Home Design Trends: While South Indians value Vastu, North Indians opt for spacious balconies, reveals study

Homebuyers in tech-savvy South Indian cities such as Hyderabad, Chennai and Banglore consider Vastu (the traditional Indian science of architecture) as the most important factor while buying a house, reveals a study conducted by Mahindra Lifespace Developers Limited (MLDL). The study also suggests that in cities in the northern part of the country, climatic conditions play a more important part while choosing a home and people would rather opt for spacious spaces with a functional design and open balconies. The study was conducted across 7 major cities in India with the participation of 1000+ householders where they were asked to rate various factors within the layout of a flat that would typically influence their purchase decision.

When it comes to home buying, the country’s IT hubs, despite being packed with millennial techies, value deep-rooted Indian holistic design principles the most. Hyderabad tops the list with 82% of the participants considering Vastu as the biggest influencing factor while buying a home. Chennai and Bengaluru are distant followers with 47%. On the other hand, only 17% homebuyers in Pune and 11% in Mumbai considered Vastu to be their top priority while choosing a home. The national average of Vastu as the most important decision making factor while buying a home stood at 40%.

According to Sunil Sharma, Chief Customer Officer, Mahindra Lifespaces: “Location, cost and brand value are vital considerations for selecting homes across India. But, as our study reveals, Vaastu is among the biggest influencers of purchase decisions. Vaastu-compliant homes are widely believed to render positivity and success, and consumers seem to hold this belief close to their hearts when it comes to big-ticket purchases such as homes.”


In Northern India, spaciousness and functionality of the home are considered to be of utmost importance. Validating the trend, 70% of homebuyers in Gurugram consider balcony area to be the most attractive attribute of a home.

Overall, while correct Vastu is the top priority for Indian homebuyers, an exclusive space for a prayer house is the second most crucial aspect. “While Vaastu remains a top priority for house hunters, a dedicated prayer room is the second most critical element, with 39% of respondents considering it important when shortlisting a property. 59% homebuyers in Jaipur consider a separate area for prayers in the home as a key decision-making factor,” states the study.

Buying a home is one of the most important investment one makes in life. Technological advancements have made Indians more digitally savvy but when choosing a home, they still have a clear inclination towards Indian traditions and sciences, the study suggests. Along with top priorities, there are also factors that Indian house hunters are least concerned about. The study states, “on average, nationally, only 6% people preferred storage lofts in bedrooms; only 15% of respondents sought storage lofts in the kitchen, and the utility area was preferred by only 14% respondents; per the study.”