home office, providing both comfort and productivity without compromising on living space.
Frequent Entertainers: If you host gatherings regularly, a larger living space such as a 3 BHK or 4 BHK provides the room needed for guests without compromising personal space.
Minimalists: For those who embrace a minimalist lifestyle, a 1 BHK or compact 2 BHK may be more suitable, as it promotes a tidy, organized home by limiting the space available for unnecessary belongings.

Future Growth Plans

Are you planning to grow your family in the near future? Opting for a larger apartment now might save you the hassle of upgrading later.
If your children are nearing adulthood, you might want to ensure they have their own rooms, making a 3 BHK or 4 BHK a better choice.

Location and Space Availability

Urban Centers: In crowded cities like Mumbai, where space comes at a premium, 1 BHK and 2 BHK apartments are more common and practical.
Suburban or Tier-2 Cities: In areas like Pune or Thane, larger units like 3 BHKs or 4 BHKs may be more affordable, making them viable for families seeking additional space.

Space for Hobbies or Activities

If you enjoy pursuing hobbies like yoga, painting, or music practice, having extra space in your apartment can make a significant difference. A larger BHK, such as a 3 BHK apartment in South Mumbai or 4 BHK, allows you to set up dedicated rooms or corners for these activities, creating a comfortable and peaceful environment. Whether it's a sunlit room for painting, a quiet corner for yoga, or a soundproof area for music practice, the added space can enhance your ability to engage in these hobbies without feeling cramped or disturbed.

Vastu Shastra and its role in deciding the right BHK

Vastu Shastra often influences homebuyers' decisions by guiding the placement of rooms to align with natural elements and energies. Buyers seeking a harmonious living environment may prioritize larger BHKs, such as 4 BHKs, because they offer more flexibility for implementing Vastu principles. For example, a 4 BHK layout allows the kitchen to be placed in the southeast and the master bedroom in the southwest, which are considered ideal according to Vastu. In contrast, while 1 BHK and 2 BHK apartments can still follow Vastu, space constraints might limit the ability to fully adhere to the ideal room placements.

This factor plays a crucial role in decision-making, especially for buyers who value Vastu's impact on well-being, prosperity, and energy balance.

Ultimately, understanding how Vastu influences home layouts helps buyers make more informed decisions, ensuring their new home aligns with both practical needs and personal aspirations.

Conclusion

Choosing the right BHK configuration is a personal decision that combines practical needs with lifestyle aspirations. Whether you’re a single professional seeking a cozy 2 BHK or a growing family in need of the expansive space offered by a 4 BHK, it’s essential to consider factors like family size, work-from-home needs, and future growth plans.

Piramal Realty offers a variety of configurations across its projects to suit different lifestyles and preferences. At Piramal Revanta in Mulund, choose from spacious 2, 3, and 4 BHK apartments, designed for urban living. Piramal Mahalaxmi, overlooking the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, features luxurious 2, 3, 4, and 4.5 BHK residences with stunning city and sea views. Piramal Aranya near Rani Baug offers 2, 3, 4, and 5 BHK homes that combine nature-inspired designs with modern amenities. In Thane, Piramal Vaikunth presents a serene community with thoughtfully designed 1, 1.5, 2 & 3 BHK flats. Each project provides a unique blend of aesthetics and functionality, ensuring every resident finds their ideal home.

Disclaimer- The views expressed above are for informational purposes only based on industry reports and related news stories. Piramal Realty does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information and shall not be held responsible for any action taken based on the published information.