Different Types of Houses in India you should know about

Meenakshi Taheem

Last Updated on 13th June 2025

India’s rich cultural tapestry is mirrored in its diverse range of house types in India. From sprawling farmhouses to high-rise apartments, the architectural styles are as varied as the country’s geography and cultural history. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a curious traveler, understanding the various house types in India can provide valuable insights into the country’s cultural and architectural heritage. This blog guide delves into 15 distinct types of houses different from what you might typically expect, providing a comprehensive overview ideal for prospective homebuyers or those curious about Indian residential architecture.

Different Types of Houses in India

Flats or Apartments
Studio Apartment
Builder Floor
Service Apartment
Kothi
Penthouse
Villa
Condo
Row House
Cottage
Duplex
Farmhouse
Treehouse
Kutcha House
Eco-friendly House

1. Flats or Apartments

In the heart of India’s bustling cities, flats or apartments stand as the most common and practical residential choice. These multi-story structures cater to a variety of lifestyles, offering everything from modest one-bedroom units for individuals to spacious three-bedroom suites for larger families. Ideal for urban living, these apartments emphasize convenience and efficiency, embodying the essence of modern houses in India. These units are part of larger buildings, offering a range of amenities like security, power backup, and community spaces. Ideal for small to medium-sized families, apartments are a staple in modern urban landscapes

2. Studio Apartment

A studio apartment is a compact, one-room apartment that combines the living room, bedroom, and kitchen into a single space. This type of accommodation is perfect for singles or couples who seek an affordable, low-maintenance living solution. Studios are a testament to the efficient use of space in houses different from the traditional large-family homes. The studio apartment is an excellent solution for singles and couples, merging the living room, bedroom, and kitchen into one versatile open space. This layout maximizes the use of limited square footage in urban centers, making it a cost-effective, minimalist housing option that captures the dynamic spirit of houses different from larger, more segmented homes.

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3. Builder Floor

Builder floors refer to residential units in a low-rise building where each floor is a separate apartment, sold by a builder. These are popular among buyers looking for a semblance of an independent home without the high maintenance of a large property. They offer more privacy than typical apartments and often come with separate utilities. This style of housing combines the privacy of a single-family home with the density of urban living, appealing particularly to those who seek a quieter living environment without the bustle commonly found in high-rise complexes.

4. Service Apartment

Service apartments are fully furnished apartments available for short-term or long-term stays, which provide hotel-like amenities such as housekeeping, room service, and laundry facilities. They are a preferred choice for business travelers and tourists who desire a home-like environment with the convenience of hotel services. They typically offer amenities such as full kitchens, separate bedrooms, laundry facilities, and balconies or patios. They also offer more privacy than a hotel, making them an ideal choice for those who prefer to be away from the hustle and bustle. The convenience and comfort make service apartments a smart choice in the realm of homes in India.

5. Kothi

A kothi is a standalone, often opulent, house typically found in Northern India. These are large, multi-story houses with spacious gardens and extensive living spaces. Kotis reflect the affluent side of traditional houses in India, catering to families looking for expansive homes. This type of home is often spread over several thousand square feet, encompassing multiple stories that house expansive living areas, multiple bedrooms, guest rooms, and often a dedicated entertainment section. Kothis are designed to cater to large families, offering ample space for living, leisure, and celebrations. The popularity of kothis in India speaks to the cultural importance of family and social gatherings. These homes are designed to host large family functions, festive celebrations, and formal gatherings, making them an integral part of the social fabric.

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6. Penthouse

Situated on the top floor of high-rise buildings, penthouses are luxurious apartment units that offer spectacular views and exclusive features like high ceilings and large terraces. They are designed for affluent buyers seeking an exclusive living experience in the heart of the city’s skyscape. For those who aspire to the highest standards of urban luxury, the penthouse is unrivaled. Occupying the top floors of apartment buildings, penthouses offer expansive living spaces with additional features like large terraces, exceptional views, and often, private lift access. These are the epitome of modern houses in India, combining opulence and exclusivity.

