BHK, 1 RK, Tenement, Row House, Villa: Home Types Explained
Updated 26 October 2026
Property listings in India use a lot of shorthand. This guide explains the home types you will see in Ahmedabad and across Gujarat, and how to choose between sizes.
What does BHK mean?
Bedroom, Hall, Kitchen. A 2 BHK has two bedrooms, a living room (the hall) and a kitchen; bathrooms are counted separately.
What is 1 RK?
One Room and Kitchen: a single room with a kitchen or kitchenette, smaller than a 1 BHK. It is common in rentals and student housing.
What is a 2.5 BHK or 3.5 BHK?
The half is a small extra room, usually a study, store or servant room, too small to count as a full bedroom.
What is a tenement in Ahmedabad?
A ground or ground-plus-one house sharing walls with its neighbours in a row, usually in a society. It sits between a flat and a bungalow in price and comes with your own share of the plot.
What is a row house?
A house built in a row with shared side walls, usually with a small front or back yard. It is similar to a tenement, typically in newer gated schemes.
What is the difference between a bungalow, a villa and a flat?
A bungalow is an independent house on its own plot; a villa is a bungalow inside a gated scheme with shared amenities; a flat is an apartment in a multi-storey building. Plot ownership and maintenance cost rise from flat to villa to bungalow.
What is a penthouse?
A large premium apartment on the top floor, often with a private terrace and higher ceilings.
What is a duplex flat?
An apartment spread over two floors connected by an internal staircase.
Is a flat the same as an apartment?
Yes. In India both mean a home in a multi-storey building; “apartment” is simply the more formal word.
Which is better, a 2 BHK or a 3 BHK?
A 2 BHK suits a couple or a small family and is easier to rent out. A 3 BHK suits families with children or parents living with them and resells well in family areas. Our price guides show the typical size and price of each in your city.
Is a bigger flat a better investment?
Not necessarily. Smaller homes (1–2 BHK) usually earn more rent compared with their price and sell faster; larger homes appeal to a smaller pool of buyers.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules and charges change; confirm them with the official source or a professional before you commit.