Accommodation in Mumbai
Finding and adapting to accommodation in Mumbai can be one of expats’ most trying challenges. The hustling, bustling
financial capital is well-known for its prolific film industry, heavy rains and cricket fanaticism, but it’s arguably equally reputed for claiming one of the world’s most expensive real estate markets, both in terms of buying and renting.
The city is notoriously short on space, and thus most expats are forced to sacrifice their notions of a lavish Indian bungalow in exchange for a cramped Mumbai apartment. Individual villas are available, but demand is high, supply is low and prices are steep and rising.
Typical Size of Mumbai Apartments (Variable)
- 2-Bedrooms – 800 to 1200 sq.ft (Usable Area/Carpet Area)
- 3-Bedrooms – 1000 to 1500 sq.ft (Usable Area/Carpet Area)
- 4-Bedrooms – 1500 – 2000 sq.ft (Usable Area/Carpet Area)
Housing is on offer in all shapes and could be classified as satisfying a VERY wide range of standards, but as mentioned, most expats will find themselves negotiating for an apartment in a stand-alone block with little or no amenities, like gymnasiums or clubhouses.
Unfurnished, semi-furnished and furnished accommodation is available; so those who’d prefer not to bubble wrap Aunt Edna’s best china don’t necessarily need to. Furthermore, landlords in Mumbai are often happy to furnish a property at a tenant’s request. Just expect to add a little extra onto the overall rental cost, and be sure to specify your taste.
Some expats moving to or living in Mumbai are lucky enough to have accommodation offered to them by their hiring employer. In this case, contractual obligations are not relevant, and the hassle of house hunting is thankfully avoided.
That said, more and more expats are finding that lucrative employment packages that include this perk are rarer and rarer, and thus finding a home in Mumbai on your own is becoming an unfortunate necessity.
It’s highly recommended that those who find themselves in this situation utilize the help of a property agent. These service providers can greatly simplify the process, and can make sure that the property satisfies all elements of a due diligence test.
Alternatively, those searching for a flat on their own can use one of the many available print or digital listings, but do note that these are often out-of-date, and prices are sometimes indicated incorrectly.
Also, expats bearing the burden of house hunting themselves should we wary of a few points:
►Make sure the building has an Occupation Certificate
►Check with neighbors to see if there is a water scarcity issue in the building (agents also often don’t relay this point).
The typical lease period in Mumbai is 11 months, but it is possible to make agreements for a period of three years. In the case of the latter period, a one-year lock-in period may be made, the landlord and the Tenant can serve a notice post expiry of the lock-in.
Payment is mostly made on a month-by-month basis, but there are landlords who insist on an advance annual rental payment with a small deposit. These terms are generally mutual discussed and agreed upon by the licensee and the licensor.
Mumbai is sprawling city, and there are many popular locations to live, but it’s crucial that expats understand the nature of the traffic in the city. Severe congestion can make for treacherous commutes, and thus when looking for a house, be sure to find a place that’s near to your child’s school, and if you have no children, than near to your workplace. Keep in mind that the traffic during the day is normally moving south and north by evening.
Popular expat areas of Mumbai
- Powai, Andheri (East)
- Central Mumbai – Worli, Prabhadevi, Lower Parel,
- Western Suburbs - Juhu, Andheri (W), Khar (W), Bandra (W) and Santacruz (W)
- South Mumbai – Altamount Road, Breach Candy, Malabar Hill, Napeansea Road, Colaba, Marine Drive and Cuffe Parade.
