Navigating the Housing Market: A Challenge for Young Women in Mumbai
Young women moving to Mumbai for education or careers face significant challenges in finding suitable and affordable accommodation, navigating a housing market driven by high demand and redevelopment projects.
MumbaiHousing MarketYoung WomenPg AccommodationRentReal Estate NewsMay 18, 2025
Real Estate News:Mumbai, the city of dreams, is a beacon for young women pursuing education and career opportunities. However, the journey of securing a comfortable and affordable home in this megacity is fraught with numerous obstacles. For students and professionals who arrive from other cities, the experience of living independently for the first time is often overshadowed by the harsh realities of the housing market.
One of the primary challenges is finding proper accommodation in a city with some of the most expensive real estate in the country. Paying guest (PG) accommodation is often the first choice for women migrants due to the limited availability of working women's hostels. However, the brutal housing market is making it increasingly difficult to find suitable PGs. The massive wave of redevelopment projects in Mumbai has led to a surge in demand for rental homes, primarily from displaced local residents, thereby shrinking the rental stock.
Rents are skyrocketing, with increases of up to 25-30% in some areas. This financial burden often falls on the parents of these young tenants. For many women, finding a home is not just about affordability but also about navigating a system that sometimes disregards their lived realities. They are frequently forced to compromise on comfort and autonomy, dealing with issues such as pest infestations, strict curfews, and a lack of privacy.
Sakshi Bajaj, a 20-year-old student at St Xavier’s College from Lucknow, paid Rs 60,000 per month for a double-occupancy PG room in Kalbadevi. Despite the steep rent, the conditions were far from ideal. 'There was pest infestation, strict curfews, and 15 girls sharing common washrooms,' she says. After browsing 8-10 PGs, Sakshi moved to a spacious 3BHK in Parel, where her share of the rent is Rs 37,500. 'It’s large, with attached bathrooms, gym and pool facilities, a cook and maid, and 24/7 security. And still, my total cost is under Rs 60,000. The difference in quality is vast,' she notes.
Another St Xavier’s College student, 21-year-old Adyashree Upadhyay from Lucknow, faced similar challenges. Her 900-square-foot rental flat in Girgaum Chowpatty required significant improvements before it was livable. 'My father had to come and get the place painted, install lights, fans, everything, just to make it livable,' she recalls. Living alone, Adyashree pays a modest Rs 31,000 a month as rent, thanks to her father's contacts.
Even for those willing to pay premium rents, the trade-offs can be significant. Veronica, a 21-year-old native of Delhi, lives in a PG near Marine Lines where Rs 35,000 fetches her a small double-sharing room with no attached washroom. 'The only thing going for it is that it’s a five-minute walk to college,' she says.
For many women, PGs are not just costly but also stifling. Curfews, constant scrutiny, and shared facilities reduce autonomy and affect mental well-being, especially for those living away from family for the first time. Renting an independent flat may offer more freedom, but finding one is no cakewalk. Landlords frequently turn away single women, citing 'no bachelor girls allowed' as a rule. Even if the landlord is agreeable, housing societies sometimes override the decision, demanding character references, personal interviews, and assurances of a 'quiet lifestyle'. 'Women are probed about their personal lives, including whether they have male friends or partners, what time they return home, and their marriage plans,' says one tenant.
In Santacruz East, a student from NMIMS Nagpur shares a 400-sq-ft flat with two others. They pay Rs 20,000 each, with utilities pushing costs higher. 'It’s functional, but not ideal. Finding something affordable that doesn’t feel unsafe or suffocating is quite a task,' she says.
Landlords tend to limit the number of visitors, disallow cooking non-vegetarian food, or demand parental approval. Yet a few women manage to strike good deals. Sahal Masood, a 28-year-old stock exchange freelancer from Saharanpur who studied at Mithibai College, shares a semi-furnished 3BHK in Juhu with three flatmates and pays just Rs 12,500 a month. 'We got lucky. The flat has all basic appliances and 24/7 security. Our extra costs come to about Rs 4,000 per month. Given the area and condition, it’s a great deal,' she says. Masood contacted nearly eight estate agents before finding this golden deal. However, these are exceptional cases.
