From Orchards to Goldmines: Real Estate Windfalls and Regrets
Fifteen years ago, a family missed the chance to buy 12 acres of mango farmland in Bengaluru for just ₹23 lakh. Today, the same land, now beside an eight-lane highway, is worth over ₹30 crore. Discover the bittersweet stories of real estate investments and missed opportunities.
Real EstateProperty InvestmentInfrastructureBengaluruLand ValueReal EstateAug 31, 2025
“5 years back, we were at the registrar’s office to buy 12 acres of mango farmland for just ₹23 lakh. My uncle warned my dad that mangoes would be hard to maintain, so he walked away. A few years later, an eight-lane highway came up there, today, each acre is worth ₹2.8 crore,” one of the Redditors wrote.
Several users recalled buying farmland or plots in small towns that skyrocketed in value due to infrastructure projects. One netizen purchased two acres near a Tier-3 city, intending only to build a farmhouse, but the announcement of a new ring road and local developments tripled its value within 18 months. Another narrated how a one-acre plot bought for ₹50 lakh in 2004 is now fetching upwards of ₹20 crore after successive deals with builders.
For other Redditors, under-construction apartments became windfalls. A user said his colleague booked a 2.5 BHK in 2023 for ₹79 lakh, only to see resale prices soar to ₹1.4 crore even before possession. A Bengaluru buyer who invested in a Sarjapur flat at ₹5,500 per sq. ft. in 2022 said nearby developments, from a corporate restoring a local lake to a private listed realtor’s mega-project, nearly doubled values in just three years.
Some investments were accidental jackpots. One user said he bought two acres of farmland near a tier-3 city, only to sell it 18 months later at three times the price, after elections triggered new infrastructure announcements. “I just wanted a farmhouse,” he wrote, “but suddenly there was a ring road and other projects—it shot up overnight.”
Another lamented skipping a farmhouse deal in his hometown. “I had the loan approved, but my father warned me about high maintenance costs. Today, with an airport coming up nearby, that land is literally gold.”
The post wasn’t just about land. Several users pointed to the stunning rise of under-construction flats. One netizen said his colleague booked a 2.5 BHK for ₹79 lakh in 2023, still under construction, but it is already fetching ₹1.4 crore in resale.
Another, who purchased a 2BHK near Sarjapur in 2022, said prices had nearly doubled thanks to a mix of luck and development. “First, an MNC took over a dried-up lake opposite our building and began restoring it. Then a Grade A developer launched a massive project nearby at twice the price. Even the metro line is progressing,” he wrote, calling it a perfect storm of good timing.
For every success, there were regrets. One Redditor confessed: “I almost bought a plot for ₹50 lakh in 2019, but hesitated. The government later built a taluk office nearby, and the same land is now a commercial hub with high rental yields. I still regret not taking that loan.”
Another shared how his family sold five acres of agricultural land in 2005 for just ₹10 lakh due to local unrest. “Today, the circle rate puts it at ₹7 crore. I begged my dad not to sell, but I was too young to change the decision,” he said.
Regrets weighed just as heavily. One Redditor recalled nearly buying a large farmhouse but backing out over maintenance costs; today, with an airport coming up nearby, the land has turned ‘into gold.’ Another regretted not purchasing a ₹50 lakh plot in 2019, which later transformed into a prime commercial site after a government office was built next door.
Even inherited lands had their twists. A Redditor’s family nearly sold five acres outside a Tier-2 city for ₹10 lakh in 2005 amid local unrest; they held on reluctantly, and the same land now carries a circle rate valuation of ₹7 crore, the post said.
Bengaluru’s property market is witnessing record highs, with prices climbing faster than any other major city in India. Data from Knight Frank India shows that between January and March 2025, the city saw a 16% surge in residential values, taking average rates to ₹7,116 per sq. ft.
The jump is clearly visible on the ground. In Devanahalli’s Jade Garden, a gated community where plots were selling at around ₹2,000 per sq. ft. in 2021, rates have now touched ₹6,000– ₹7,000 per sq. ft. Apartments too have seen steep appreciation, a 3BHK at Brigade Orchards in north Bengaluru that cost ₹65 lakh last year is now priced at nearly ₹80 lakh, while a unit at Aishwarya Excellency on Old Madras Road has risen from ₹1.2 crore to about ₹2 crore in just a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of infrastructure in real estate value?
Infrastructure development, such as highways, ring roads, and metro lines, can significantly increase the value of real estate by improving accessibility and attracting more development and investment.
Can buying farmland be a good investment?
Yes, buying farmland can be a lucrative investment, especially if it is located near areas with potential for infrastructure development. However, it's important to consider maintenance costs and local market conditions.
How can under-construction flats appreciate in value?
Under-construction flats can appreciate in value due to various factors such as new infrastructure projects, improved amenities, and increased demand in the area. Timing and location are crucial in such investments.
What are some common regrets in real estate investments?
Common regrets in real estate investments include missing out on deals due to hesitation or family advice, selling valuable land at a low price, and not taking advantage of loans or opportunities at the right time.
What is the current trend in Bengaluru's property market?
Bengaluru's property market is currently witnessing record highs, with prices climbing faster than any other major city in India. The city has seen a 16% surge in residential values, driven by new developments and infrastructure projects.
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