Buying a home in the city of Mumbai is nothing short of a dream for many. But considering the high cost of living in this financial capital, it is important to start planning one’s flat purchase in this urban landscape well in advance. The most important factors to consider when looking for flats in Mumbai are one’s budget and accommodation requirements. Determining these can help one zero in on suitable areas and properties.

Popular residential locations in Mumbai
While residential locations like Bandra, Matunga, Khar, and Dadar have always been quite prominent in Mumbai, the real estate market is now booming in several other parts of the city, where one can find affordable and plush properties.

Ghatkopar
This bustling neighborhood, located at the heart of the central line in Mumbai, has emerged as one of the most sought-after residential areas of late. Being well-connected to prime city locations such as the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Andheri, it has become even more accessible after the establishment of the Mumbai Metro line from Versova to Ghatkopar.

Andheri
Synonymous with Mumbai’s bustling suburbs, Andheri is the hub for commercial and residential properties and is the first choice for busy office-goers who want to settle somewhere close to their workplaces. With Mumbai Metro lines 2A and 7 being constructed, Andheri’s appeal has increased more than ever among homebuyers. It is incredibly well-connected to the rest of the city, including Bandra, Marine Drive, Churchgate (through Bandra-Worli Sea Link by road and direct fast trains), and other prime city locations. Also, its proximity to Vile Parle, an educational hub, makes it a suitable location for families with children and international students. While some areas near Andheri, such as Juhu and Versova, are quite high-priced, one can find more budget-friendly but sprawling accommodations in certain other areas of the locality.

Mulund
Resplendent with residential facilities, this locality in Mumbai has developed at an unprecedented rate in the past few years. Its high-end infrastructure and connectivity have increased its appeal among homebuyers, with several prominent developers establishing sprawling residential complexes here. Moreover, the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR), proposed to emerge as the fourth east-west corridor in the city, is likely to increase the real-estate prospects in Mulund even further. It is also a prominent railway station on the central line and well-connected to Navi Mumbai through the Mulund-Airoli Road.

Kandivali
Situated near prominent shopping malls, Kandivali is among Mumbai’s highly preferred residential locations today. It is also right next to Malad, which houses Mindspace, a major commercial area. Various educational establishments in its vicinity add to its appeal among homebuyers. In fact, a coastal road that will be able to connect this locality to the city’s heart—including Lower Parel and Nariman Point—with half the travel time taken at present has also been proposed.

Chembur
This strategically located area has excellent connectivity to Andheri, Bandra, and other prime locations in the city. Over the years, its developing trajectory has attracted several reputed builders, with the area boasting widespread residential areas today. It is also more affordable compared to many other areas in Mumbai while having all the required amenities and luxuries at a stone’s throw.

Goregaon
With a robust infrastructure, good connectivity, and the availability of world-class facilities, Goregaon has emerged as a major residential hub in recent years. A prominent railway station in the western line, it is well-connected to the rest of the city by railways and metro (Mumbai Metro Line 7). Also, it has several infrastructural projects in the pipeline, such as the GMLR and the Red Metro Line Extension, which are likely to enhance its popularity further as a residential area.

Things to consider when looking for flats in Mumbai
The first step to finding a flat in Mumbai is to understand one’s personal requirements, including the number of occupants, whether there are children or seniors in the family, the facilities one requires regularly, the location of one’s workplace, etc. With such details, one can zero in on a property at a strategical location and determine the size of home to look for. For example, there are several 1.5 and 2.5 BHK flats available these days. Buying such homes is a good idea if one requires a spare guest room, prayer room, or storage room in the house.

The layout of a home also plays a crucial role in its overall appeal and utility. One should always check whether there’s enough navigation space (sample flats that are furnished can give the best idea about space requirements), the size of the passageway, and locations of the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.

Finally, one should always look for reputed, licensed real-estate developers and check government policies revolving around property ownership in the city, such as the Maharashtra Apartment Ownership Act.