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  1. Home
  2. Return to India: Decision & Planning
  3. How to Settle in Bangalore – Finding a Good Place
Return to India: Decision & Planning
??
  1. 1Deciding
  2. 2Getting ready
  3. 3Making the move
  4. 4Life after landing

You're in the deciding phase — figuring out if, when and how a move back works for your family.

Start your Return Plan

How to Settle in Bangalore – Finding a Good Place

Mani Karthik·July 31, 2023·3 min read·Deciding

Reviewed by returnees. Cross-checked with RBI, Income Tax Department and MEA. Editorial policy.

Content Index
  • Part 1: Location, Location, Location
  • Part 2: To Buy or to Rent? That is the Question
  • Part 3: The Great House Hunt
  • Part 4: The Art of Negotiation
  • Part 5: The Paperwork Tango
  • Part 6: Moving In and Making It Home

Finding a place to live in Bangalore is like trying to navigate the city’s notorious Silk Board Junction during peak hours – it’s a test of your patience, your negotiation skills, and your ability to keep your sanity intact amidst chaos.

But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We’re here to give you a detailed lowdown on the ins and outs of house hunting in Bangalore, so grab a notebook and a cup of strong filter coffee, and let’s dive in!

Part 1: Location, Location, Location

One cannot stress this enough: in Bangalore, the location of your house can make or break your experience. In the Garden City, your commute time to work or your child’s school can range anywhere from a breezy 15-minute drive to a nightmarish 2-hour trek.

And trust us, Bangalore traffic is like a boss battle in a video game – the less you have to face it, the better.

Do your research. If you’re a techie, areas like Whitefield, Electronic City, and Bellandur are tech hubs that might serve you well. If you want a bit of old Bangalore charm, Malleswaram or Basavanagudi could be your go-to.

For the hip and happening crowd, Indiranagar or Koramangala, with its myriad of restaurants, pubs, and boutiques, might be the dream location.

Read next in this topic

How to Return to Bangalore from USA- Checklist for NRIs

Let’s get something straight here. Bangalore isn’t just a city. It’s an emotion, an experience wrapped in mouthwatering dosas, aromatic filter coffee, and traffic jams so chaotic, they make a Formula 1 race look like a Sunday drive. It’s Silicon Valley served with a generous side of sambar. And you, my NRI friend, are thinking […]

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Part 2: To Buy or to Rent? That is the Question

Now comes the big question – do you want to buy a property, or are you looking to rent? Buying a property is a massive investment and comes with its own set of complications.

But it also means a place you can call your own, something that you can modify and decorate to your heart’s content.

Renting, on the other hand, is less of a financial burden and offers more flexibility.

But it also means dealing with landlords, who can range from being as sweet as Mysore Pak to as bitter as karela juice.

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Part 3: The Great House Hunt

Once you’ve decided on the area and whether you’re buying or renting, it’s time for the hunt to begin. And oh, what an adventure it will be!

House hunting in Bangalore is like going on a treasure hunt, where the treasure is a decent, reasonably priced house that doesn’t have a bathroom the size of a broom closet.

Engage a good real estate agent, but also explore online platforms like 99acres, MagicBricks, and NoBroker. Word of advice: don’t rush.

Take your time, visit multiple properties, and weigh your options.

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Part 4: The Art of Negotiation

In Bangalore, as in most parts of India, negotiation is not just a skill, it’s a survival tactic. Whether you’re buying or renting, the asking price is not the final price, so don’t be afraid to haggle.

A bit of hard bargaining could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Keep reading
Repatriation of Funds – What Returning NRIs Should KnowLet’s demystify repatriation of funds for returning NRIs. Are you a Non-Residential Indian (NRI) planning to shift back to your motherland after years of working abroad? If yes, you’ve probably started chalking out your return plans. Amidst the excitement of returning home and the anxiety of wrapping up your life abroad, one crucial aspect that […]Practical Problems Returning NRIs Must ExpectNobody talks about the small stuff. When I moved back from the US in 2017, I had prepared for the big things – taxes, banking, schools, shipping. I thought I was ready. Then reality hit. In the first week itself. The electricity went out three times. The plumber didn’t show up (twice). My US phone […]

Part 5: The Paperwork Tango

Once you’ve found the house of your dreams, brace yourself for the paperwork. Rental agreements, sale deeds, registration, stamp duty – it’s a whirlwind of documents and legal jargon. But fear not. Your real estate agent or legal advisor can guide you through this maze.

Remember, when it comes to housing paperwork in India, the rule is simple: trust, but verify. Make sure you read and understand every document before you sign.

Deciding → Getting ready

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Part 6: Moving In and Making It Home

Congratulations! You’ve found your house, signed the papers, and now it’s time to move in. But a house is not a home until you’ve added your personal touch. So let your creativity loose and decorate your space to reflect your personality.

There you have it! A 1,000-word guide to finding a place to crash in Bangalore.

Is it a process? Absolutely.

Will it test your patience? Undoubtedly.

But when you’re sipping your morning coffee on your new balcony, overlooking the Bangalore skyline, it’ll all be worth it.

So, gear up, future Bengalurean, your house-hunting adventure awaits!

Written by

Mani Karthik

Mani Karthik

Founder, BackToIndia · Returnee since 2016

Mani Karthik is an entrepreneur who moved back to India in 2016 after nearly a decade living and working in the US and the Middle East. He started BackToIndia to help other NRIs navigate the move — banking, taxes, schooling, careers and the everyday reality of resettling in India.

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Where to next

Continue Return to India: Decision & PlanningHow to Return to Bangalore from USA- Checklist for NRIsTrack it in the appStart your Return PlanSave your notes, timeline and decisions in one place.Ask other returneesJoin the Deciding communityReal Q&A with people at your stage of the move.
10 Best Gated Communities in BangaloreHow to Return to Bangalore from USA- Checklist for NRIs