HUBBALLI: Duplex apartments, once regarded as a luxury exclusive to major metropolitan areas, are gaining ground in cities like Hubballi, Belagavi, and Kalaburagi. While Bengaluru has traditionally been the leader in this trend, other cities are now reshaping urban living through duplex homes.
By 2026, numerous developers are committing to these constructions in response to increasing client demand. Reports indicate a steady rise in buyer interest, prompting a receptive response from the real estate sector. In capital cities, lucrative rental yields motivate this trend, whereas tier-2 cities are seeing a growing preference for duplex units primarily for personal use.
Pradeep Raikar, the immediate past state president of Credai, noted an upward trend among middle- and higher-income groups in North Karnataka opting for duplex homes. “This trend has surged post-Covid, marking a noticeable shift. In the past few years, 2BHK units were the norm, but duplex homes are taking the lead. These units typically range from 1,500 to 4,000 sq ft, with many residential projects dedicating about 10-12% of their area to penthouses. Buyers favor upper flats for enhanced privacy, with shifted design preferences toward open kitchens and modern amenities. The demand for penthouses in the range of 1,800-2,500 sq ft has grown among the middle and upper classes,” he explained. He further mentioned that Belagavi is outpacing Hubballi in this market, primarily due to its proximity to Mumbai.
Real estate sources reveal that approximately 200 penthouses and duplex units have emerged in the Hubballi-Dharwad and Belagavi areas over the last 3-4 years.
However, Gururaj Annigeri, executive director of Marvel Properties, Hubballi, highlighted regulatory challenges. While cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai permit developers to utilize up to 30% of terrace space for penthouses, the Hubballi-Dharwad Urban Development Authority (Huda) strictly limits this to a mere 100 sq ft. “We’ve requested a relaxation of this restriction. Many professionals, including doctors and educators, prefer duplex houses for their blend of security and the atmosphere of an independent home within a gated community,” he stated.
Dr. Srinivas and Laxmi, who recently purchased a duplex in Aum Shree Balaji Apartment, Lingaraj Nagar, emphasized their choice for safety and comfort. “If we built a duplex independently, we would bear the burden of maintenance and security. Here, we benefit from shared upkeep. Our dream of a spacious duplex is now a reality at an affordable price in a prime area, and we were able to customize the interiors during the construction phase,” they shared.
