Different Types of Housing In India

We have listed the top Indian house types for you to choose from. 

1. Apartments/ Flats

If you have lived in a city, you would have probably come across apartments. These high-rise buildings are the most common housing types in India. The flats come in 1 BHK, 2 BHK, 3 BHK or 4 BHK configurations, depending on how many bedrooms, halls and kitchens they have. 

It is ideal for those looking for facilities like handled maintenance and shared benefits like a play area, a garden, lifts, security, a swimming pool, a gym, a clubhouse, parking, etc. 

2. Serviced Apartments

A serviced apartment is a fully furnished home that comes with hotel-like services such as housekeeping and concierge support. It costs less than the hotels. And so, it is the popular choice for business travellers, NRIs and corporate employees in the metro cities for short or long-term stays.

3. Studio Flats

If you are a bachelor, a student or a working professional, new to the city or living alone, a studio apartment/flat might be just perfect. Known as 1RK, it has a single open space, where your bedroom, kitchen and living room will be combined with no walls separating them. It comes with an attached bathroom, though. 

4. Condominiums

They are nothing but apartments. Condominiums, also known as Condo is the more commonly used term for apartments in Western Countries, like the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe. 

Next on the list of different types of housing in India, is the Penthouses. 

5. Penthouses

A penthouse is a luxurious apartment on the top floor of a high-rise building. It is suitable for those who prefer exclusivity and privacy. It comes with a private terrace, extraordinary views, and exceptional features, like a jacuzzi, a personal lift, and a rooftop garden. It is mostly owned by business magnets, celebrities, and high net worth individuals. 

6. Villas

A villa is a modern, standalone house built in a gated community. It is one of the common types of housing in India. It is known for its elegant architecture, large interiors, and private outdoor spaces. Wealthy families, NRIs, and professionals looking for high-end homes opt for these. Villas in a gated community come with shared spaces like gardens, swimming pools, parks and clubhouses. 

7. Row Houses

They are independent homes built in a row, sharing side walls with neighbours. Each house has its own entrance, gardens, balconies, and sometimes even rooftop spaces for extra comfort, giving you privacy while still being a part of a closely-knit community. Plus, they are more affordable than villas, too. Since it is located in a gated community, it comes with security and amenities. It is affordable when compared to villas. 

Also read: How windows and doors can contribute to green building?

8. Duplex/Triplex Houses

These are luxurious individual houses with two/three floors connected by an internal staircase, making them spacious and perfect for large families. They are more expensive than apartments and villas; however, cost less than a bungalow. It is mostly occupied only by the owners, while rarely rented out to tenants. 

9. Bungalows

A bungalow is a big, independent house built on a large plot of land. It is a single-story house known for its vast outdoor spaces for a garden or play area, open veranda and sloped roofs. It also has large windows that bring in lots of sunlight, making the space feel bright and airy. Unlike villas, bungalows are not part of any gated community and are occupied only by owners, offering complete privacy and independence.

10. Courtyard Houses

Have you ever seen a Chettinad house? It has an open space in the centre for better airflow and has multiple courtyards. It is a classic example of traditional types of Indian houses. 

A house built around a central open space for natural light and ventilation is known as a courtyard house. Havelis in North India, Assam-style houses in East India, Gujarat’s Pol houses in West India, Kerala's Nalukettu houses and Tamil Nadu’s Chettinad homes in South India are some examples. 

11. Farmhouses

Farmhouses are built in rural areas, on the outskirts of the cities, surrounded by fields and gardens. People buy them as vacation homes or retirement residences. They are perfect for those who want a relaxed and pollution-free life and enjoy gardening or farming.

12. Cottages  

Cottages are small and cosy homes found in hill stations or tourist spots. With sloped roofs and charming interiors, they offer a warm feeling. It is best for those who are seeking a quiet getaway or planning to start staycation business facilities.

13. Eco-Friendly Homes

Eco-friendly homes are built using sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled wood, and mud bricks. They use solar power, rainwater harvesting, and natural cooling methods to reduce carbon footprint. Though these are not the common types of housing in India, now they are starting to get popular in cities and rural areas. 

14. Unique Homes

Some types of housing in India, make you wonder, ‘Is this real?’. Treehouses, houseboats, and earth homes are a few to mention. These homes are creative and suitable for adventure lovers and eco-conscious people. Most of these houses are built for business purposes these days, as they attract a large number of people to live the experience.  

When it comes to construction building houses, Indian homes follow different architectural styles based on location, climate, and culture. 

Also read: How to incorporate village aesthetics into your home?