Justdial’s analysis compares search activity between July 2025 and June 2026 with the corresponding period of July 2024 to June 2025. The data shows growing demand not only for accommodation but also for relocation, courier, academic supplies, technology and coaching services as students prepare to move to new cities for higher education.

Pune leads PG demand with 80% growth

Searches for Paying Guest accommodation increased 44% across India during the period. Pune recorded the highest growth among the major cities tracked, with searches rising 80%.

Mumbai followed with a 45% increase, while Chennai recorded 49% growth, Delhi 47%, Hyderabad 43% and Bengaluru 41%.

The increase highlights the growing importance of PG accommodation as students seek housing close to colleges and universities during the admission cycle.

Hostel searches rise 15% in Mumbai

Demand for hostel accommodation also increased, although at a slower pace than PG accommodation.

Hostel Services searches rose 28% nationally. Jaipur recorded the highest growth at 37%, followed by Chennai at 36% and Coimbatore at 35%.

Delhi recorded a 32% increase, Pune 30%, Hyderabad 21% and Mumbai 15%.

The figures suggest that students are exploring multiple forms of accommodation as they prepare for university enrolment and relocation.

Student relocation drives demand for allied services

The increase in accommodation searches was accompanied by higher demand for services associated with moving to a new city.

Courier Services searches increased 20% pan-India. Patna recorded the highest growth at 52%, followed by Delhi at 42% and Kolkata at 32%.

Mumbai recorded an 18% increase in courier-service searches.

Searches for Packers & Movers increased 11% nationally. Delhi led with a 19% increase, while Chennai recorded 15% growth. Mumbai saw searches rise 12%.

Demand for laptops and stationery also increases

The student transition is also reflected in higher searches for academic and technology-related services.

Printing & Stationery Services searches increased 14% nationally. Delhi recorded the highest growth among the listed cities at 21%, followed by Kanpur, Kolkata and Hyderabad at 18% each. Pune recorded a 16% increase.

Laptop Store searches rose 7% across India. Delhi recorded an 18% increase, while Coimbatore saw 16% growth. Mumbai was not included in the city-level figures provided for this category.

Coaching demand rises sharply in some cities

Justdial’s data also points to increased demand for supplementary education in select markets.

Coaching Institute searches increased 81% in Vadodara and 55% in Surat. Ahmedabad recorded a 15% increase, while Patna saw growth of 5%.

According to Justdial, the start of a new academic session generates demand well beyond college admissions. Students and families also need to arrange accommodation, relocation, documentation, technology, stationery and academic support before university enrolment.

Mumbai emerges as a key student housing market

For Mumbai, the 45% increase in PG accommodation searches and 15% rise in hostel searches indicate strong demand for student housing as the new academic cycle begins.

The trend is particularly relevant to the city’s rental housing ecosystem, where students moving from other cities add to demand for smaller, flexible accommodation options.

However, Justdial’s data is based on searches on its platform and indicates search interest rather than confirmed bookings, transactions or occupancy levels. The figures therefore signal demand trends rather than actual student housing absorption.

With India’s admission cycle underway, the latest search trends point to a broader ecosystem of student-driven demand spanning accommodation, relocation and essential services.

Also Read: Student housing in India to grow student relocation to touch 31 million by 2036

The post Mumbai PG Searches Rise 45% as Student Housing Demand Grows Ahead of 2026-27 Admissions appeared first on Square Feat India.

The analysis, covering the period from May 2025 to April 2026 compared to the previous year, reveals that searches for Rental Room Services surged by 30% across India. This growth highlights an increasing inclination toward independent, short-term, and flexible accommodation options, particularly among students, working professionals, and migrant populations.

Among cities, Lucknow emerged as the fastest-growing market in this segment, recording a remarkable 47% increase in searches. Delhi followed closely with a 44% rise, while Hyderabad and Pune posted growth of 22% and 20% respectively. Mumbai and Bangalore, although more mature markets, still recorded steady increases of 18% and 16%, underlining consistent demand in major metropolitan hubs.

The trend extends beyond rental rooms. Hostel Services saw a 26% rise in searches nationwide, indicating sustained demand for affordable, community-based housing. Delhi led this category with a 38% increase, followed by Coimbatore at 35%. Chennai and Pune each recorded a 33% rise, while Ernakulam saw a 23% increase.

Paying Guest accommodations continue to remain a preferred choice, especially among students and early-career professionals. Searches in this category grew by 24% across India. Pune stood out with a sharp 49% increase, followed by Mumbai at 36%. Delhi and Bangalore each recorded a 27% rise, while Ahmedabad saw a 17% increase.

These trends collectively point toward a broader shift in urban housing preferences. Factors such as rising student migration, increasing corporate mobility, hybrid work arrangements, and the need for affordable, ready-to-move housing are driving this demand. Flexibility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness are becoming key decision drivers for urban renters.

The surge in search activity also signals opportunities for developers, co-living operators, and rental platforms to cater to this evolving demand. As cities continue to attract talent and migration, the demand for adaptable housing solutions is expected to grow further, reshaping India’s rental housing ecosystem in the coming years.

Also Read: Rental Price Growth Drops 50% In Top Cities as Housing Supply Surges

The post India’s Rental Housing Boom: 30% Surge in Searches Signals Shift to Flexible Living Models appeared first on Square Feat India.