Even in upscale neighborhoods like Malabar Hill, quality doesn’t always align with cost. A student pays Rs 20,000 per head in a cramped 500-sq-ft flat with three others. She reports deteriorating infrastructure and zero amenities. 'The only thing justifying the rent is the location,' she notes.
Landlords and brokers define the rent pricing spectrum by location, furnishing, and sea views. Ronnie Vaz, a broker operating in Bandra-Khar, says that a sea-facing 1BHK can go for Rs 70,000, a 2BHK for Rs 1 lakh, and a 3BHK for Rs 1.5 lakh. With limited housing stock and high redevelopment activity, renters are left with few choices.
In South Mumbai, broker Narendra V says demand for PGs never dips, especially among young women who come here to study or work. 'Students, doctors, lawyers—so many women come here looking for opportunities, and the demand keeps growing,' he says. 'Safety is a concern, but in Mumbai, agreements are always registered and renting involves a lot of paperwork and background checks. Landlords are cautious, and only after thorough verification is a flat handed over. That makes our city safer for women than many others.'
Across the city, several PGs and hostels offer women either an individual bed and cupboard with common bathrooms and a kitchen, or individual or twin/triple sharing facilities. A vast old hostel named Shram Sadhana in Bandra East, established in 1978 by the family of former President Pratibha Patil, accommodates 550 students and working girls. 'We accommodate 550 students and working girls,' says Dnyaneshwar Patil, who manages the center.
In Old Mhada, Andheri West, Aditi Saksham runs four or five different PG facilities and is mindful to stick to the rule book at all times. 'I insist on meeting the girls' parents and seek their Aadhar cards too. Earlier, I have actually had girls sharing their boyfriend's number as that of their father for verification,' she says.
Near the Opera House, Kamlesh Jain has been running 'Jain PG' for 12 years where the rent is Rs 18,000 per person. 'The girls live like our daughters. Out of towners basically seek 'ghar ka khaana' (home food) and a benevolent landlord who will guide them like a family elder. In a large hostel with 100-150 inmates, nobody knows if you have eaten food or not. Whereas I have 5-7 inmates who call my wife even if they see a cockroach,' says Jain with a laugh.
And in Worli, the Shirinbai Mody hostel houses Parsi women from as far as Gujarat, even Kolkata and Madhya Pradesh in its comforting environs, said Filly Bapuna who funded its grand renovation along with other community members.
Anuradha Patil, chairperson of the Lady Willingdon Hostel in Fort, makes a case for hostels over PGs. 'Hostels are an economical and safe option as nearly all of them are managed by the government or NGOs. Information is available on their websites, enabling one to select a reliable option, say, by location. Women prefer to live near commercial centers or railway stations. Moreover, hostels charge reasonable fees, provide nutritious food prepared in-house, and 24-hour security. Hostelites are expected to abide by the rules, but can always return to a clean room thanks to the housekeeping staff. Not all PG places have a separate entrance and cooking facilities. Unlike PGs, hostels often allow women to meet friends or relatives of either gender in the common lounge. No one is allowed to enter their rooms. Most hostels have relaxed timings for the girls as today, all of them work long hours. Also, safety is guaranteed as they have to sign in and sign out every time,' she says.
Pavana Anchees, president of YWCA Bombay, which runs four hostels in Colaba, Byculla, Andheri, and Belapur housing 300 residents, says, 'Our organization is well known for its hostels which are fondly referred to as 'home away from home' by students, working women, and job seekers. We charge affordable fees ranging from Rs 750 to Rs 15,000, depending upon the location and salaries of residents, and offer well-maintained rooms, security, and sumptuous meals.'
