Accommodation in Bangalore

In recent years, Bangalore has become a major economic hub in India, and more and more international companies are now trying to establish their operations in the city. Consequently, there is a huge demand for residential accommodations and commercial properties, both within the city limits and also in the outskirts.
 

Some of India’s best builders have been commissioned to build many new complexes at a fast pace to meet this increasing demand, but as of 2012, only some of the existing housing options in Bangalore meet international standards, and were fully equipped with the appropriate security system and amenities. 
 

For residential purpose, accommodation in Bangalore comes in the form of apartment homes, flats, bungalows, villas, independent houses or serviced apartments.
 

The apartments usually come at a reasonable cost, but most expats choose to live in an independent house or a villa. These more spacious properties tend to include a yard that kids can enjoy, sometimes even boasting rope swings, trampolines, and a clay playhouse.
 

That said, foreigners interested in living in independent houses should note that no amenities come attached with this accommodation type. It’s necessary to make your own arrangements – usually for 24-hour security at the gate and a generator for power.
 

Most expats feel that it is more secure to live in gated communities or large apartment blocks. These mega complexes provide convenient access to social activities with other families from similar backgrounds, and it’s thus easier to make friends. Furthermore, residents do not need to bother with the power and water issues that regularly trouble the city.
 

The concept of studio or one-bedroom apartments does not exist in India. However, there are several fully-equipped serviced apartments in the main city, as well as in the outskirts. The cost of renting these apartments varies, from Rs. 75,000 per month to Rs. 250,000 per month, depending on the location and services included. 
 

Residential properties are available in all sizes and budgets, and the above price list is just an approximation. Most of the high-end apartments have clubhouses, swimming pools, tennis courts, party halls, and offer lessons for yoga, aerobics, salsa, Indian and western music and dance, piano, violin etc.
 

For expats with an above average budget, there are several luxurious bungalows and row houses available; however, these exclusive properties do not stay on the market for long as the demand for them is high. 
 

Housing in Bangalore can be unfurnished, semi-furnished, and fully furnished; so expats keen to leave many of their household belongings at home in storage can certainly do so. White goods and furniture can be bought or rented on a monthly basis. 
 

Bangalore offers expats plenty of opportunity to purchase household goods at stores like, Casa Modern - offers modern and contemporary Italian and European furniture designs;  Croma, Lifestyle, @home, HomeTown and HomeStore. Additionally, there’s Lifestyle, Woods and Wicker, Stanley, Cane Boutique and Durian.
 

For ethnic Indian furniture, many expats prefer FabIndia. The local market furniture comes at a much lesser price, but the quality is usually inferior, and there is no guarantee. 
 

Many expats also get in touch with other expats through local communities, and buy household goods from families moving out. These goods are usually available for almost half the price, and valid receipts are given. 
 

It's often the case that companies in Bangalore purchase suburban villas or high-rise apartment blocks and hold them for employees, thus you may not even need to look for accommodation.

If you do, to get the listing of available rental properties in the city get in touch with a housing agent. House hunting can be exhausting, daunting and time consuming; hence it is a good idea to consult a reputable real estate company. 
 

Real estate professionals usually charge the equivalent of one month’s rent as their commission.
 

There are also local websites that expats can use to find accommodation in Bangalore.
 

To lease accommodation in Bangalore, expats will need to present a copy of their passport, a copy of their visa, passport sized photographs and an employment letter confirming their position. 
 

Most of the expat community in Bangalore is concentrated in and around Cunningham Road, Levelle Road, Richmond Town, and Whitefield; however, as traffic can be a problem, proximity to workplace and schools should be the primary deciding factor in choosing the right place to rent a house. Otherwise, one can easily end up spending 2to 3 hours each day commuting.
 

Keep in mind that the good international schools in Bangalore are concentrated either between Whitefield and Sarjapur Road or near the international airport. These schools follow international curriculum and methodology. Hence, many expat families with children prefer to rent a house nearby.
 

Whitefield is the IT hub, and plays host to the headquarters of many software companies. Palm Meadows in Whitefield is one of the most preferred housing societies, and offers a world class clubhouse and pool, as well as lessons for tennis, table tennis, yoga, and dance. Expats usually find it easy to belong to this community. However, good things come for a price, and rent for a villa in Palm Meadows is several hundred thousand rupees per month, with additional fees for the clubhouse.

The other alternatives in the vicinity include Chaitanya Armadale, Total Environments, Sobha Apartments, etc. Prestige Ozone is an up and coming community, but as of 2012 was not fully occupied. The complex has a lot of open space, and many families with growing up kids prefer to live in this gated apartment.
 

In Sarjapur, Lakshore homes and Rainbow Drive are good options. There are several grocery stores nearby, and Koramangala is just three miles (6 km) away. Unlike Whitefield, Sarjapur road is closer to the main city, but the housing options here are limited.
 

Adarsh Palm Retreat is another upcoming housing community in the area; it includes the option of choosing a villa or an apartment.
 

For the people who work in Yelahanka, the other side of the city which is closer to the new international airport, Sobha Malachite and Prestige Monte Carlo are good options. There are several departmental stores nearby, such as Spencer’s and Food World; however, the area is still developing. The infrastructure facilities are better, and there is good growth in terms of connectivity as well.
 

Koramangala is a hub of activity; it’s full of ethnic restaurants, shopping malls, gaming arcades and libraries.

Acropolis is a mega residential complex situated right in the heart of happening Koramangala. It is in close vicinity to Forum Mall and also to one of the best hospitals, St. Johns. However, as the apartment is located next to the main road, the noise level can get very high, especially during peak office hours.
 

Another nearby residential apartment complex is St. John’s Wood, near to Acropolis. The location of this apartment is highly sought after due to its proximity to MG Road.
 

Some of the other residential localities preferred by expats are RMV, Benson town, Dollars Colony, M.G.Road, Benson town, and Indira Nagar.
 

Some of the reputable service apartments include Oakwood, Halcyon Condominiums, Tristar Service Apartments, Homestead, Melange, and Shilton Suites.
 

In terms of investment in real estate, the city outskirt is where the future lies. Mysore road, Anekal and Devanahalli are good for long term investments. These places are far from the hustle and bustle of the main city, and spacious villas by reputable builders are available at a very reasonable cost.