Since the COVID‑19 pandemic and the shift towards hybrid and remote work, buying preferences in India have altered in significant ways. Homes are no longer just places to rest; they have become workplaces, study zones, wellness hubs and spaces for recreation too. One major shift is rising demand for flats with dedicated home‑office space and outdoor areas like terraces, balconies, or patios. This article explores why the change has happened, how real estate is adapting, how much extra cost or value these features bring, and what both buyers and developers must consider.

WFH as a Game Changer in Residential Real Estate

The work‑from‑home (WFH) phenomenon, initially a necessity during lockdowns, has evolved into a preference or part of a hybrid model for many in India. Corporations are allowing remote or partial remote work, employees seek work‑life balance, and homebuyers are reconsidering what “ideal flat” means. Flat layouts, amenities, outdoor connectivity, and flexible rooms have moved high up on the wishlist. Flats that include an extra room (for office / study), good ventilation, natural light, and outdoor spaces have seen growing popularity.

Key Drivers: Why Home‑Office & Terrace Are Now Priorities

Let’s understand the underlying reasons why these features are becoming so desired.

Lifestyle Changes & Hybrid Work Models

• Many companies now allow employees to work from home for part of the week. This hybrid mode means people need spaces at home where they can work without disturbance.

• The boundaries between work, life, and family have blurred; having a separate room or flexible room for work helps maintain mental well‑being and productivity.

• Employees in IT, knowledge work, consulting, freelancing, etc., are particularly vocal about needing a dedicated workspace.

Health, Well‑Being & Outdoor Space

• After long months indoors, outdoor space (terrace, balcony, small garden) is seen not just as luxury but necessity: fresh air, sunlight, outdoor relaxation, plants.

• Need for safe movement within home, especially in multigenerational households, or when schools are closed. Terrace space adds perceived breathing room and improves mental health.

Space Constraints & Value of Flex Rooms

• Many existing flats had rigid layouts: 1BHK, 2BHK, etc., with fixed room functions. Flex rooms let buyers convert spaces into study/home‑office, gym, etc.

• Builders have responded: more 3‑BHK+ units, or rooms with dual‑use. Some designs incorporate “study alcove”, “den”, “work niche”.

Evidence of Changing Demand: Data & Market Trends

Let’s look at data and reports that substantiate this change.

Larger Flats, More Rooms – What Reports Say

• According to a PropTiger / Anarock research cited by Moneycontrol, around 47% of homebuyers in December 2020 specifically wanted larger homes.

• In top seven cities, average flat size rose by ~10% year‑over‑year: from ~1,050 sq ft in 2019 to ~1,150 sq ft in 2020.

• Flat sizes in Hyderabad averaged ~1,750 sq ft among fresh supply in those metros; in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), smaller (~930‑980 sq ft) but increasing in some segments.

Buyer Preferences in Top Metros

• A report by Square Yards showed that post‑COVID, about 48% of homebuyers considered a study or home‑office room a must‑have.

• There was a ~40‑50% rise in demand for 3‑BHK and 4‑BHK units in many metro areas in H2 2020 compared to H1 2020.

• Demand has shifted outward: suburbs/localities further from the core, where larger flats at given budgets are more affordable. Buyers are more willing to compromise on commuting in some cases.

Premium for Terrace / Balcony / Outdoor Access

• Flats with larger balconies or terraces are being marketed at added premium by developers. Many new projects prominently feature designs with large terraces, outdoor seating, garden terraces.

• Terrace spaces are being considered not just for aesthetics, but for utility: work breaks, fresh air, exercise, small gatherings.

Price & Value Impact: How Much More Are Buyers Willing to Pay?

If Flats with the features demand higher prices/rents, how much more? What is the value impact?

Premiums for Flats with Home‑Office Rooms

• Buyers are willing to pay more for an extra room that can serve as a home office. Whatever the exact numbers in each city, the relative premium depends on location, layout, and how well the home office is integrated (sound, lighting, connectivity).

