Accommodation in India

Expats can add the search for accommodation in India to the list of adventures they're sure to have upon relocating.

From modern apartment complexes and quaint bungalows to large villas suitable for families, there is usually a home to suit every taste and budget.

Accommodation options vary greatly between areas, but those moving to one of the major cities can expect more competition in the housing market than in remoter locations. Unless expats plan on relocating to India for the long term, most people opt to rent property rather than buy.

In general, rental prices in India have been rising and adding to the cost of living, but affordability depends on the budget and neighbourhood. Still, many expats find that rental prices are reasonable, especially when compared to other major destinations.

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Types of accommodation in India

Unfurnished, semi-furnished and fully-furnished properties can be found across the country; the more limited the furnishings, the lower the rental price.

When looking for accommodation in India, expats will likely come across the BHK acronym, meaning bedroom, hall and kitchen. A 'three BHK', for instance, means a three-bedroom property with a hall and a kitchen. Among the main types of accommodation available in India are apartments, independent floors, houses and gated complexes.

The types of property depend very much on the location. Most expats move to one of India's bustling cities where apartments are most common, while larger houses can be found more towards the outskirts. 

Apartments

Apartments are one of the most popular types of property in India. Both low and high-rise apartment blocks can be found and apartments range from basic studio flats to luxury penthouses.

Independent floors

Rather than renting out a unit in an apartment block, expats can rent an entire floor. Independent floors are popularly found in low-rise buildings and sometimes shared among large families who rent several floors and live together in the building but on separate storeys.

Freestanding houses

The standards and prices of houses vary widely from area to area and city to city. Bungalows and charming one-storey cottages are popular among families, while those with a taste for luxury can look for large villas with a garden and swimming pool. Expats who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life can also find several options for farmhouses.

Housing complexes

A fair share of gated communities can be found in and around India’s cities and are popular among wealthier expats and locals. Housing complexes typically offer condominium-style accommodation with shared access to amenities, such as clubhouses, swimming pools and green spaces. High-end gated communities also offer gyms and sports facilities.

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Finding accommodation in India

The demand for good quality, reasonably priced accommodation often outweighs the supply, so finding a rental in India can be challenging. The good news is that employers often help their expat employees to find a place to stay, sometimes lining up a few options for them to choose from.

But many new arrivals aren't so lucky and have to find a home on their own. Online property listings and real-estate portals are a good starting point. Social media pages and groups are another way to network and find property. House hunters, especially those who search online, should always first visit the property before signing a lease.

Many expats hire a local real-estate agent or enlist the services of a relocation company. Expats in this position will need to be explicit about their specifications and what their price range is. Estate agents can also help draw up rental agreements and register long-term leases.

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Renting accommodation in India

Leases

The law requires that a lease be drawn up and signed by both landlord and tenant. Informal leases based only on a verbal agreement are not legal. Prospective tenants should go through their rental and lease contract with a fine-tooth comb. Leases should cover all stipulations and clauses impacting the tenant and landlord, such as duration of the lease, deposits, monthly rent, utilities, rental increments, notice periods and so on.

Eleven-month lease agreements are common in India and are useful for expats. Shorter-term rental agreements may also be possible.

Longer-term leases are also available; those valid for longer than 11 months must be formally registered with the relevant authorities, including registration costs and stamp duty charges.

Deposits

Until recently, there was no legislation governing deposit amounts, so landlords would often ask for six or even 10 months' worth of rent as a deposit. This has now been declared illegal and deposits for residential properties can only be a maximum of two months' rent.

Utilities

Tenants normally cover the costs of utilities, including electricity, water and any maintenance charges. Be sure to negotiate this in the lease agreement.

Notice periods

Tenants and landlords must give and be given notice if either party wishes to terminate the lease early. Notice must be given at least three months in advance.