Duplex Apartments Gain Popularity in Karnataka's Tier-2 Cities
Once considered a luxury exclusive to capital cities, duplex houses in apartments are now transforming urban living in tier-2 cities across Karnataka. While Bengaluru has long been the epicenter of this trend, cities such as Hubballi, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, and others are rapidly adopting it, driven by evolving buyer preferences and developer initiatives.
Post-Covid Shift in Housing Preferences
According to Pradeep Raikar, immediate past state president of Credai, the demand for duplex apartments has surged significantly in the North Karnataka region over the last 3–4 years. This post-Covid trend has emerged as a standard preference, replacing the earlier dominance of 2BHK units. Raikar explained that middle- and higher-income groups are increasingly opting for these spacious homes, which range from 1,500 to 4,000 square feet in area.
He noted that approximately 10–12% of project areas in many residential developments are now reserved for penthouses, with buyers favoring upper floors for enhanced privacy. Design themes have also evolved, with a growing preference for open kitchens, internet-enabled facilities, and a more open, Western-influenced aesthetic. Middle- and upper-class buyers are now showing a strong inclination towards penthouses spanning 1,800–2,500 square feet.
Regional Growth and Market Dynamics
Real estate sources report that around 200 penthouses and duplex apartment units have been developed in Hubballi-Dharwad and Belagavi over the past few years. Interestingly, Belagavi is experiencing faster growth in this segment compared to Hubballi, largely due to its proximity to Mumbai, which influences market trends and buyer aspirations.
However, regulatory challenges persist. Gururaj Annigeri, executive director of Marvel Properties in Hubballi, highlighted that while cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai allow developers to utilize up to 30% of terrace space for penthouses, the Hubballi-Dharwad Urban Development Authority (Huda) restricts this to only 100 square feet in the twin cities. Developers have requested a relaxation of this limitation to better cater to demand.
Buyer Motivations and Experiences
Professionals such as doctors, advocates, and professors are particularly drawn to duplex houses because they offer the security of a gated community combined with the feel of an independent home in a protected environment. This sentiment is echoed by residents like Dr. Srinivas and Laxmi, a couple who purchased a duplex home in Aum Shree Balaji Apartment in Lingaraj Nagar.
They shared that their decision was motivated by safety and comfort, noting that maintenance is shared in an apartment setting, unlike the burdens of managing an independent house. Their dream of owning a spacious duplex home was realized at an economical price in a prime location, and they were able to opt for customized interiors during the construction phase itself.
Future Outlook and Industry Response
In 2026, several developers are focusing on duplex constructions primarily based on client demand, with the real estate sector actively responding to rising buyer interest. While lucrative rental income drives this trend in capital cities, buyers in tier-2 cities like Hubballi and Belagavi are opting for duplex units mainly for personal living, reflecting a broader shift towards quality urban lifestyles.
This trend not only redefines residential architecture but also underscores the growing economic vitality and aspirational living standards in Karnataka's emerging urban centers.
