Renting a flat

HighAir · Jul 14th, 2008, 19:44

Just a short question. I will move to India in 2 1/2 months. At the moment I try to find out how much I will have to spend for a flat. I know, I will only be able to check this in detail when in Mumbai, but some websites seem to be quite helpful in preparation. Anyway, if such a real estate broker offers a price for a package, is this fixed or is it negotiable? From your experience: Do they go down with their offers and if yes how much? (I know, the last question cannot be replied in general, but I would be interested in your experience.)
Don't want to do the mistake of accepting the first offer if I could save some money by negotiating...

capt_mahajan · Jul 14th, 2008, 20:18

Everything is negotiable, and so is this.

People often ask for too much over the internet and on these sites. Not a general rule, but sometimes have noticed 25/30% too much.

I may shortlist from these sites, but I would never fix sight unseen and without a ballpark knowledge or rates in the vicinity.

And I would never pay even one rupee in advance. Brokerage and rent is payable after occupation in Mumbai, except for any advance, which is concurrent with occupation or signing the lease/leave and licence agreement.

Fan of India · Jul 15th, 2008, 12:21

Agree with captain.

Dont close any deal on the internet. It may be best used only for getting a rough idea.

Look around for an apartment once you reach Mumbai. You'll find real estate agents located in every locality and they provide you access to a variety of choices.

Prices are generally negotiable. You can reduce them by 10-20% if you do your research well.

Ideally - request a local friend or colleague - to accompany you on the house hunts. He / she will have a better idea of the rates and will bargain better.

Cheers.

HighAir · Jul 15th, 2008, 13:40

Thanks for your replies so far. I am not insane :-) I do not plan to rent anything via internet.

But I will reach Mumbai in 77 days (already counting) and I would like to be prepared.

I will anyway cooperate with an international agency like "Colliers International" or similar.

But thanks to you I now know that I do not have to answer with the 100% correct figure if they ask me what I plan to spent for housing.

Jul 14th, 2008, 19:44	#1
HighAir Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Germany (Hamburg) Posts: 26	Renting a flat Just a short question. I will move to India in 2 1/2 months. At the moment I try to find out how much I will have to spend for a flat. I know, I will only be able to check this in detail when in Mumbai, but some websites seem to be quite helpful in preparation. Anyway, if such a real estate broker offers a price for a package, is this fixed or is it negotiable? From your experience: Do they go down with their offers and if yes how much? (I know, the last question cannot be replied in general, but I would be interested in your experience.) Don't want to do the mistake of accepting the first offer if I could save some money by negotiating...

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Renting a flat in Delhi	Gene25	Classifieds	6	Nov 11th, 2006 06:51
renting	micky j	Goa	2	Nov 9th, 2005 21:41
renting in india	ashwika	Lodging and Hotels in India	9	Jun 2nd, 2005 15:57

Jul 14th, 2008, 20:18	#2
capt_mahajan (in charge of navel affairs) Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 10,091	Everything is negotiable, and so is this. People often ask for too much over the internet and on these sites. Not a general rule, but sometimes have noticed 25/30% too much. I may shortlist from these sites, but I would never fix sight unseen and without a ballpark knowledge or rates in the vicinity. And I would never pay even one rupee in advance. Brokerage and rent is payable after occupation in Mumbai, except for any advance, which is concurrent with occupation or signing the lease/leave and licence agreement.

Jul 15th, 2008, 12:21	#3
Fan of India Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 100	Agree with captain. Dont close any deal on the internet. It may be best used only for getting a rough idea. Look around for an apartment once you reach Mumbai. You'll find real estate agents located in every locality and they provide you access to a variety of choices. Prices are generally negotiable. You can reduce them by 10-20% if you do your research well. Ideally - request a local friend or colleague - to accompany you on the house hunts. He / she will have a better idea of the rates and will bargain better. Cheers.

Jul 15th, 2008, 13:40	#4
HighAir Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Germany (Hamburg) Posts: 26	Thanks for your replies so far. I am not insane :-) I do not plan to rent anything via internet. But I will reach Mumbai in 77 days (already counting) and I would like to be prepared. I will anyway cooperate with an international agency like "Colliers International" or similar. But thanks to you I now know that I do not have to answer with the 100% correct figure if they ask me what I plan to spent for housing.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password