A tech professional in Bengaluru has laid bare the extreme realities of the city's rental housing market, sharing a shocking experience that has resonated with thousands online. The incident highlights a growing crisis for tenants in India's IT capital.
The Viral Post That Captured a City's Struggle
Sahil Khan, a product designer at a startup, took to social media platform X on November 18, 2025, to express his utter disbelief. After a single day of viewing eight different properties in the central Bengaluru locality of Cooke Town, he encountered a demand that left him questioning reality. "Landlords are asking for 1L rent in Cooke Town for a 3bhk. Have people lost their minds?" he posted.
His frustration was palpable. Khan, who is planning to get married and intends to shift homes in January, currently resides in Koramangala, where he pays Rs 50,000 for a 2BHK. The quotes he received in the premium Cooke Town area, however, were on another level entirely, ranging between Rs 75,000 and Rs 80,000 for similar accommodations.
Shocking Discoveries During the House Hunt
The situation took an even more extreme turn when he came across a 3BHK listed for Rs 1 lakh. What made this exorbitant price tag even more staggering was the property's lack of corresponding amenities. The flat was only semi-furnished, was not part of a gated community with shared facilities, and maintenance charges were an additional cost on top of the massive rent.
In a twist of irony, Khan also inspected a 3BHK advertised for Rs 65,000, a price that seemed comparatively reasonable in this heated market. This feeling was short-lived, as he soon discovered the catch: the apartment was situated immediately next to a railway track, making peaceful living nearly impossible.
Public Reaction and a Look at the Root Cause
Khan's post quickly went viral, sparking a flood of relatable comments from netizens across the country. One user jokingly suggested he move to Mumbai, where a good 2BHK could be found for 1 lakh, along with a lower deposit amount. Another comment dryly noted that such prices were merely motivation to buy one's own house. A third individual chimed in, stating that the Delhi-NCR region offers far more reasonable rents and deposits compared to Bengaluru's soaring market.
Analysing the reason behind the steep prices, Khan pointed to the demographic reality of the city. "There are a lot of IT people (in Bengaluru). So there is money. They (landlords) want some of that (money)," he stated. Having moved from Pune in 2021, he believes a fundamental policy change is needed. He argues that the intense pressure on Bengaluru's housing will not ease until the city increases its Floor Space Index (FSI), which would permit greater density and more residential development to meet the overwhelming demand.
This single social media post has become a symbol of the affordability crisis gripping major Indian metropolises, with Bengaluru's tech-driven rental market leading the charge into uncharted and unaffordable territory for many professionals.
