Why Buying a Home Under Rs 1 Crore Is Harder in Bengaluru

Not too long ago, buying a home under ₹1 crore in Bengaluru felt realistic.

You could find a decent 2BHK in a growing locality, convince yourself that EMIs were manageable, and start imagining balcony mornings with filter coffee. Today, that same budget feels… tight.

If you’ve been scrolling through property listings recently and wondering “Why does everything suddenly cost more?” you’re not alone.

Bengaluru’s real estate market is changing rapidly, and the shrinking availability of sub-₹1 crore homes is one of the clearest signs of that shift.

This isn’t about panic or pessimism. It’s about understanding why this is happening, what it means for buyers, and how the city’s housing story is evolving.

The ₹1 Crore Mark Is No Longer What It Used to Be

In Bengaluru, ₹1 crore has quietly transformed from an “upper-mid” budget into a starting point for many projects.

Rising land prices, higher construction costs, and growing demand have all played a role. What once bought you space, location, and amenities now requires compromises either on size, location, or age of the property.

Recent reports indicate that over 42% of homebuyers can no longer afford homes priced below ₹1 crore, not because demand has disappeared, but because supply has thinned out.

The aspiration to own a home remains strong; it’s the affordability equation that’s changing.

Why Sub ₹1 Crore Homes Are Becoming Scarce

Several forces are shaping this shift, and they’re interconnected rather than isolated.

• Land prices in Bengaluru have surged, especially in well-connected corridors
• Construction costs have risen, from raw materials to labour
• Premium and mid-luxury projects offer better margins, attracting developers
• Infrastructure growth has pushed prices up in previously affordable zones

What’s important to note is that this isn’t a sudden spike. It’s a gradual recalibration of the market, driven by how Bengaluru itself has grown economically, geographically, and aspirationally.

Developers Are Following the Demand Curve

Contrary to popular belief, developers aren’t ignoring affordable housing out of indifference. They’re responding to numbers.

Premium and higher-ticket projects often allow:

• Better design flexibility

• Higher per-square-foot pricing

• Long-term brand positioning

In a city where tech salaries, global exposure, and lifestyle expectations continue to rise, the market for mid-to-premium homes has expanded.

As a result, fewer new launches fall under the ₹1 crore bracket, especially in prime and near-prime areas.

This doesn’t mean affordable housing has vanished; it has simply moved.

Location Has Become the Biggest Variable

One of the most noticeable changes is where affordable homes are found today.

Buyers looking to stay within ₹1 crore are increasingly exploring:

• Emerging suburbs

• Peripheral locations

• Areas are still developing social infrastructure

These zones may not offer instant gratification, but they often promise better long-term value. Bengaluru’s history shows that today’s outskirts can become tomorrow’s hotspots provided buyers are willing to wait.

Resale Homes Are Back in the Spotlight

Interestingly, as new sub-₹1 crore launches reduce, resale properties are gaining renewed interest.

Older apartments in established neighborhoods often fall within budget and come with the advantage of ready infrastructure, connectivity, and livability.

For many buyers, resale homes are no longer a compromise; they’re a practical, well-informed choice.

What This Means for First-Time Buyers

For first-time buyers, this shift can feel overwhelming. Budgets that once seemed comfortable now require sharper planning. But it also encourages smarter decision-making.

Instead of chasing square footage alone, buyers are now prioritising:

• Connectivity

• Livability

• Long-term appreciation

• Financial sustainability

In many ways, the market is nudging buyers toward more informed, future-focused choices.

How Buyers Are Adapting to the New Reality

Rather than stepping back, buyers are adjusting their approach.

• Exploring emerging corridors instead of saturated hubs
• Considering smaller configurations or flexible layouts
• Looking at resale homes with solid maintenance history
• Planning purchases with a longer time horizon

This adaptability is what keeps Bengaluru’s real estate market resilient, even as prices rise.

Is This a Bad Time to Buy?

Not necessarily. Markets evolve, and affordability cycles shift. What matters is alignment between budget, expectations, and timing.

Buying a home today may require more research and patience, but it also comes with clearer data, better tools, and greater transparency than ever before.

The key lies in understanding where value still exists, rather than focusing only on price points of the past.

The Bigger Picture

The shrinking availability of sub-₹1 crore homes doesn’t signal the end of homeownership dreams in Bengaluru.

It signals a maturing market one that reflects the city’s growth, ambitions, and global relevance.

As Bengaluru continues to expand outward and upward, affordability will look different than it did a decade ago.

Buyers who stay informed, flexible, and realistic will still find opportunities that align with both lifestyle and long-term goals.

Final Thoughts

Home buying in Bengaluru isn’t becoming impossible; it’s becoming more nuanced.

The ₹1 crore benchmark may no longer guarantee what it once did, but with the right information and planning, it can still open doors. Understanding market shifts isn’t about fear; it’s about clarity.

And in a fast-changing real estate landscape, clarity is your strongest advantage.

For more insights on Bengaluru’s evolving housing market, stay connected with Homes247 where information meets intention.