A Bengaluru rental listing has stirred up the internet, with netizens questioning whether the city’s housing market is sliding into Mumbai territory.
The Listing That Triggered the Debate
A Reddit post recently showcased a 2BHK apartment in Panathur, East Bengaluru—listed at ₹70,000 per month with a ₹5 lakh deposit. The flat, measuring 1,205 sq. ft., was marketed as “premium living” thanks to its high-end furnishing.
But instead of admiration, the listing drew sharp criticism. Many argued that the rent rivaled European standards, and that an EMI of the same amount could comfortably finance an ₹80 lakh home loan.
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Link source:- Bengaluru 2BHK rent ₹70,000 triggers online debate; Source: Hindustan Times coverage.
Netizens React: “Feels No Different From Mumbai”
Users questioned who could realistically afford such steep rents in Bengaluru, a city already struggling with an affordability crisis.
- One Redditor noted: “The going rate here is ₹45,000 plus maintenance, and even that feels steep. For ₹70,000, you could buy the flat—it’s worth about ₹1.2 crore. The owner thinks fancy furniture doubles the rent.”
- Another added: “This is exactly how unsustainable benchmarks get set. If someone unknowingly takes it, others will start following suit.”
For many, the shocking price point was a symbol of Bengaluru’s rental market now feeling “no different from Mumbai.”
From IT Hub to High-Rent Hub
Once celebrated as a more affordable alternative to Mumbai or Delhi, Bengaluru’s rental prices have skyrocketed since the pandemic.
The reasons?
- Return of IT employees to the city after years of remote work.
- Limited supply of quality homes near IT corridors like Whitefield, Panathur, and Sarjapur.
- High demand in gated communities with modern amenities.
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Market data highlights the steep rise:
- In 2019, a 2BHK in gated societies rented for ₹25,000–₹30,000.
- Today, the same units fetch ₹45,000–₹55,000.
- In select Grade A properties, prices soar even higher, crossing ₹70,000 and beyond.
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Are High Rents the New Normal?
Industry analysts remain divided.
- Some say premium projects justify their price tags with landscaping, clubhouses, and high-end amenities.
- Others argue that rental yields lag far behind property prices, making such rents financially irrational compared to buying.
For tenants, however, the impact is immediate. High asking rents risk setting unsustainable market benchmarks, further squeezing affordability.
Bengaluru vs. Mumbai: A Growing Comparison
The Bengaluru–Mumbai comparison is no longer just casual chatter. Recent data reveals:
- Bengaluru’s rentals are rising 23–30% annually.
- Areas like Indiranagar witnessed 40–50% hikes last year.
- Central locations and IT corridors now demand ₹1–2.5 lakh per month for luxury 4BHKs.
Local brokers confirm that high-value rentals—once rare—are becoming increasingly common. “Last November, we rented out a 4BHK for ₹2.5 lakh per month in north Bangalore,” said Sunil Singh, Director at Realty Corps. “These deals above a lakh are no longer exceptions.”
The Bigger Picture: Is Bengaluru Becoming Unlivable?
The Reddit outrage reflects a broader question—is Bengaluru at risk of pricing itself out for its own residents?
For a city long associated with a vibrant IT culture and youthful workforce, runaway housing costs could dampen its appeal. And unless supply catches up with demand, the rental story may continue to mirror Mumbai’s journey—one steep hike at a time.