What is the Difference Between RK and BHK in Indian Real Estate?

The world of real estate uses a lot of complicated words, with ‘RK’ and ‘BHK’ being the commonly used ones. What are these terms, and how are they relevant to homebuyers today? This is one question this blog aims to answer.

You might wonder, what is the difference between an RK and a BHK in Indian real estate? Understanding their meaning is important for buyers and developers, as they highlight factors like the layout and overall size of a property, the price range, functionality, and buyer suitability. This will help you make more informed decisions based on your lifestyle as well as budget and space requirements, matching the property to your needs as an occupant, thus enhancing living comfort and satisfaction.

What is 1 RK in Real Estate?

The 1RK full form stands for “1 Room Kitchen”. This means a flat that primarily consists of one room and a separate kitchen. The single room serves as a bedroom, dining room as well as the hall. An RK’s layout is such that the occupant makes the most out of the space available, and it is popular in urban areas, where space and getting a big house is rare. While it can be cramped, the space can be made comfortable once it has been organised and set up efficiently.

What is 1 BHK in Real Estate?

BHK is a higher configuration in real estate, where the letters stand for Bedroom-Hall-Kitchen. This is arguably among the most commonly used and important terms in real estate, and you will have no doubt seen it on apartment listings. You are probably wondering “1 BHK means how many rooms in a home?” When you hear variations such as 1, 2, or 3 BHK, it means that the home has either 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms accompanied by one hall (the living room) and a kitchen.

Differences Between RK and BHK

Knowing the key differences between RK and BHK is important, as it will help you understand more about residential spaces and how they work.

Which Layout Do Indians Prefer?

The answer to this is dependent on the city they live in. People often like different apartment layouts based on the space available in the state they live in. Factors such as the socio-economic landscape and cultural trends play a major role in the decision. Let’s explore this:

RK Layout:

As mentioned earlier, RK apartment units are very common and increasingly popular in dense urban hubs. With so much of these cities’ population of young working professionals growing rapidly every year, RK apartment units offer an efficient residential space that is also affordable. Young individuals who move to these cities for job opportunities are often influenced by the property’s location and affordability, often choosing this over comfort and extra space. This explains why the layout is popular in bustling cities like Mumbai and Bangalore.

BHK Layout:

This layout is more sought after in cities like Chennai and Delhi, due to factors like a lower population density and affordable housing options, meaning that people can invest in bigger living spaces. The cultures of cities like Chennai and Delhi are also more similar to family living situations, which cannot be accommodated by mere RK apartment units. Since Mumbai and Bangalore are constantly attracting younger working individuals on the lookout for job opportunities, they are less likely to opt for larger BHK options since they will be less affordable.

Legal Considerations

The decision to buy or rent an RK or BHK home is also often governed by various laws and guidelines that aim to protect the rights of both the owners and tenants, as well as buyers and sellers.

Take for example RERA (Real Estate Registration and Development Act). It was established in 2016 to ensure clarity, accountability, and efficiency in the real estate sector. It also required developers to register their projects and reveal the essential details to buyers.

Rental agreements are also regulated by state-specific laws, like the Model Tenancy Act 2021. It established rent control laws as well as rules for security deposit, eviction notices, and maintenance. Additionally, it helped manage the standard practices for lease or purchase agreements, payment terms, the duration, and conditions on termination. This supported fair dealings and protected the interests of all parties involved.

Pros and Cons of RK and BHK Units

RK Units:

Pros

• Compact Living
• Multifunctional
• Affordable, making it attractive for young professionals and students.
• Lower utility bills
• Easier to maintain, which is preferred by frequent travellers.
• Generally located in an urban area surrounded by amenities, giving residents easy access to work spaces, entertainment and public
• transportation.

Cons

• Lack of separate rooms can limit privacy.
• Lack of space
• It is not suitable for all lifestyles.
• Lesser storage options.
• No flexibility when it comes to design.

BHK Units:

Pros

• BHK apartment layouts offer distinct living spaces, including one or more bedrooms, a living room (hall), and a kitchen, catering to a
• variety of living needs.
• Privacy, thanks to separate bedrooms.
• The space attracts more demand from families or people looking to share a home with a roommate.
• More space means more comfort.

