Demand for Compact 1RK Apartments Rising in Bengaluru’s IT Sector
Bengaluru’s real estate market is witnessing a growing interest in compact homes, specifically 1RK (1 Room Kitchen) flats. These small, functional spaces are becoming popular among students, especially IT professionals working in the city’s busy tech corridors. With high rents, long travel hours, and rising property prices, more and more people are opting for these smart, cost-effective housing units.
Why Are 1RK Flats Gaining Attention?
The main reason behind the rising popularity of 1RK apartments is the growing cost of living in Bengaluru. With 2BHK flats in prime locations like Indiranagar renting for as high as ₹80,000 per month, many working professionals are shifting to smaller, budget-friendly flats. A 1RK flat in the same area can cost less than ₹20,000, making it a practical alternative.
These apartments are usually located near IT parks and come fully furnished with modern facilities. This helps IT employees reduce travel time and enjoy a more convenient weekday lifestyle. Many also use these flats as secondary residences to avoid long commutes between work and their main homes.
What Is a 1RK Flat?
A 1RK flat includes one main room that serves as a bedroom and living area, a separate kitchen, and a bathroom. In Bengaluru, these studio apartments generally range between 250 to 450 square feet. They are easy to maintain, affordable, and often located inside gated communities, offering security, clubhouse access, and maintenance services.
Where Are 1RK Flats Mostly Found?
1RK flats are in high demand in tech-driven areas like Whitefield in the east and Electronic City in the south. In these locations, rents for 1RK units usually range between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 30,000 per month. While these prices are still high for smaller units, they are far more affordable than larger apartments in the same localities.
In areas like Marathahalli and HSR Layout, rents are slightly lower—around Rs. 22,000—making them attractive to those who want to live closer to their office but spend less on accommodation. These apartments are ideal for those living alone or on temporary assignments in the city.
Growing Demand, Limited Supply
Real estate experts say that 1RK flats were rare in Bengaluru five years ago. Developers focused more on 2BHK and 3BHK configurations. But now, the situation is changing as demand increases. However, the supply of such units is still limited, especially in prime areas. This gap between demand and supply has caused prices to rise even for these smaller homes.
Sunil Singh, Director of Realty Corp, explains that people now consider 1RK flats living spaces and rental investments. These units fetch decent rental income and are easier to lease out, especially in areas with a high footfall of IT employees and students.
What Makes Them Attractive?
Along with affordability and location benefits, the added facilities in new 1RK flats make them highly desirable. Most new constructions offer security, power backup, parking, and clubhouses. These features, combined with proximity to tech parks and connectivity via metro or buses, make them a complete package for single working professionals.
Real estate brokers say many of these flats sell fast due to these advantages. While some people buy them for personal use, others invest in them for rental income.
Disclaimer: Rental prices and availability may change depending on market conditions and locality. Readers should check with verified brokers or property websites before making financial decisions.
Source: Navbharat Times