Why Bengaluru’s Homebuyers Are Turning Their Backs on Tech Hub Properties

The Bengaluru Real Estate Paradox: A Tale of Disillusioned Techies

For decades, proximity to Bengaluru’s tech parks was the golden ticket in the city’s property market. Young professionals and ambitious families aspired to settle down near IT corridors—hoping to cut down their commutes and be part of the city’s new growth story. Yet, as the tech industry soared, the city’s infrastructure sagged under the weight of relentless expansion.

The Dream Fades: Crumbling Infrastructure in the IT Corridors

The initial promise of convenience has become a recurring nightmare for many. Monsoon floods inundate tech parks, traffic snarls make even short journeys a test of patience, and entire high-rises can go for days without a single drop of water. “Nothing will improve in 100 years,” lamented one tech professional on Reddit—an echo of frustration shared by many.

"Roads are congested, water is scarce, and basic amenities like sewage, electricity, and garbage collection are often missing or overwhelmed."

Even more worrying, IT professionals admit, is the unpredictability of their careers—today’s office isn’t guaranteed five years from now.

The Great Shift: From Tech Hubs to Timeless Neighborhoods

With daily challenges mounting in areas like Sarjapur, Yelahanka, and Bagalur, homebuyers are turning their focus away from the city’s outskirts. What was once a coveted “short commute” has become an exhausting two-hour ordeal, particularly unsustainable for families with young children. Instead, there’s an increasing preference for pre-1991 neighbourhoods—those planned before the IT boom—known for reliable civic amenities and well-connected public transport.

• Better infrastructure: Planned layouts, reliable water supply, and efficient waste management.
• Accessibility: Proximity to reputed schools, hospitals, and daily conveniences.
• Community and lifestyle: Tree-lined streets, heritage charm, and safer environments for kids to grow up.

Explore the enduring appeal of these areas in articles on heritage Bengaluru and discover why Basavanagudi, Malleshwaram, and Jayanagar still attract discerning buyers.

Dilemmas of the New-Age Buyer

“We picked a good school first, and then found a house nearby,” shared one pragmatic parent, capturing today’s reality: school zones matter more than office zones.

Post-35, as careers stabilize and family needs take precedence, many emphasize the importance of liveability, connectivity, and future value over proximity to work. Sound advice now circulates among Bengaluru buyers—secure a home in a well-connected core locality with strong long-term prospects. If job location changes, renting out the old home and moving temporarily can be a smarter play.

Discover strategies for family-friendly homebuying in central Bengaluru.

Water Woes, Traffic Jams & The Renting Alternative

Bengaluru’s infrastructure crisis runs deeper than flooded roads and gridlocked commutes. The water crisis—with entire neighborhoods relying on failing borewells and expensive water tankers—has left many high-end apartments parched. Tech corridors like Whitefield and Sarjapur, only recently added to the city limits, remain underserved by piped water supply.

With this uncertainty, some techies are opting out of buying property entirely, turning instead to flexible renting—a safer choice as job volatility rocks the IT sector and infrastructure woes persist.

Plots vs. Apartments: Land Wins the Appreciation Race

While apartments offer convenience, savvy buyers are increasingly eyeing land or plotted developments. The reasons are clear:

• Plots appreciate faster, have fewer maintenance headaches, and provide flexibility to build, sell, or develop later.
• Rental yields from flats often disappoint and once purchased, flats can feel like a long-term imposition.