One of the primary challenges is finding proper accommodation in a city with some of the most expensive real estate in the country. Paying guest (PG) accommodation is often the first choice for women migrants due to the limited availability of working women's hostels. However, the brutal housing market is making it increasingly difficult to find suitable PGs. The massive wave of redevelopment projects in Mumbai has led to a surge in demand for rental homes, primarily from displaced local residents, thereby shrinking the rental stock.
Rents are skyrocketing, with increases of up to 25-30% in some areas. This financial burden often falls on the parents of these young tenants. For many women, finding a home is not just about affordability but also about navigating a system that sometimes disregards their lived realities. They are frequently forced to compromise on comfort and autonomy, dealing with issues such as pest infestations, strict curfews, and a lack of privacy.
Sakshi Bajaj, a 20-year-old student at St Xavier’s College from Lucknow, paid Rs 60,000 per month for a double-occupancy PG room in Kalbadevi. Despite the steep rent, the conditions were far from ideal. 'There was pest infestation, strict curfews, and 15 girls sharing common washrooms,' she says. After browsing 8-10 PGs, Sakshi moved to a spacious 3BHK in Parel, where her share of the rent is Rs 37,500. 'It’s large, with attached bathrooms, gym and pool facilities, a cook and maid, and 24/7 security. And still, my total cost is under Rs 60,000. The difference in quality is vast,' she notes.
Another St Xavier’s College student, 21-year-old Adyashree Upadhyay from Lucknow, faced similar challenges. Her 900-square-foot rental flat in Girgaum Chowpatty required significant improvements before it was livable. 'My father had to come and get the place painted, install lights, fans, everything, just to make it livable,' she recalls. Living alone, Adyashree pays a modest Rs 31,000 a month as rent, thanks to her father's contacts.
Even for those willing to pay premium rents, the trade-offs can be significant. Veronica, a 21-year-old native of Delhi, lives in a PG near Marine Lines where Rs 35,000 fetches her a small double-sharing room with no attached washroom. 'The only thing going for it is that it’s a five-minute walk to college,' she says.
For many women, PGs are not just costly but also stifling. Curfews, constant scrutiny, and shared facilities reduce autonomy and affect mental well-being, especially for those living away from family for the first time. Renting an independent flat may offer more freedom, but finding one is no cakewalk. Landlords frequently turn away single women, citing 'no bachelor girls allowed' as a rule. Even if the landlord is agreeable, housing societies sometimes override the decision, demanding character references, personal interviews, and assurances of a 'quiet lifestyle'. 'Women are probed about their personal lives, including whether they have male friends or partners, what time they return home, and their marriage plans,' says one tenant.
In Santacruz East, a student from NMIMS Nagpur shares a 400-sq-ft flat with two others. They pay Rs 20,000 each, with utilities pushing costs higher. 'It’s functional, but not ideal. Finding something affordable that doesn’t feel unsafe or suffocating is quite a task,' she says.
Landlords tend to limit the number of visitors, disallow cooking non-vegetarian food, or demand parental approval. Yet a few women manage to strike good deals. Sahal Masood, a 28-year-old stock exchange freelancer from Saharanpur who studied at Mithibai College, shares a semi-furnished 3BHK in Juhu with three flatmates and pays just Rs 12,500 a month. 'We got lucky. The flat has all basic appliances and 24/7 security. Our extra costs come to about Rs 4,000 per month. Given the area and condition, it’s a great deal,' she says. Masood contacted nearly eight estate agents before finding this golden deal. However, these are exceptional cases.
Even in upscale neighborhoods like Malabar Hill, quality doesn’t always align with cost. A student pays Rs 20,000 per head in a cramped 500-sq-ft flat with three others. She reports deteriorating infrastructure and zero amenities. 'The only thing justifying the rent is the location,' she notes.
Landlords and brokers define the rent pricing spectrum by location, furnishing, and sea views. Ronnie Vaz, a broker operating in Bandra-Khar, says that a sea-facing 1BHK can go for Rs 70,000, a 2BHK for Rs 1 lakh, and a 3BHK for Rs 1.5 lakh. With limited housing stock and high redevelopment activity, renters are left with few choices.
