The concept of a ‘middle class in decline and facing extinction’ has increasingly become a subject of discussion among economists and sociologists in recent years. This report examines some of the manifestations of the chronic and debilitating poverty affecting Iran’s middle class, particularly the growing burden of housing costs.
I recently read in the news that, according to the real-estate guild, the average monthly rent in Iran is more than three times the average income of a civil servant or worker.
To understand the impact of this crisis on the middle class, I sat down with Qadir, 48, a well-known real-estate agent in western Tehran. He is regarded in his neighbourhood as fair-minded, honest and compassionate towards tenants. He entertained me with tea served in traditional hourglass-shaped glasses.
‘Look, my brother,’ Qadir said, ‘around 60 per cent of households in Greater Tehran are tenants. Hyperinflation is devouring their purchasing power and emptying their wallets. Every year, when they renew their contracts with their landlords, they have to downgrade their standard of living.’
‘Can you give me an example?’
