My friend in Bangalore is a builder. Steel and cement prices are going through the roof. He says that banks have money but are unwilling to lend (Don’t look at me, I am just the messenger here.) Major construction sites are all downsizing their workforce, working with a third of required workforce, cashiering the rest of them. It isn’t pretty.

Anyhow, while discussing all this, he gave me his personal take on the housing market over there.

The average software professional (mid to late twenties) earns about Rs. 40000. Along with the spouse it is Rs. 80,000. Subtract 20000 toward household expenses. Another 10000 towards the car loan. Subtract another 10000 on credit card dues and/or personal loan EMIs. That leaves them with Rs. 40,000 to spend on a house of their own. It follows that the Rs. 35-40 lakh flat in Bangalore is the upper limit of capability for the average couple.

I asked him, what about the single dudes who aren’t married, how does he intend to sell stuff to them? How’s he gonna get them to get married?

My friend is opening a marriage bureau.