Terrace / Balcony Cost Additions

• Flats with terraces or large balconies tend to cost more per square foot than identical flats without these features. Developers also typically charge higher premium for terrace‑facing or outdoor‑facing units.

• In cities with high real estate cost, even small terrace spaces are valued heavily. Outdoor spaces add both utility and lifestyle appeal.

Resale & Rental Implications

• Resale: Flats with these WFH‑friendly features tend to sell faster and at higher margins, all else being equal (location, builder reputation, amenities).

• Rental: Tenants with remote/hybrid work often seek flats that offer these features and may pay higher rent for flats that have usable terrace, balcony or a dedicated room.

Design & Layout Features That Matter for WFH‑Friendly Flats

Just having extra space is not enough; how that space is designed matters.

Modular / Flexible Rooms

• Dual‑purpose or convertible rooms: study that can convert to guest room, or nook that acts as work station.

• Built‑in furniture, flexible partitions, movable cabinetry to allow changes.

Soundproofing, Internet Infrastructure, Lighting

• Work areas need to manage noise: good ceiling/floor insulation, minimal external noise for video calls etc.

• High‑speed internet, UPS / power backup, adequate number of power points in work areas.

• Natural light, ventilation; windows; orientation of room matters.

Terrace Usability: Shade, Greenery, Outdoor Furniture

• A bare terrace is less useful; shading (pergolas, awnings), seating, planters make it usable for longer hours.

• Drainage, safety (railings), floor finish, weather‑proofing are important.

Amenities & Common Spaces vs Private Terrace

• Some complexes include co‑working or business centres within the development—shared workspaces. These complement private home offices.

• Private terrace space is more desirable but needs maintenance; sometimes common rooftop terraces serve needs at lower cost.

City‑Wise Variations: What Differences Among Metros & Tier‑2 Cities

Impact and willingness to pay vary by city: metro vs tier‑2, supply & demand dynamics, costs.

Delhi‑NCR & Mumbai

• High land cost and premium for amenities mean that terraces and extra rooms cost significantly more. Buyers in Delhi‑NCR are trading up to larger units with one extra room for work / study. Moneycontrol+1

• Mumbai’s limited space makes balconies/terraces premium features. In suburbs or peripheries where space is less constrained, new projects are integrating larger balconies and outdoor spaces.

Bengaluru, Hyderabad & Chennai

• Bengaluru has seen rising demand for 3‑BHKs, larger flats for WFH purpose; suburbs like Whitefield, Outer Ring Road saw supply of flats with extra rooms.

• Hyderabad’s average apt sizes are high in certain metro segments; also shoppers are moving to suburbs. Chennai also showing similar trends in certain localities.

Tier‑2 / Tier‑3 Cities

• Here, price sensitivity is higher. Buyers would like WFH features but may balance cost vs features.

• Suburban areas or outskirts provide better opportunity to get terraces / larger flats at lower budgets. Many remote workers relocating or seeking second home spaces are pushing up demand.

Challenges & Trade‑Offs for Developers and Buyers

While demand is rising, there are trade‑offs and challenges.

Cost vs Affordability

• Flats with extra rooms or terraces mean higher construction costs, higher price per sq ft, and sometimes higher maintenance costs. Buyers must evaluate if the premium is justified for their usage.

Regulatory & Structural Constraints

• Many city zoning and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) restrictions may limit terrace size, balcony projections, or number of rooms.

• Structural designs, load bearing, water proofing for terraces require additional engineering and cost.

Maintenance of Terrace / Outdoor Spaces

• Terrace spaces require maintenance: waterproofing, cleaning, furniture upkeep, drainage etc. Without regular upkeep, they can deteriorate, reducing appeal.

Over‑Specification & Risk of Under‑utilization

• Buyer may overbuy based on aspirations; a room meant for home office may instead be used rarely. So sometimes features stay underused.

• Developers who oversupply ultra‑premium WFH flats in areas where buyers cannot afford them may be left with unsold inventory.

How Buyers & Developers Can Adapt

To capture value and avoid pitfalls, both sides need to be smart.

