South Mumbai No Longer Mumbai’s Prime Property Area- Suburban Bandra Takes Over

'Sobo' - home to the elite and the 'burbs' for the middle class: What is this dividing line that cuts across Bombay and marks the great north south divide? Is it just in the minds of the people? Is it the spiraling real estate prices? Is it the absence of the irritating auto rickshaws on the street? Or is it because South Bombay was 'the Bombay' during the grandiose days of the British raj? Whatever the answer, South Bombay has always been coveted as a property hotspot. It could boast of the best 5 star hotels, magnificent apartments with a panoramic view of the sea and the prime business centers at Nariman Point.

Bandra, a small isle, once not connected to the city is now juxtaposed between the city and the suburbs. In the past few years, with the expansion and development of the city, Bandra underwent a good deal of reform. Its extensive sea faces were cleaned, beautified and made into lovely promenades. The land around the sea which was once wasteland, was recovered and developed, with property dealers paying high prices for the land and building exorbitantly priced residential complexes, shopping centers, and offices. And now with virtually no free land left in South Mumbai, the elite are moving into the suburbs and Bandra seems to be the hot new destination. Many celebrities own resplendent homes, bungalows and apartments and Bandra can boast of a long list of famous persons which is fast overtaking South Mumbai. Top real estate agents claim that new buildings in Bandra are often fully booked even before construction is complete.

Business centers at places like BKC are offering far better commercial spaces with good food courts. Along with the entertainment industry, business offices and consulates too are moving to Bandra with great speed. The property rates here are steep, but there always are willing buyers. And with Bandra offering a complete lifestyle, what more does one need?