Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Feb 17: In a bizarre reflection of the skyrocketing real estate market in the Silicon City, a house owner in Bengaluru has reportedly demanded a monthly rent of Rs 80,000, justifying the steep price solely on the grounds that the house receives "ample natural sunlight."
The incident came to light after a social media user named Anu shared her experience on X (formerly Twitter). In her post, which has since gone viral, she expressed disbelief at how basic living requirements like ventilation and sunlight are now being marketed as luxury "premium" features.
"Bengaluru rents surprise me every single time," Anu stated in her post. She explained that during her house hunt, she encountered an owner who quoted Rs 80,000 as the fixed rent because the rooms were well-lit by the sun. She noted her shock at finding that something as fundamental as natural light is being treated as an "add-on" to justify exorbitant pricing.
The post has sparked an intense debate online regarding the city's rental crisis. Bengaluru has seen a massive surge in property prices and rentals post-pandemic, making living in the city increasingly unaffordable for many professionals.
Reacting to Anu’s post, social media users expressed their dismay. "It’s better to pay an EMI of Rs 80,000 than to pay such a rent," one user commented. Another remarked sarcastically, "It seems sunlight has now become a premium subscription service in Bengaluru."
The incident highlights a growing concern in the city’s rental market, where amenities that were once considered standard are now being used to push rental prices to unprecedented levels.