Studio apartments are the current favourites with young professionals seeking to buy their own place. PT reports on their popularity

For some, it offers an extension of hostel life. For others, it is easily manageable. But for most, it is a self-contained, luxurious abode that provides a creative lifestyle. Studio apartments are becoming increasingly popular in the city and there’s been a sharp increase in their demand, surprising city builders. The reason is quite simple. People would naturally prefer a one bedroom-hall-kitchen rather than opting for a huge single room, especially since the rates are similar. But, IT professionals, especially those who are single, are choosing the studio apartments for their ‘luxurious’ stay. Corporates, who find it hard to manage their rooms and bungalows are finding life more comfortable in the studio apartments. Says Aman Tikone, an IT professional, “Before shifting to a studio apartment, I was sharing a flat with three friends in Kothrud. It was very difficult for us to manage the flat, as it always seemed congested and messy. But now, with my new apartment, I can think big and plan to maintain it the way I want!” Trivikram Deshpande, a software engineer who has booked a studio apartment recently, explains, “I have planned to have an airy space where I can meditate, surf the internet, and have a cup of coffee! Studio apartments can be best described as an apt place for bachelors like me.”

   Studio apartments are not only easy to manage, but are also stylish and luxurious. “One can do wonders with a single room,” feels interior designer Amod Joshi. “Though maintaining the four walls is not difficult, decorating and designing a single room is not an easy task,” says Joshi.

   Studio apartments are mostly preferred by professionals from the corporate world or senior students from abroad. “Nowadays, lots of people buy these rooms to have flexibility in their lifestyles. Many of the corporate professionals take a trip abroad and come back with a changed lifestyle and that gives way to their creativity. A single room can comprise of an open kitchen or half-parted walls, which not only looks stylish, but also gives a fresh new look to one’s house,” says Joshi.

   Real estate developers, too, are happy with the growing popularity of these apartments among the youngsters in the city today. Says J K Bhosale, chief operating officer of a city real estate company, “A studio apartment is an extension of hostel life that provides you with a carefree life. The rates are the main attraction, as they are much cheaper than a BHK, their style and beauty attracts the young crowd.” Bhosale claims to have sold 60 per cent of the studio apartments to youngsters, which includes a large number of corporates and bachelors as well.

   However, there are some who claim that the popularity of such apartments is bound to wane in the long run. Rohit Gera, executive director of a real estate firm, says, “Studios are in demand, but only with the rental market. Nobody would like to stick to just one room with a separate bathroom, right? How can you extend a family in a single room? Working bachelors tend to rent it, and after two or three job hops, they buy their own flat. Studios might be a hit with youngsters, but buying it would prove fatal in the long run.”

   Youngsters may vacillate between owning or renting studio apartments, but not many deny that it serves the accommodation needs of young professionals better than any other housing option.