A significant shift is reshaping Bengaluru's residential real estate landscape, with a growing pile of unsold apartments pointing to changing buyer preferences. Home seekers in India's tech capital are increasingly turning away from compact, amenity-deficient flats, opting instead for more spacious and well-appointed homes. This trend is directly impacting the market's inventory levels.
A Sharp Rise in Unsold Stock
By the end of 2025, the number of unsold residential units in Bengaluru is projected to reach 67,518 units. This figure marks a substantial 25% increase compared to the previous year's inventory. The data underscores a clear mismatch between what is being built and what today's discerning homebuyer actually wants to purchase.
The Fading Appeal of the Budget Segment
The most dramatic change is occurring in the segment that was long considered the market's engine: homes priced below Rs 1 crore. This sub-Rs 1 crore category is rapidly losing its dominant position. Analysts note that buyers in this bracket are no longer settling for basic shelter. Instead, they are either stretching their budgets to access better facilities or choosing to wait, leading to a stagnation in sales for projects lacking premium features.
The modern Bengaluru buyer's checklist now heavily emphasizes lifestyle amenities. Properties without provisions for dedicated workspaces, advanced security, recreational areas, and sustainable features are finding it hard to attract interest. This evolution in demand is leaving developers with older project designs struggling to clear their stock.
What This Means for Bengaluru's Market
This inventory buildup, reported on 07 January 2026 by Mahesh Kulkarni, signals a crucial turning point. The market is experiencing a clear polarization. On one end, well-planned projects with comprehensive amenities in desirable locations continue to see healthy demand. On the other, a large volume of units that fail to meet the new standard of living are accumulating.
The consequences are multifaceted:
- For Developers: There will be increased pressure to innovate, redesign projects, and potentially re-price existing inventory to align with current expectations.
- For Buyers: While choice in the stagnant segments may increase, the overall trend pushes the effective entry point for a "desirable" home higher.
- For the City: The trend could accelerate the development of integrated townships and redefine what constitutes value in the residential sector.
Ultimately, Bengaluru's real estate story is no longer just about affordability. It is increasingly about the quality of life a home offers. The soaring unsold numbers are a direct reflection of buyers chasing premium experiences, fundamentally challenging the traditional development model in the city.
