Emerging Rental Markets: A Geospatial and Economic Analysis of Urban Housing in India

DOI: https://doie.org/10.0302/ES.2025289517

Nicole D'Silva

Keywords:

Urban rental housing, affordability crisis, geospatial analysis, real estate trends, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, housing policy, spatial inequality, rental market analysis

Abstract:

Purpose – Understanding the urban rental housing market is essential for stakeholders such as real estate developers, landlords, tenants, and policymakers. This study aims to analyze rental housing trends in three major Indian cities—Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune—by employing quantitative price analysis and geospatial evaluation. Given the rising global concerns over housing affordability, this research offers insights applicable to rapidly urbanizing regions worldwide.
Design/methodology – This study utilizes a dataset of over 13,910 rental listings sourced from makaan.com in April 2024, making it one of the most recent assessments of India's rental market. A combination of statistical price analysis and geospatial mapping is applied to examine spatial disparities and socio-economic influences on rental distribution.
Findings – The results indicate substantial variations in rental pricing structures. Delhi exhibits the highest price diversity, Mumbai shows a more compact rental pricing pattern, and Pune maintains relative price homogeneity. The spatial analysis further highlights stark intra-city price disparities, emphasizing socio-economic divisions and housing accessibility challenges.
Research limitations/implications – While this study provides valuable insights into India's rental housing sector, future research could extend the scope by integrating additional variables such as migration patterns, policy interventions, and long-term economic shifts. The findings hold relevance for global urban policymakers, housing researchers, and real estate investors seeking to understand rental market dynamics in emerging economies.
Originality/value – By leveraging geospatial analysis and urban economic theory, this study contributes to the broader discourse on rental market sustainability, housing affordability, and urban planning. The research provides comparative insights applicable beyond India, aligning with global concerns about housing crises in rapidly expanding metropolitan regions.
 

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