Apartment loading rises to 40 per cent in top cities

Driven by rising demand for premium amenities, the average apartment loading across India’s top seven cities has reached 40 per cent in Q1 2025, up from 31 per cent in 2019, according to ANAROCK Research. The loading factor, or the area paid for beyond the usable carpet area, covers common spaces such as lobbies, staircases, and clubhouses. 

Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) continues to lead with the highest loading at 43 per cent. Bengaluru saw the sharpest jump, from 30 per cent in 2019 to 41 per cent in Q1 2025. Chennai recorded the lowest average loading at 36 per cent. 

“Sixty per cent of what homebuyers now pay for is liveable space,” said Dr Prashant Thakur, Regional Director & Head – Research & Advisory, ANAROCK Group. “With no cap on loading and growing expectations for lifestyle features, higher amenity loading has become the new norm.” 

The study also revealed growing loading in NCR (41 per cent), Pune (40 per cent), Hyderabad (38 per cent), and Kolkata (39 per cent). Developers cite rising infrastructure requirements, including lifts, fire exits, and landscaped areas, as contributing factors. 

ANAROCK called for greater clarity on usable area versus amenity costs and suggested that state RERAs mandate project disclosures on these metrics.