Tech layoffs: A sudden drop in rental prices in Bengaluru has sparked online speculation about a fresh wave of layoffs in India’s tech sector. What began as a casual Reddit post has grown into a wider conversation about job uncertainty and changing market dynamics in the country’s IT capital.
Online observation
A user on Reddit recently posted a screenshot from a Reddit thread noting the sudden availability of 2BHK flats in Whitefield within a Rs 40,000 budget is something they said was nearly impossible just a few months ago.
“Is Bengaluru rents coming down? 4-5 months ago I couldn’t find a good gated apartment for Rs 40K. Today, there are plenty,” the post read.
The observation resonated with others. One user replied, “Layoffs fear. Bengaluru is primarily driven by IT. Many are now postponing plans to buy homes or plots due to job uncertainty. They’re focusing on savings instead; this naturally impacts rental demand.”
Another pointed to a changing landscape: “After mass RTO (Return to Office) enforcement last year, rents surged. Now, with layoffs underway, no one wants to spend big chunks of their salary on rent or EMIs.”
While some called it people “coming to their senses,” others warned of “huge layoffs underway, mostly silent.” The sentiment reflects what industry insiders have been whispering for months. 2025 has seen one of the most brutal periods for IT workers globally.
What started as a promising year of artificial intelligence adoption has turned sour, with mass layoffs across major tech giants like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Intel. While AI promised to boost productivity, it has also contributed to workforce reductions, as roles are re-evaluated and streamlined.
Big tech’s layoff spree in 2025
Microsoft has led the way with approximately 9,100 job cuts this year, largely affecting its Xbox division. Intel, meanwhile, has announced over 500 job losses in Oregon and 107 in California, with a further 5,500 expected globally.
Amazon’s restructuring continues to impact AWS and senior roles, with reports of a potential 10% workforce reduction, especially at principal levels. Google is cutting 25% of its Google TV and Android TV staff while also slashing funding to the division by 10%.
CrowdStrike has also announced layoffs affecting 5% of its global workforce, roughly 500 employees.