The housing market on Havelock is highly restricted. To protect the indigenous populations of the Andamans and preserve the environment, Indian law places strict restrictions on mainlanders buying land in the Union Territory. Consequently, the real estate market is mostly limited to long-term leases for tourism businesses or transactions between existing islanders.
Housing styles vary widely. Traditional homes often feature wooden frames with tin roofs, elevated slightly to combat monsoon rains. In recent years, concrete structures have become more common. For temporary workers and tourism staff, affordable housing is often provided by employers or found in modest rental rooms in inland villages. There are no large condominium complexes or high-rise apartments due to strict zoning and height restrictions.