In South Mumbai, broker Narendra V says demand for PGs never dips, especially among young women who come here to study or work. 'Students, doctors, lawyers—so many women come here looking for opportunities, and the demand keeps growing,' he says. 'Safety is a concern, but in Mumbai, agreements are always registered and renting involves a lot of paperwork and background checks. Landlords are cautious, and only after thorough verification is a flat handed over. That makes our city safer for women than many others.'
Across the city, several PGs and hostels offer women either an individual bed and cupboard with common bathrooms and a kitchen, or individual or twin/triple sharing facilities. A vast old hostel named Shram Sadhana in Bandra East, established in 1978 by the family of former President Pratibha Patil, accommodates 550 students and working girls. 'We accommodate 550 students and working girls,' says Dnyaneshwar Patil, who manages the center.
In Old Mhada, Andheri West, Aditi Saksham runs four or five different PG facilities and is mindful to stick to the rule book at all times. 'I insist on meeting the girls' parents and seek their Aadhar cards too. Earlier, I have actually had girls sharing their boyfriend's number as that of their father for verification,' she says.
Near the Opera House, Kamlesh Jain has been running 'Jain PG' for 12 years where the rent is Rs 18,000 per person. 'The girls live like our daughters. Out of towners basically seek 'ghar ka khaana' (home food) and a benevolent landlord who will guide them like a family elder. In a large hostel with 100-150 inmates, nobody knows if you have eaten food or not. Whereas I have 5-7 inmates who call my wife even if they see a cockroach,' says Jain with a laugh.
And in Worli, the Shirinbai Mody hostel houses Parsi women from as far as Gujarat, even Kolkata and Madhya Pradesh in its comforting environs, said Filly Bapuna who funded its grand renovation along with other community members.
Anuradha Patil, chairperson of the Lady Willingdon Hostel in Fort, makes a case for hostels over PGs. 'Hostels are an economical and safe option as nearly all of them are managed by the government or NGOs. Information is available on their websites, enabling one to select a reliable option, say, by location. Women prefer to live near commercial centers or railway stations. Moreover, hostels charge reasonable fees, provide nutritious food prepared in-house, and 24-hour security. Hostelites are expected to abide by the rules, but can always return to a clean room thanks to the housekeeping staff. Not all PG places have a separate entrance and cooking facilities. Unlike PGs, hostels often allow women to meet friends or relatives of either gender in the common lounge. No one is allowed to enter their rooms. Most hostels have relaxed timings for the girls as today, all of them work long hours. Also, safety is guaranteed as they have to sign in and sign out every time,' she says.
Pavana Anchees, president of YWCA Bombay, which runs four hostels in Colaba, Byculla, Andheri, and Belapur housing 300 residents, says, 'Our organization is well known for its hostels which are fondly referred to as 'home away from home' by students, working women, and job seekers. We charge affordable fees ranging from Rs 750 to Rs 15,000, depending upon the location and salaries of residents, and offer well-maintained rooms, security, and sumptuous meals.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main challenges faced by young women in finding accommodation in Mumbai?
Young women face challenges such as high rents, limited rental stock, strict curfews in PGs, and discriminatory housing practices. They often have to compromise on comfort and autonomy.
Why is PG accommodation popular among young women in Mumbai?
PG accommodation is popular due to its cost-effectiveness and the limited availability of working women's hostels. It is often the first choice for women migrants.
How do redevelopment projects in Mumbai affect the housing market?
Redevelopment projects increase demand for rental homes from displaced local residents, leading to a shortage of rental stock and soaring rents.
What are the advantages of living in a hostel compared to a PG in Mumbai?
Hostels are generally more economical and safe, with reasonable fees, nutritious food, 24-hour security, and a sense of community. They also offer more relaxed timings and better facilities.
What steps do landlords and housing societies take to ensure the safety of female tenants in Mumbai?
Landlords and housing societies often conduct background checks, demand character references, and require personal interviews to ensure a 'quiet lifestyle' and safety for female tenants.
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