Smart Planning & Flexible Design

• Builders should focus on layouts that allow flexibility: flexible room layouts, modular design, partitions, movable furniture.

Marketing Flats with WFH Features

• Highlight home‑office room, terrace usability, internet infrastructure, low‑noise surroundings in marketing materials.

• Show sample interiors / site walkthroughs to help buyers visualize usage.

Financing, Tax Incentives & Policies

• Governments or local bodies may encourage design norms that include terraces or balconies or allow higher FAR for buildings with outdoor spaces.

• Financing schemes, tax benefits (if any) for home offices or work spaces inside residences could help; incentives for green terraces, rooftop gardens may also help.

Conclusion: The Long‑Term Outlook & Key Takeaways

The WFH movement has irrevocably influenced what buyers expect: homes that are flexible, allow remote work comfortably, with outdoor access and terraces. While the demand for flats with home‑offices and terraces is strong, the value derived depends on design, location, cost, and buyer expectations. For developers, aligning product offerings with these preferences is increasingly becoming a differentiator. For buyers, assessing cost vs benefit, usability, and long‑term resale / rental potential is key.

Nature’s Paradise by Rupbasuda Developers — “Ready to Move” Plots

After covering what to check, here is detailed, well‑organized information about Nature’s Paradise, a township project by Rupbasuda Developers, to help you evaluate whether it meets those criteria and whether it might be a good option for you or others.

Project Overview

Plot Size, Type & Pricing

Amenities & Infrastructure

Location Advantages & Growth Potential

• Close proximity (2.6 km) to Joka Metro adds value and future ease of commute.
  
• Diamond Harbour Road (NH‑117) is a major route; improved highways/roads often lead to value appreciation.
  
• Many well‑known apartment projects in the vicinity (Emami Astha, Godrej Seven Elevate, Gems Bouganvilla, DTC Sojan, Eden Amantran, Solaris, Rajat by Avante etc.), often priced in crores, which suggests the area is already drawing premium development.
  

Payment & Booking Terms

Potential Pros & Things to Check

Pros:

• Affordable entry point for middle class — both residential and commercial plots in the stated price range.
  
• Ready to move status reduces waiting time; some infrastructure already in place.
  
• Strong potential for appreciation because of upcoming metro, highway road works, location.
  
• Amenities are planned; community features suggest a self‑contained township rather than isolated plots.
  

Things you should still verify (using the checklist above):

• Confirm zoning status and whether NA conversion (if needed) has been done.
  
• Check encumbrance certificate to ensure clear title.
  
• Ensure all NOCs, permissions, layout plan approvals are legal and in order.
  
• Physical ground check: slope, drainage, whether land is flood‑prone.
  
• Exact road access: condition of roads, whether approach to your plot is via public road.
  
• Surrounding environment: whether neighbouring plots are being developed, quality, types of constructions.
  
• Utility access and readiness: water, electricity, sewage.
  
• Confirm any government notifications/plans that may require surrendering land or affect use.
  

Why This Might Be The Best Time to Buy

• With metro station planned by end of 2028, road improvements, and area being developed, plots may gain significant capital appreciation.
  
• Since many high‑end projects in the area are already valued in crores, a plot bought now at a few lakh rupees can deliver large value growth in coming years.
  
• Entry‑level price and flexible payment (0% EMI over 36 months) reduces the financial burden and risk.
  

How to Proceed (if Interested)

1. Arrange a site visit to Nature’s Paradise. Survey multiple plots; compare premium vs non‑premium.
   
2. Bring along a legal expert to verify documents.
   
3. Ask developer / Dedicated Real Estate for copies of title deed, NA conversion (if applicable), EC, layout plan, approved plan, NOCs etc.
   
4. Check the condition of internal roads, availability of utilities.
   
5. Discuss payment schedule, any additional charges.
   

Contact Details

Dedicated Real Estate

• Phone: +91 6291422636
  
• Email: info@dedicatedrealestate.in
  
• Website: www.dedicatedrealestate.in
  

Office Location: Near Thakurpukur 3A Bus Stand, Kolkata