Housing in India
India offers a wide range of housing options at prices that are remarkably affordable by global standards. Renting is straightforward, though customs vary significantly by city.
Renting as a Foreigner
Requirements:
- Valid passport and visa copies
- FRRO registration (for long-term visas)
- Security deposit (varies by city)
- Rental agreement (typically 11 months to avoid stamp duty)
- Police verification may be required
Rental Prices by City
| Location | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai (South) | ₹35,000-90,000 | ₹60,000-200,000 |
| Mumbai (Suburbs) | ₹18,000-40,000 | ₹30,000-70,000 |
| Bangalore (Central) | ₹18,000-35,000 | ₹30,000-60,000 |
| Bangalore (Outer) | ₹10,000-20,000 | ₹18,000-35,000 |
| Goa (North) | ₹10,000-25,000 | ₹18,000-40,000 |
| Delhi (Central) | ₹20,000-50,000 | ₹35,000-80,000 |
| Gurgaon | ₹15,000-35,000 | ₹25,000-55,000 |
| Pune | ₹12,000-25,000 | ₹20,000-45,000 |
Security Deposits
Deposits vary dramatically by city:
- Mumbai: 6-10 months rent (unusually high)
- Bangalore: 10 months rent (also high)
- Delhi/Gurgaon: 2-3 months rent
- Goa: 1-3 months rent
- Other cities: 2-3 months rent
Where to Search
- MagicBricks.com: Major property listing site
- 99Acres.com: Popular for rentals and sales
- NoBroker.com: No brokerage fee platform
- Facebook Groups: "[City] Expats Housing," local community groups
- Local brokers: Common and charge 1-2 months rent as commission
- Co-living spaces: Zolo, Stanza Living, CoHo for furnished options
Lease Terms
- Standard lease: 11 months (renewed annually to avoid stamp duty)
- Utilities: Electricity, water typically paid separately
- Furnished options: Available but less common than unfurnished
- Maintenance charges: ₹2,000-8,000/month for gated communities
Can Foreigners Buy Property?
General rule: Foreign nationals (non-NRIs) cannot purchase immovable property in India, except citizens of certain countries under bilateral agreements.
NRIs and OCI holders: Can purchase residential and commercial property (not agricultural land, farmhouse, or plantation property). Funds must come through banking channels.
Tips for Renting
- Negotiate everything: Rent, deposit, and maintenance are all negotiable
- Check water supply: Many areas have intermittent water; check schedule
- Power backup: Ensure building has generator/inverter for power cuts
- Verify registration: Get rental agreement registered for legal protection
- Use NoBroker: Save 1-2 months rent in brokerage fees
- Check neighborhood: Visit at different times of day for noise, traffic
Pro Tips
- •Mumbai and Bangalore have unusually high security deposits (6-10 months rent)
- •Standard leases are 11 months to avoid stamp duty—this is normal
- •NoBroker.com saves brokerage fees of 1-2 months rent
- •Check power backup and water supply before signing—outages are common
- •Negotiate everything—rent, deposit, and maintenance charges
Have questions about housing in India?