7. Villa

Villas are high-end, detached homes that come with their own plot of land. Often part of gated communities, villas provide privacy, space, and communal amenities such as pools, parks, and gyms. They blend the comfort of a kothi with modern facilities, appealing to the upper-middle class and wealthy homebuyers. These are luxurious, detached homes usually located within gated communities. These properties are designed for exclusivity, featuring private gardens, multiple bedrooms, and sophisticated architecture. Villas cater to those who desire a tranquil and opulent lifestyle, secured within meticulously planned environments.

8. Condo

A condominium, or condo, is a complex of buildings containing several individually owned apartments or houses. This house type in India is managed by a homeowners’ association (HOA) which takes care of maintenance and common areas. Condos are a popular choice among those who want a balance between apartment living and community life. Condos, or condominiums, provide a communal living experience, with individuals owning their apartments while sharing facilities such as pools, gyms, and recreational areas. This type of housing is particularly popular among the middle class in urban areas, offering a balanced lifestyle with both private residences and community benefits.

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9. Row House

Row houses are medium-sized homes attached in a row, sharing walls between them but having their own entrances. These houses are efficient use of space in densely populated areas and offer more privacy than apartments without the extensive maintenance of a detached house. Row houses represent a colonial-era housing style that continues to be popular in many Indian cities. These homes are connected in a row but have individual entrances and are architecturally uniform. This configuration utilizes space efficiently while allowing for individual ownership and privacy, making it a desirable option for many urban families.

10. Cottage

Cottages are small, charming houses often located in rural or semi-rural areas. They typically have one or two stories and a quaint architectural style, providing a cozy, picturesque living environment. Cottages in India echo the colonial past and are perfect for those seeking a peaceful, scenic home. These houses embody rustic charm, set in tranquil natural locales, often reflecting colonial architecture. These cozy, eco-friendly homes, featuring gabled roofs and wooden beams, offer a serene retreat from urban life. Ideal for those seeking peace or a quaint vacation home, they blend tradition with modern comforts.

11. Duplex

In India, a duplex is a uniquely designed residential structure split into two distinct living units, each with its entrance. This configuration is perfect for families who wish to stay close to each other while maintaining privacy. Duplexes are also favored by investors as they can provide dual rental income streams. Typically featuring two floors, each unit often includes separate amenities such as kitchens and living areas, making each side functionally independent. This housing type combines the intimacy of a single-family home with the economic benefits of an apartment, making it a popular choice among a diverse range of home buyers. Duplexes are a versatile house type in India, offering both privacy and community.

12. Farmhouse

Farmhouses in India are typically situated in expansive rural settings, offering vast land and peaceful ambiance away from the hectic pace of city life. These homes are designed with comfort in mind, characterized by spacious interiors and traditional architectural elements that reflect the agrarian lifestyle of the region. Often used as holiday retreats or weekend getaways, farmhouses provide a perfect escape for relaxation and rejuvenation. Many are equipped with modern amenities while still retaining rustic charm, making them popular among those seeking a blend of simplicity and luxury in a serene, natural backdrop.

13. Treehouse

Treehouses offer a whimsical escape by blending adventure with nature’s tranquility. Elevated amidst the canopy, these structures are ingeniously crafted to harmonize with their environment, often using sustainable materials like wood and bamboo. Popular among eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts, treehouses provide a unique vantage point to observe wildlife and the natural beauty of the surroundings. They are equipped with basic comforts to ensure a pleasant stay while minimizing ecological footprints.

14. Kutcha House

A kutcha house is a traditional form of rural housing in India, constructed using locally available, biodegradable materials such as mud, straw, bamboo, and wood. These houses are particularly prevalent in less affluent areas where advanced building materials are less accessible. The design and construction techniques of kutcha houses are inherently sustainable, leveraging materials that are easily obtainable and have minimal environmental impact. However, their simplicity and eco-friendliness come with a trade-off in durability and protection against harsh weather conditions. They reflect the simplicity and sustainability of traditional houses in rural India.

