The Most Common Types Of Houses In India: 15 Top Picks

Flats | Duplex | Bungalow | Cottage | RK | Row House | Penthouse | Villa | Treehouse | Farmhouse | Business House | Hut | Eco Friendly | Palaces | Stilt House | Factors | Materials | Traditional Houses | FAQs

India truly is a land of diversity and we get to see diversity even when it comes to house types in the nation. Depending upon a lot of factors like climatic conditions, geographical requirements, building materials, financial reach etc; there are umpteen types of houses in India and we feel great to list them all down here.

1. Flats

Also commonly referred to as apartments, a flat is one of the most popular house types in India. You get to see this housing concept in most of the cities and metros around the nation. A building project has many flats that are usually occupied by middle and upper-middle-class families in India. One gets all kinds of basic amenities in a flat. You get to see 1/2/3 BHK flats most commonly in the nation but there are also bigger ones. Owing to the shortage of land in cities these days, the concept of flats has come into being and is only gaining popularity day by day.

2. Duplex House

When one residential unit rests above another it is called a duplex house. So this house type is basically a double-storied house where the 2 floors are connected with the help of a staircase. The house usually has a kitchen and common spaces for the family to spend time together. This type of house is best for joint families or families where the number of members is more. Most builders allow the house owners to change the interior architectural design of the house. You can get your duplex designed beautifully and give it a modern touch.

3. Bungalow

Spanning over a larger area, a bungalow is a lavish house to live in. You will usually get to see single-storeyed bungalows or one might get it expanded to another level. The roof is generally pitched quite low and children enjoy the vast verandah. Bungalows are costly when compared to flats as the surface area is big enough for joint families to live in. You can get a bungalow designed in a modern design or follow the traditional one. 

4. Cottage

A beautiful single-storey house that can have any architectural feature depending upon the liking of the owner, cottages are small houses mostly found in the countryside. If you love the rustic charm of a house, a cottage is something you will prefer living in. You can have modern amenities in a cottage but it basically always has a countryside charm that makes it aloof from other home types. Cottages are perfect for holidays with families and friends. Constructed out of stone, wood and other similar materials, typical cottages usually have a thatched roof. 

5. RK

Also referred to as studio apartment, RK stands for Room Kitchen and just as the name suggests this house type does not have a dedicated bedroom or living room. A smartly designed compact house fit for students living away from family and working individuals, this concept is common in metro cities.

6. Row House

When there are identical architectural structures in a row inside any gated community, it is referred to as a row house. Here, one family owns one house and together several families live as a community. Here, you get privacy in the sense that the entire house belongs to you and you also tend to get the feeling of living in a flat as the nearby row houses have other families dwelling in them. Most metro cities in India have row houses and it is a very common concept.

7. Penthouse

A luxury, comfortable apartment to live in, serving you all kinds of amenities, a penthouse is housed on the topmost floor of any residential complex. The other flats in the building are not as impressive and luxurious as the penthouse. This house type is characterised by good ventilation, plenty of natural light coming in and usually, it also gives you a nice view of the surrounding. You will also mostly get to see multiple levels in a penthouse.

Other common amenities include the presence of elevators and also a private terrace. The ceiling height is very impressive in a penthouse and this house type generally comes with an innovative layout. 

8. Villa

The kind of luxury home that people prefer living in when they are actually looking for luxury and comfort, a Villa is a grand house that also usually has an extended lawn as well as a backyard. Housed in a gated community, the Villa owners also get access to several common amenities like a swimming area, fitness centre, clubhouse etc. Since you are surrounded by fellow Villa owners inside the community, it brings in a sense of togetherness and brotherhood. In short, a Villa will give you the comfort of a bungalow and also an ambience like that of an apartment.

9. Treehouse

An amazing house type found in forest regions, a treehouse is a lovely concept designed to give you the feel of nature. It is a wooden house constructed on a tree top amidst a lush forest. The house is designed with a modern concept and is fully furnished to provide you with the comfort of a modern residence. You will love the natural feel of the forest when you dwell in a house surrounded by branches and leaves. 

10. Farmhouse 

When looking for a well-landscaped house, a farmhouse serves the best purpose. It is usually not a permanent residence for families but people own farmhouses as second homes. You can have a farmhouse designed traditionally or even with modern concepts. The best place that serves as an amazing holiday home, farmhouses have a vast expanse of land and the house is surrounded by a beautiful garden or a farm in some cases. 

Families can try organic farming in their farmhouses and even use the area for recreational purposes. Having a fitness centre and using the place to throw lavish house parties is something you can indulge in if you own a farmhouse. 

11. Business House

One of the costliest house types in India, a business house is designed keeping luxury and comfort in mind. It is a common house type when it comes to businessmen. The status and class of a business house are very high and it looks very premium with all high-class amenities present in it.

12. Hut

Most commonly spotted in villages and very small towns, a hut is a basic house type that has a simple design. It is very cost-effective and perfect for people who look for a basic shelter to live in. Huts are usually made with stones, mud, branches, wood etc but the technique used for construction is age-old and very effective.

13. Eco-Friendly House

The environment is in grave danger and if not taken care of it can be dangerous for the human race. Keeping in mind the needs of the environment, people have started opting for eco-friendly houses. Using energy-efficient techniques inside the house is the prime motto behind an eco-friendly house. Mostly non-toxic materials are used for the construction and even the decor elements inside the house are all eco-friendly.

