Pune's Housing Boom: Why Buyers Favour Large Spaces and Suburban Areas
Pune's housing landscape is changing rapidly as more people register for properties over 800 sq ft. This accounts for 33% of total transactions, a 1% annual increase, showing a big shift in lifestyle. It's not just about the size; it's about redefining home living standards driven by hybrid work and generational wealth.
The Spatial Awakening: Beyond Pandemic Aftermath
What began as a pandemic necessity has turned into a permanent preference. Buyers now prefer spacious 800–1,200 sq ft 2-3 BHK units over smaller 1 BHK units. These larger homes offer:
- Rooms that can double as home offices or gyms
- Big balconies for outdoor living
- Smart layouts with dedicated utility spaces
Interestingly, this trend exists alongside a rise in smaller sub-500 sq ft units (27% share), showing a split market. First-time buyers focus on affordability, while established professionals seek space. As one industry analyst noted, "The home is now a lifestyle ecosystem—where every square foot must have a purpose."
Kharadi vs Dhanori: The ROI Showdown
While Central Pune leads in overall transactions (68%), Kharadi and Dhanori offer great value for those looking for 800+ sq ft spaces:
Kharadi:
- Costs ₹5,500–6,200/sq ft with a 11% yearly increase
- Boosted by IT corridor growth and Metro Line 3
- 82% of homes are 2-3 BHK units with rooftop amenities
Dhanori:
- Offers family-friendly 2 BHKs under ₹80 lakh near schools
- 19% cheaper than Baner but with similar infrastructure
- Limited supply means a 15% premium for ready-to-move homes
Both areas outperform city averages due to their strategic locations near employment centres and major roads—showing that location intelligence beats just affordability.
Understanding the Investment Premium
Three factors boost returns in Pune's spacious housing market:
- Infrastructure Catalysts: Properties located near metro stations see a price increase and sell 22% faster.
- MahaRERA Advantage: Registered developments have 8–10% higher prices due to trust metrics
- Amenity Arbitrage: Features like EV charging and co-working spaces justify ₹700/sq ft premiums
End-users (76% of buyers) stabilise prices during market corrections—unlike investor-heavy segments. This makes 800+ sq ft units great for long-term portfolios aiming for 9–11% annualised returns.
Strategic Buying Framework
To maximise gains in this growing market:
- Focus on micro-markets with less than 6 months of inventory (Kharadi leads here)
- Use PMAY subsidies for 2 BHKs under ₹25 lakh in PCMC fringe areas
- Avoid overpaying for concierge services beyond the ₹7,000/sq ft mark
With stamp duty collections rising 19% in H1 2025, Pune's move toward spacious living isn't temporary—it's the new market standard. Smart investors know that today's space premium is tomorrow's appreciation engine.