City centre flats or villas outskirts? Homebuyers weigh options

Bengaluru buyers weigh city flats vs outskirts villas as relocations, rising prices, and new infrastructure push demand toward peripheral growth zones

Bengaluru’s housing market is witnessing a growing debate among young professionals over whether to invest in apartments close to IT corridors or opt for larger villas on the city’s outskirts. The dilemma reflects the trade-offs between affordability, commuting convenience, and long-term financial planning, particularly as career relocations increasingly disrupt residential stability.

Many residents who purchased homes near tech hubs such as Bellandur or Marathahalli have found themselves struggling when their workplaces shifted to distant locations. Rising property prices in central areas, coupled with mandatory office attendance, have made commuting a major challenge. For some, homes bought at premium rates have become burdensome due to relocation pressures, while others view their purchases as long-term retirement assets, choosing to rent them out during transitions.

Lifestyle considerations also play a significant role in decision-making. Families often prioritise proximity to schools, social networks, and community ties over shorter commutes. Access to metro connectivity has emerged as a crucial factor, easing travel burdens and reducing the impact of job transfers.

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Real estate brokers note that couples working in different parts of the city are increasingly choosing homes on the outskirts, striking a balance between affordability and accessibility. Peripheral areas such as Whitefield’s fringes, Bellandur’s northern zones, and North Bengaluru have shown stronger appreciation rates compared to saturated city centres. Brokers estimate that properties in these emerging micro-markets appreciate about 2% faster than those in prime locations, making them attractive for long-term investors.

The shift toward peripheral areas has accelerated in recent years, driven by infrastructure upgrades including metro expansion, new flyovers, and improved road networks. Developers have capitalised on available land to launch large-scale projects featuring spacious societies and green open spaces, a trend reinforced after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data from ANAROCK indicates that Devanahalli in North Bengaluru recorded a 49% price increase over six years, rising from ₹4,982 per sq. ft. in 2019 to ₹7,400 per sq. ft. in 2024. In comparison, Electronic City saw a 38% rise during the same period. Experts project that property values in northern peripheries, supported by upcoming tech parks and government-backed infrastructure projects, could grow by 8–12% annually in the coming years.

As Bengaluru continues to expand, the choice between city-centre convenience and suburban comfort remains a defining challenge for its new generation of homebuyers.

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