Would you pay Rs. 70,000 a month for a two-bedroom flat if the roads outside were broken and traffic barely moved? That question is stirring debate online after a professional called out soaring rents in Bengaluru’s Koramangala. The post has sparked strong reactions, with residents, tenants and property watchers weighing in on whether the area’s popularity truly justifies the price tag or if renters are simply paying for reputation over real living comfort.
In a X post, Malhotra criticised the pricing, pointing out infrastructure concerns in the area. She wrote that paying such a premium seemed difficult to justify, citing issues such as heavy traffic, open sewage and poorly maintained roads.
70k for a 2bhk?
Koramangala have some shame – there’s
traffic, open sewage, and broken roads. What are we paying the premium for?
— Lubna Malhotra (@lubnamalhotra) February 10, 2026
Her remarks quickly gained traction online, resonating with many users who said rental costs in Koramangala have surged in recent years despite persistent civic challenges. The neighbourhood remains one of Bengaluru’s most sought-after residential and commercial hubs, particularly among IT professionals and start-up employees. Its proximity to offices, restaurants and entertainment spaces has continued to drive demand.
At the same time, residents frequently raise concerns about everyday infrastructure problems, including traffic congestion, damaged roads and sanitation issues. Some residents argue that the quality of civic facilities does not reflect the high rental prices.
Property experts attribute the sharp rise in rents to strong demand in prime Bengaluru locations. They point out that as more companies push for employees to return to office spaces, the demand for housing near major business districts has increased. With limited housing supply in these high-demand areas, rental prices have climbed further.
Malhotra’s post reportedly received more than 70,000 views, prompting a lively debate among social media users. Some commenters expressed frustration with the rental ecosystem, suggesting that tenants are struggling with financial pressures while landlords benefit from rising property values with X user commenting, “Used to pay 62k for 2BHK without a balcony in 4th block 🥲”
Others offered a different perspective, defending landlords and arguing that rental prices are driven by market demand. Some users also pointed out that higher-income professionals moving to the city continue to fuel the increase in housing costs.
Another section of commenters used humour to question whether the high rents are justified, especially when some properties are valued mainly for their proximity to cafés and social hotspots despite ongoing traffic challenges. One X user commented, “You’re paying for your landlord’s son’s next Omega Seamaster watch, which he’ll gift to his girlfriend in the Maldives this Valentine’s Day…”
The online discussion highlights a broader concern about Bengaluru’s housing affordability. Many residents and observers are now questioning whether the high rental costs in premium neighbourhoods are driven by genuine living standards or largely by the reputation and popularity of the area.
