Mumbai’s soaring property prices have triggered an online debate over whether buyers paying Rs 8 crore to Rs 10 crore or more for homes in premium neighbourhoods should also receive civic infrastructure comparable with global cities such as Dubai and Singapore.
The discussion began on Reddit’s r/mumbai community after a user questioned the gap between Mumbai’s luxury housing prices and the quality of infrastructure outside high-end residential complexes. The post highlighted how properties in areas such as Worli, Bandra and South Mumbai offer premium amenities, while public infrastructure around them can present a stark contrast.
The Redditor pointed to potholes, inadequate footpaths, roads under repair and monsoon waterlogging as examples of the challenges faced by residents after leaving their buildings.
“For Rs 8-10 crore in Worli/Bandra/South Mumbai you get a gorgeous building marble lobby, pool, gym, private lift. Then you walk out the gate and it’s potholes, vanishing footpaths, dug-up roads, and waterlogging. Global-city price, but the “experience” ends at the compound wall,” the Redditor posted.
The user also acknowledged Mumbai’s distinct character and advantages, including its culture, food and energy, while questioning whether buyers paying prices comparable to Dubai and Singapore should expect infrastructure of a similar standard.
“But if we’re paying Singapore/Dubai prices, is it unreasonable to expect Singapore/Dubai infrastructure?,” the Redditor asked.
The post received mixed responses. Some users agreed that Mumbai’s property prices appear difficult to justify when compared with housing costs and amenities in international markets. One commenter claimed that a monthly rent of Rs 1.5 lakh in Dubai could secure a 1,000 sq ft lake-facing apartment, while a similar budget in Mumbai would offer substantially less space.
Others, however, cautioned against making direct comparisons between Mumbai and Dubai. One Reddit user noted that Dubai has “its own set of problems” and highlighted Mumbai’s relatively affordable public transport and extensive delivery ecosystem.
Property prices also vary significantly across the three markets. Mumbai’s suburban rates reportedly range between Rs 20,000 and Rs 40,000 per sq ft, while luxury properties in prime locations can exceed ₹1 lakh and approach Rs 3 lakh per sq ft. Dubai prices range from around Rs 30,000 to nearly Rs 2 lakh per sq ft, while Singapore rates are estimated at approximately Rs 90,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh per sq ft.
Source: Hindustan Times