15. Eco-friendly House

Eco-friendly houses in India are designed with sustainability and environmental stewardship at their core. These homes use non-toxic, often recycled materials, and integrate technologies that minimize ecological impact. Features like solar panels help harness renewable energy, while rainwater harvesting systems conserve water, which is crucial in regions facing water scarcity. Additionally, many of these houses incorporate green roofs or extensive landscaping that improves air quality and promotes biodiversity. These homes represent the future of modern houses in India, combining environmental responsibility with innovative design to reduce carbon footprints.

FAQs about Different Types of Houses in India

What kind of houses do people live in India?

In India, people live in a diverse array of housing types, adapted to both the climate and cultural preferences of the region. In urban areas, high-rise apartments and condominiums are common due to their efficient use of space and convenience. Middle and upper-class Indians might opt for independent houses like bungalows or villas, especially in suburban areas. Traditional homes, which vary from region to region, include stilt houses in the northeast, havelis in Rajasthan, and courtyard houses in the south.

What is a kutcha house?

A kutcha house is a traditional Indian dwelling typically found in rural areas, made from natural and perishable materials like mud, bamboo, and straw. These houses are cost-effective and eco-friendly, utilizing resources that are readily available in the environment. However, they are not very durable and are susceptible to damage from weather conditions such as heavy rains or strong winds. Despite this, kutcha houses remain prevalent in many parts of rural India due to their low cost and the cooling properties of their mud walls, which are beneficial in hot climates.

Which is the No. 1 house in India?

Identifying the “No. 1 house” in India is subjective and depends on the criteria used, such as size, architecture, historical importance, or luxury. One prominent example is the Antilia, the residence of business tycoon Mukesh Ambani, located in Mumbai. This 27-story skyscraper is often cited as one of the most expensive and luxurious private residences in the world, featuring multiple floors of living and entertainment spaces, three helipads, a 168-car garage, a private movie theater, and several swimming pools.

What is traditional housing in India?

Traditional housing in India encompasses a wide range of structures built with indigenous construction techniques and materials, reflecting the cultural, climatic, and geographical diversity of the country. These include the bamboo houses of the Northeast, known for their resilience against earthquakes; the mud and thatch huts of tribal areas; the ornately carved wooden havelis of Rajasthan and Gujarat; and the tiled roof houses of Kerala and Tamil Nadu with expansive verandas and thick walls suited to the humid tropical climate. Each style serves the dual purpose of catering to local conditions and embodying the cultural heritage of its region.

What is the most common type of house?

Globally, the most common type of house is the single-family detached home, characterized by being free-standing and designed to house a single household. This type of home offers privacy and space, with ownership including the building and the land on which it stands. In India, while urban areas see a prevalence of apartments due to space constraints and affordability issues, single-family homes remain highly sought after in suburban and rural settings where land is more available and less expensive

What is a new old house?

A “new old house” refers to a newly constructed home that is designed to look and feel like it belongs to a bygone era. These homes combine the charm and distinctive architectural elements of historic homes with modern materials and technologies. This allows homeowners to enjoy the aesthetic of traditional architecture without sacrificing contemporary conveniences and energy efficiencies. New old houses often feature classic details such as crown moldings, hardwood floors, and traditional facades, while incorporating modern insulation, plumbing, and electrical systems.

Why are houses in gated communities in demand in India?

Houses in gated communities are in high demand in India due to the increased security, controlled access, and a wide range of amenities these communities provide, such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and clubhouses. Additionally, they offer a sense of community and exclusivity, often featuring well-maintained environments and social spaces that are appealing for family-oriented living. Gated communities also tend to be appreciated, making them a preferred choice for investment-minded homebuyers.