The Hidden Discrimination: Challenges in the Real Estate Market for Muslims
Explore the deep-seated issues of discrimination faced by Muslims in the Indian real estate market, where religion often becomes a barrier to home ownership.
Real Estate DiscriminationHousing Market For MuslimsMuslim Home Ownership ChallengesProperty Values And MuslimsIslamophobia In HousingReal Estate MumbaiNov 18, 2025
Eventually, he shortlisted one property where the builder was known to me. The builder was willing to give him a chance but candidly told me that “his clothes and etiquette are modern, but we will yet need to do an extensive security check on his background. Hope your friend will not be offended by that.”
I recalled that incident a couple of days after the November 10 attack near Red Fort, Delhi. The reaction of the Indian government might still be uncertain, but I am certain about the reaction of the housing market. As if it wasn’t tough enough already, housing opportunities for Muslims will get even tougher. It will expose the worst-kept secret in the real estate business: Religion matters. And it matters even more if the religion is Islam.
Discrimination against Muslims is a controversial subject with several complex layers but two defences. One defence is that discrimination is not unique to Muslims. There are multiple types of discrimination. Bachelors and pet-owners are commonly rejected when house-hunting. Even non-vegetarians are not permitted to rent in certain buildings.
The second defence is that there is a trend across the world of people preferring to stay amidst their own community. Familiarity as well as common traditions and festivals ensure the environment is a conducive one for all. Hence, the narrative of discrimination against just Muslims is untrue.
These are legitimate points, but it displays political correctness more than ground reality in my view. Discrimination against pet-owners and bachelors is true. But at a religion level – the discrimination is primarily against Muslims. Few Parsis, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, etc., struggle in getting a home on account of their religion. Similarly, traditions are different across religions – so why are others acceptable but not those of Muslims?
The uncomfortable truth of the housing market is that Muslims struggle to get homes because most people see various risks with them. There are three arguments that are commonly placed. On one side is the hard-line view that members of the Muslim community can be a security and safety threat and thus are a risk as neighbours. At the centre is a view that has been fostered by looking at the shoddy and almost lawless conditions of Muslim-dominated localities.
Extrapolated further, this view claims that Muslims will not fit in an organised setup. On the other side is the financial point of view that says ownership of apartments by a meaningful number of Muslims in a particular project or locality often results in a decline in property values.
I have maintained for several years that blanket discrimination is not the answer as it only pushes Muslims further into ghettos. If societies and landlords have certain suspicions, the way to address that is to do a more rigorous background check to determine the compatibility and safety. The counterargument was simple and straightforward: How does one make that judgment?
It was a debate that was tilted against Muslims. With the November 10 terror attacks, the tilt will become one-sided. If even doctors are part of the strike, then the argument of those against selling to Muslims will find greater relevance as it will prove that education is not a counter to radicalisation and terror. I fear the next time a Muslim friend asks for help in buying a home – his money, modern clothes, and etiquette will still not qualify him for certain builders and sellers. He will be pushed further into a ghetto and gradually even society will not notice.
Vishal Bhargava tracks Mumbai’s real estate
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main reasons for discrimination against Muslims in the housing market?
The main reasons include perceived security risks, concerns about fitting into organized setups, and the belief that ownership by Muslims can lead to a decline in property values.
Are there other forms of discrimination in the housing market besides religion?
Yes, there are multiple types of discrimination. Bachelors, pet-owners, and non-vegetarians are often rejected when house-hunting.
Why is the discrimination against Muslims particularly significant?
Discrimination against Muslims is significant because few other religious groups face similar challenges in getting homes based on their religion.
What are some proposed solutions to address this discrimination?
Proposed solutions include more rigorous background checks to ensure compatibility and safety, rather than blanket discrimination.
How have recent events affected the housing market for Muslims?
Recent events, such as the November 10 terror attacks, have likely made the housing market even more challenging for Muslims, as they may be seen as higher security risks.
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