Water conservation is given due importance and the concept of rainwater harvesting is used in this house type. Generally, these houses allow ample natural light and air to enter the house so that use of electricity is cut down as far as possible.

14. Palaces

An age-old house type, palaces were large-sized royal houses where the Indian maharajas lived. Even in today’s time, there are several ancient palaces that tourists can visit and see magnificent architecture. Most of the palaces have been converted into heritage hotels but they haven’t been remodelled to keep the ancient palatial feel intact. 

15. Stilt House

Perfect for areas that are prone to floods, stilt houses are common in villages and towns that experience a lot of rainfall and flooding. This house type is made out of bamboo and is capable of withstanding immense rainfall. The house is constructed at a certain height above the ground and this protects the house from any sort of water logging. 

Factors to consider before settling for a house type

You cannot just opt for any house type because you fancy having that house. There are a lot of factors that should be weighed and considered before you settle for your dream house. 

• The house must suffice your wants and desires from a home.
• Chalk out a budget and opt for properties that fall within your budget.
• The size of the house should be one of the bases of your choice.
• Go for the layout that you love.
• You must be clear about whether you want to go for a modern and newly built property or an old one.
• You should always pay attention to the surrounding ambience and the neighbourhood of the house you choose.
• Having the right space in the house so that the needs of the entire family are fulfilled.
• Check if there is scope for remodelling if you ever desire.

Materials Used For House Construction

Basically, the materials used for the construction of houses in India can be based into two categories namely natural and synthetic.

Materials commonly used:

• Wood
• Clay
• Cement
• Bricks
• Stones
• Metal
• Mud 
• Concrete
• Marble
• Bamboo 

Factors determining the materials to be used:

• Budget and cost estimate
• Geographical condition of the place
• House type
• Design of the house

With eco-friendly homes coming into being, people have also started shifting to environmentally friendly materials or more locally produced or found materials so that they better suit their geographical needs. Glass is also gaining much popularity as people have started adopting glass for facades and ceilings. 

Traditional Houses In India

Although not very common but in some states in India traditional houses have their importance and also the cultural, as well as geographical needs of the place, make it mandatory for people to opt for traditional house types in those regions.

Kerala

Nalukettu and Ettukkettu are big-sized houses that are Kerala’s pride. These houses have an open courtyard and while the former has four blocks and the latter has eight; all the blocks are connected to the courtyard. These houses strictly follow the Vastu Shastra and are built to keep you connected with nature. 

Kutch

The region of Kutch demands houses that can withstand the extremes of nature. Keeping in mind the topography of the place, Bhungas are commonly found in the region. These are traditional Kutch houses and are constructed basically with mud. These round-shaped houses feature a thatched roof and the house as well as the people living in it are believed to be safe from earthquakes and can also withstand extreme climatic conditions.

Rajasthan

The Havelis in Rajasthan are mighty structures that have an impressive architectural design inspired by the Mughals as well as Persian culture. The perfect hint of Indian culture is also depicted in these houses. The Havelis feature large-sized courtyards, pillars that are beautifully etched, gorgeous jharokhas and whatnot.

Bengal

To provide some relief from the humid climate in Bengal, people came up with the concept of bungalows long back. These single-storied houses feature an airy veranda, big-sized window openings and also large open floor areas. This house type also comes with an open porch that serves as a nice relaxation spot.

Assam

Chang Ghar is an Assamese traditional house inspired by the tribes that dwell in upper Assam. These houses are kind of stilt houses standing on bamboo or poles carved out of wood and keep the houses and people safe from floods as well as wild animals. The brilliant concept belongs to the Missing community of Assam. 

Karnataka

The Bunt community in Karnataka dwell in traditional houses called Guttu wherein a courtyard surrounded by blocks that have two storeys keep the residents safe from heavy rainfall and also extremely hot summers. The roofs are designed to be very steep thus allowing rainwater to flow down continuously. The house has a lot of wooden interiors like swings, pillars, and doors that also look beautiful.

Now that you know so much about houses and the types commonly found in India, you can easily plan and think of the ones that would suit you and your family. Always make sure to weigh all the factors mentioned above and then take a smart decision of going for the one that would make you happy and fulfil your desires and needs.

A house is ultimately made by the people who live in it and one should consider the likings and disliking of all the family members while planning to buy or build a new house. You can also mix and match two different concepts and customise the house as per your choice.

FAQs

Why should you opt for a bungalow to live in?

A bungalow is a spacious home and children get a lot of place for enjoyment and play. Since you own the entire property, you get nice privacy in a bungalow. There is also good scope for remodelling a bungalow in the future when the need arises.

Are gated communities preferred in India?

The gated community concept is very popular in India and people prefer having a house in a community as it promotes togetherness and also offers a quality lifestyle. 

Are there any disadvantages to owning a penthouse?

A penthouse is a great option to live in but it has its own shortcomings. Since it is housed on the topmost floor of a building you are too dependent on the elevator. Penthouses are usually too warm in the summer and too cold in the winter. Also, this house type is at great risk from a few natural hazards like an earthquake.

What are houseboats?

A traditional house built on a boat that rests on a stagnant water body, houseboats are found in Kerala and Kashmir. The houseboats usually have basic amenities like rooms, a kitchen and sometimes also a balcony.