₹1.25 Crore ‘Matchbox’ Flat in Mumbai: A Viral Tour of Exorbitant Real Estate

Mumbai’s real estate market has long been notorious for its sky-high prices and shrinking living spaces, but a recent property tour has left social media users in disbelief. A video showcasing a cramped apartment priced at a staggering ₹1.25 crore has gone viral, not just for its cost, but for a bizarre layout that places the bathroom directly opposite the kitchen’s cooking area.

Instagram user Jayantika shared the video and wrote, “Mumbai real estate feels like a massive social experiment at this point.” The video opens with a text insert which reads, “Mumbai real estate and it is ₹1.25 crore.” Jayantika then starts showing the apartment, starting with a well-decorated but small drawing room. She confesses that initially she mistook it for a lobby.

“You have a kitchen like this and jahan pe apka chulha ayega uske this samne there is a sandaas [The toilet is just opposite to the cooking area],” she says as she goes on to show the bizarre layout of the apartment. She then shows the tiny bedroom with a bed and limited space. She continues, “Mumbai may kuch bhi chal raha hai,” and concludes her video.

The video has sparked a range of reactions on social media. One individual commented, “The bathroom looks as big as the hall.” Another added, “Matchboxes can hold more sticks.” A third joked, “Toilet seat pe baith ke ubalte hue doodh pe nazar rakhne ka convenience de rakha hai [They have given people the convenience of keeping an eye on boiling milk while sitting inside the toilet].” A fourth wrote, “People will still buy the flat for the price. This gives the builder the complacency to build such a flat.”

Mumbai’s real estate market is one of the most expensive in the world, with prices often defying logic. The city’s limited land and high demand have driven prices to astronomical levels, making it difficult for many to find affordable housing. This viral video serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Mumbaikars in their quest for a place to call home.

The layout and design of the ₹1.25 crore flat raise questions about the priorities and standards of the real estate developers in Mumbai. Critics argue that such designs prioritize profit over livability, leading to cramped and impractical living spaces. Despite the backlash, the video also highlights the resilience and adaptability of Mumbai residents, who often find ways to make the most of limited spaces.

In conclusion, the viral video of the ₹1.25 crore flat in Mumbai has brought the city’s real estate issues to the forefront of public discussion. It serves as a call to action for policymakers and developers to address the growing concerns about housing affordability and quality of life in one of India’s most vibrant but challenging cities.