On a Sunday afternoon, the Mukherjee family — Arindam, his wife Sreemoyee, and their two children, Ankit and Tiyasha — set out to visit a few apartments across Kolkata. Arindam, who works in Salt Lake, had been saving for years to buy their dream home. Sreemoyee, a teacher, wanted a place close to good schools and markets, while the kids were more interested in having a swimming pool and a play zone.
By evening, they were divided — one project in Madhyamgram offered modern lifestyle amenities at an attractive price, while another in Kankurgachi was closer to their workplace and schools but lacked the same luxury features. Their dilemma is one faced by almost every homebuyer in Kolkata: Should you give priority to location or amenities?
In Kolkata, Dhanteras and Diwali are not just festivals of light and joy — they symbolize prosperity, new beginnings, and good fortune. Traditionally, Bengalis and other communities in the city believe that buying gold, property, or other valuable assets during this period invites Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings. Over the years, this belief has beautifully merged with modern aspirations, making this season a prime time for homebuyers.
Before answering the question, it’s important to understand that not all homebuyers have the same goals. Broadly, buyers fall into two categories — end-users and investors.
End-users, like the Mukherjee family, look for a place that fits their daily needs and lifestyle aspirations. For them, location is crucial, as it directly impacts commute time, access to schools, hospitals, markets, and public transport. A well-connected locality like New Town, EM Bypass, or Tollygunge offers convenience and better quality of life.
However, amenities too hold growing importance for end-users today. Families increasingly value features such as landscaped gardens, gyms, swimming pools, children’s play areas, and community spaces that enhance daily living. These amenities foster a sense of community and comfort, especially for families with children or elderly members.
So, while location ensures practical convenience, amenities contribute to emotional satisfaction and lifestyle comfort — both key for long-term happiness.
For investors, the approach is slightly different. Their main concern is return on investment (ROI) and future appreciation. In this case, location takes precedence. Projects located near emerging infrastructure, metro connectivity, and commercial zones — such as Rajarhat, Joka, or Madhyamgram — tend to appreciate faster. These areas also attract tenants easily, ensuring steady rental income.
That said, amenities can still influence a property’s resale and rental value. A project offering premium facilities often appeals more to tenants and future buyers, thus improving liquidity. For investors, amenities add value enhancement, while location ensures value stability and growth.
Kolkata’s real estate market is evolving. Areas like Madhyamgram and Barasat are witnessing rapid residential growth driven by affordability and improved connectivity. Meanwhile, New Town, EM Bypass, Joka, etc. continue to attract buyers who seek modern lifestyle experiences.
A well-connected project with essential amenities is always preferred over one that offers luxury features but is located far from the city’s convenience points. Yet, projects in peripheral areas with exceptional amenities often appeal to those seeking a self-contained lifestyle within a gated community.
The key is to identify your own purpose of purchase — whether you’re buying a home to live in comfortably, or to grow your wealth strategically.
In the end, both location and amenities hold their own importance — and the ideal home is one that achieves a thoughtful balance between the two. For the Mukherjee family, the best choice may not be the apartment closest to their workplace or the one with the largest swimming pool — but the one that offers reasonable proximity to daily conveniences along with features that enrich their lifestyle.
Whether you are an investor or an end-user, understanding your priorities and evaluating both location and amenities in tandem will help you make a decision that brings not just returns, but long-term satisfaction.
After all, a perfect home in Kolkata is one where convenience meets comfort, and where every family finds the space — and peace — they truly deserve.