Cons

• Higher costs
• Higher the area, the more rent you have to pay.
• More utility bills.
• Less supply, and often located far from city centres.
• Less suitable if you are on a tight budget.

Target Audience:

RK Units

Usually favoured by students, bachelors and young professionals as they are affordable and compact, which can suit their lifestyle.

BHK Units:

Suitable for families, couples or individuals who want a well-defined space to live in. Separate bedrooms also means they will have more privacy.

Lifestyle Considerations:

While an RK is for people who like compact living with essential amenities and spend less time at home, a BHK is ideal for families who want comfort and space, and a home that is close to their work space, schools and hospitals as well as centres for relaxation and socialization.

Pricing and Affordability

RK Units:

A 1 Room-Kitchen home is usually preferred by budget conscious buyers or tenants as they are affordability and require less maintenance and utility costs. Additionally, residents save on furnishing.

BHK Units:

Although higher in price, the standards of living are better. There is added comfort of privacy and location, as well as more amenities. The high rent and maintenance are worth it, because there is a guarantee of better quality of life.

Investment and Resale Value

RK Units:

RK apartments have a lesser appreciation potential due to low demand and their compact size. They may cost less but have no resale value. With short-term renters, there is also limited investment potential.

BHK Units:

A BHK flat, like those by L&T Realty, appreciates better, especially in urban and suburban areas. The size and amenities mean more demand, further leading to a higher resale value. A well-located BHK home can also yield a good return on investment, making it better for long-term investments.

Rental Income:

RKs fetch lower rental income due to the small spaces and tenants usually being students or bachelors. There are higher turnover rates and shorter lease durations. A BHK, on the other hand, attracts families and work professionals, leading to longer rental agreements and stable rental yields. Moreover, the location can also drive demand and better rental returns.

FAQs

1. What does RK stand for in Indian real estate?

• RK stands for ‘Room-Kitchen,’ referring to a compact unit with a single room that also serves as a bedroom and an attached kitchen.

2. What does BHK stand for in Indian real estate?

• BHK is the abbreviation for Bedroom-Hall-Kitchen. Residents have a private bedroom, a hall or common area, and a kitchen.

3. How is an RK apartment different from a BHK apartment?

• An RK apartment has a single space, that is both the living room and bedroom. A BHK on the other hand has a separate bedroom, living area and a kitchen, offering privacy to residents.

4. Which is better for families: RK or BHK?

• A BHK home is better for families; it provides a separate living, sleeping and kitchen space for every member, which ensures privacy and comfort.

5. What are the advantages of choosing a BHK over an RK?

• A BHK offers more space, privacy and better resale value, a higher rental demand as well as suitability for long term living.

6. How does the resale value of RK compare to BHK apartments?

• BHK flats have a higher resale value due to more demand, while RK units generally have limited potential for appreciation and resale potential.

7. How does the size differ between RK and BHK units?

• RK units are usually 200 to 400 sq. ft., (applicable to Mumbai) while a BHK apartment ranges from 400 to 700 sq. ft., (applicable to Mumbai) depending on the location and design, as well as the developer.

8. How many square feet are in 1 BHK?

• It is usually 400 to 700 sq. ft, (applicable to Mumbai). These numbers might be different depending on the builders and the city.

9. How many square feet are in 1 RK?

• It is generally 200 to 400 sq. ft. (applicable to Mumbai) but can vary depending on the layout and locality.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice you make between an RK and BHK home depends on your needs and priorities. A 1 room-kitchen is more budget-friendly and space efficient for people who need less space, making it a preferred choice for bachelors or students. BHK apartments are in demand for their privacy, space and comfort; factors that cater to families, roommates or those who want different living and sleeping areas despite the high costs.

So no matter what you choose, make sure it matches your needs as a resident. After all, your comfort is of utmost importance!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is generic and is shared for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your circumstances. You are recommended to obtain specific professional advice before you take any action/decision. The content is subject to change due to updates in laws or regulations hence you are recommended to check the information before taking an action/decision. L&T Realty does not claim that the information given in this article is completely true and accurate.