The capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, has been the center of the country’s population explosion, urbanization, and commerce for years now. But with increasing congestion, sky-high living costs, and little space for expansion in the city center, investors and buyers are looking towards the suburbs of Dhaka to make real estate investments nowadays. The first question that readily comes up is: is it worth it to invest in an apartment in the suburbs of Dhaka? The short answer is—yes, and here’s why.
Rising Demand for Suburban Living
Over the past decade, the suburbs of Dhaka, such as Uttara, Purbachal, Bashundhara (extended areas), Mirpur fringes, Keraniganj, and those on the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway have witnessed a surging demand for housing. Among the prime causes of this has been the surging demand for wider, greener, and peaceful housing spaces, especially among youths, young professionals, and families.
While the city gets increasingly crowded, the suburbs offer the relief of cleaner air, fewer sounds, and generally a slower pace of life. Availability of land at a lower cost than in downtown Dhaka has also spurred developers to build newer residential complexes with more amenities.
Improved Infrastructure and Connectivity
Suburban apartments are among the most persuasive arguments to invest in the suburbs because of the tremendous improvement in infrastructure. With projects like the Metro Rail (MRT Line), Elevated Expressways, BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), Purbachal Expressway, and Padma Bridge, it is now more convenient to access suburban areas than ever.
Suburban commute times to central business districts have shrunk by leaps and bounds. For example, the inauguration of MRT Line 6 has made areas like Uttara and Mirpur a stone’s throw away from Motijheel and Farmgate. Similarly, Padma Bridge has turned areas like Keraniganj and Mawa into profitable real estate zones.
This heightened connectivity translates to the point that buying an apartment in the suburbs no longer translates to isolation—it can mean the best of two worlds: tranquility and proximity.
Affordability and Value for Money
Suburban Dhaka flats are significantly lower than in the central areas like Banani, Baridhara, Dhanmondi, or Gulshan. It’s really an attractive proposition for someone belonging to a mid-income group. You can shell out money for a large, well-designed flat with all modern amenities at a tenth of what you would have to pay within the city.
For the investor, this means more long-term potential gain. As more people move to the suburbs and these areas are fully developed, real estate values will increase. The earliest investors stand to benefit the most.
Growing Commercial and Social Infrastructure
In contrast to previous times, several suburbs now have well-developed schools, hospitals, supermarkets, restaurants, and entertainment centers. Scholastica, DPS STS, and North South University have their campuses located in or around suburban locations. United Hospital (Satellite branches), Evercare, and other clinics are also spreading their wings to these locations.
Shopping malls and shopping chains are also opening their stores here, making life slightly convenient for residents. All this is enhancing the livability aspect of suburban flats and making the value for investment higher.
Rise of Planned Townships and Gated Communities
Modern suburban developments are often part of master-planned communities with walled communities, landscaped plots, rooftop amenities, playgrounds, gyms, and standalone community space. Developers today are more concerned with “building lifestyles” rather than just “building homes.” Purbachal New Town, for instance, is constructed with wide roads, zoning schemes, green belts, and infrastructure facilities for utilities to create a smart suburban township.
As Dhaka expands outward, these suburban neighborhoods are bound to become the unglamorous face of the urban poor. Purchasing an apartment there places a stake in your hand in such a future.
Rental Income Potential
While central Dhaka commands high rents, suburban apartments are increasingly becoming attractive rental properties, especially for young professionals, small families, and even businesses relocating for better space and cost advantages. With improved connectivity and community facilities, demand for suburban rentals is on the rise.
This makes suburban apartments a viable option for investors looking for steady rental income. As the population of greater Dhaka continues to grow, the rental market in suburban zones is expected to expand steadily.
Less Regulatory Pressure and Easier Approvals
Suburban land can be easier to invest in sometimes, both legally and in terms of regulation. Since there are relatively fewer land disputes, clearer records of ownership, and more government interest in the growth of suburbs, suburban property is easier to sell than bureaucratically mired, over-saturated cities.
Things to Consider Before Investing
While there are good prospects, there are a few things investors should consider:
- Developer Credibility: Always invest with established developers to ensure quality construction, legal requirements, and timely delivery.
- Location Research: Suburbs are not all equal. Study future infrastructure development plans, current growth rates, and proximity to transit hubs.
- Amenities & Maintenance: Ensure the apartment complex has minimum amenities and a proper maintenance system.
- Resale Value: Invest in projects in prime areas of demand to ensure increased appreciation and liquidity if you want to sell in the future.
In short, investing in a property in Dhaka’s suburbs is a sound and timely choice for those interested in long-term appreciation, better living, and future infrastructure. As the city continues to grow and redevelop its suburbs, the early birds will have rich dividends to enjoy, both from a capital appreciation perspective as well as lifestyle.
Whether you are a first-time purchaser, a long-term investor, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat that is within easy reach of the city, Dhaka’s suburbs will have plenty to meet your requirements.
