Bengaluru Techie Sparks Debate on Home Buying

A 30-year-old tech professional from Bengaluru has ignited a lively discussion online about the financial implications of buying a home. He is contemplating the purchase of a ₹2.7 crore 3BHK apartment in JP Nagar, South Bengaluru, mostly funded by a ₹1.8 crore home loan. His Reddit post on r/indianrealestate went viral, drawing hundreds of responses and reflecting the challenges faced by many young professionals in India.

The couple, earning a combined ₹5.1 lakh a month, has been living in South Bengaluru for nearly a decade. They maintain average monthly expenses of ₹60,000–70,000 and have set aside a ₹20 lakh emergency fund along with another ₹20 lakh as a buffer. Additionally, they receive passive rental income of ₹18,000 per month from a 2BHK apartment in their hometown. With no children in the immediate future, they are poised to make a ₹90 lakh down payment without dipping into their investment portfolios.

The apartment in question is spacious, measuring 1,800 sq. ft., and is located in an eight-year-old gated community known for its good maintenance and proximity to the metro. The couple prefers to stay in their familiar neighborhood rather than relocating to areas like Varthur or Sarjapur, which are popular among IT professionals.

While some Reddit users applauded the couple's financial planning and the apartment's prime location, others expressed concerns about the steep price tag. They pointed out that similar 3BHKs in South Bengaluru typically range from ₹1.8–2.3 crore, suggesting that the techie negotiate harder or consider alternatives around the Outer Ring Road for better long-term appreciation.

Furthermore, some users urged the couple to reflect on their long-term life plans. If they intend to settle in the area for 15–20 years, the purchase could be worthwhile; however, if there's a chance of relocating or moving abroad, renting might be the more prudent option.

This post underscores a prevalent dilemma among urban professionals in India: is it wise to stretch one’s finances to buy a 'dream home' in a well-known area, or is renting a more sensible choice in a market where property prices are often inflated? One user summed it up succinctly: “Always buy the right thing at the right price. With your finances, you can afford this home. But ask yourself — is it truly worth ₹2.7 crore?”