Finding PGs, hostels in and around Hyderabad’s IT corridor proves daunting

The consistency of complaints posted across platforms suggests deep-rooted issues in the hostel, PG and co-living ecosystem.

Hyderabad: For young professionals moving to Hyderabad’s IT corridor in search of jobs or better opportunities, finding suitable accommodation that fits their budget is a daunting challenge. Despite the rapid growth of PGs, hostels, and co-living spaces in areas like Kondapur, Madhapur, Ayyappa Society, Gachibowli, Gowlidoddi, Nanakramguda and Kukatpally, the struggle to find a decent place remains real.

If the number of people ranting about their accommodation search ordeals on platforms like Reddit, X (Twitter), and Facebook is any yardstick, it is safe to say that accommodation-related pain points, especially in Hyderabad’s IT corridor, are significant and widespread. The consistency of these complaints across platforms suggests deep-rooted issues in the hostel, PG and co-living ecosystem.

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Many rely heavily on real estate applications to find accommodation only to be misled by deceptive images and false descriptions. A frequent complaint is that the actual conditions often fall short of expectations, wasting time, money, and energy.

Those avoiding online search and opting services of brokers face other issues in the form of high brokerage fee being collected. With high demand in the areas, there have been several complaints about brokers taking undue advantage of the demand.

In another significant issue faced by those in search of accommodation, a number of PGs and hostels do not comply with essential security standards. According to a report on The New Indian Express, only 59% of hostels in Hyderabad’s IT zones adhere to safety norms recommended by the government. The flouting of safety norms is a major concern.

Quality of food, availability of water, lack of parking spaces are other major issues faced by those living in these shared spaces. With a basic shared room costing anywhere above Rs. 8000 (not necessarily including meals) and a larger shared room with AC, WiFi, food and costing upward Rs. 15,000 a month, single accommodation in Hyderabad is by no means cheap. Meanwhile, a premium private space with food, WiFi and AC will easily cost anywhere between Rs. 23,000 to Rs. 28,000.

Due to the pain points being too many, tenants opt to rent apartments, sharing it with others and hiring house help.

The shift, on the other hand, has driven up the rental prices in these neighbourhoods, with single tenants taking a place for rent as groups, willing to pay any amount quoted by house owners. Those who do not prefer sharing flats or are unable to find flat mates, continue paying high rents for hostel, PG rooms.