Is Buying a Home on Rs 12 LPA Achievable? Middle-Class Struggles in the Real Estate Market

For many middle-class Indians, buying a house symbolizes stability and success. Yet, with rising property prices and increasing financial pressures, owning a home on a salary of Rs 12 lakh per annum is becoming an uphill battle. This reality forces many to reconsider what is truly achievable in today’s real estate market.

A recent post on Reddit highlighted the struggles of a middle-class buyer trying to find a home within a Rs 12 LPA salary bracket. The individual shared experiences of dealing with property agents in Delhi’s Jamuna Paar area, describing them as unregulated, rife with corruption, and often pushing overpriced and poor-quality properties. Houses in this region, often under 60 square yards and located on narrow lanes, were quoted at prices ranging from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore despite dilapidated conditions.

The post emphasized that those with connections or influence can negotiate better deals, such as a couple who secured a 100 square yard flat for Rs 50 lakh through their network. On the other hand, ordinary buyers without such links face the prospect of taking massive loans far beyond their salary capacity, making home ownership seemingly 'impossible'.

Commenters on the post resonated with the sentiment that taking on hefty Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs) can feel like a trap, forcing buyers into long-term financial strain. One contributor advised against buying a home just to prove social status, pointing out the value of living an EMI-free life with good health.

However, the social pressures tied to property ownership remain strong. The original poster noted that owning a home is often seen as a prerequisite for marriage in many families, adding another layer of stress to the affordability issue. Several comments discussed the challenge of finding a life partner without property assets, highlighting that both arranged and love marriages frequently expect prospective grooms to have their own homes.

Some commenters suggested looking for housing in smaller towns or tier 3 cities, where prices are generally lower. Yet safety concerns and limited amenities in these areas reduce their appeal, pushing many to remain in expensive urban centers where property prices remain out of reach for many middle-class families.