NRI Couple’s Real Estate Regret: Flats in Hyderabad vs. Stocks
An NRI couple shares their real estate regret, sparking a debate on the better financial choice between buying flats in Hyderabad and investing in stocks.
Real EstateHyderabadNriInvestmentStocksReal Estate NewsJun 17, 2025
In a post shared on social media, it is revealed that an NRI couple invested in a flat in Hyderabad back in 2010. They believed they were making a smart real estate decision. Fast forward fifteen years, and their investment barely grew, giving a return of just around 0.5 percent annualized gain. Adjusted for inflation and currency depreciation, their choice to buy property in Hyderabad instead of investing in stocks cost them significantly in potential returns.
The couple purchased a 3BHK apartment in Nanakramguda’s Mantri Celestia complex for Rs 64 lakh. Over nine years, their total payments, including woodwork, added up to Rs 64.34 lakh. They finally took possession in 2019 and sold the flat in 2024 for Rs 90 lakh. On the surface, it seemed like a decent return. After taxes and fees, they netted Rs 84.9 lakh from the sale and earned Rs 7.2 lakh in rental income over five years—a 45 percent gain in rupee terms. However, when converted to dollars, the picture turned grim.
In 2010, the exchange rate was Rs 45 per dollar. By 2024, the rupee had weakened to Rs 85 per dollar. Their initial investment of USD 111,740 only grew to around USD 120,000, translating to at most an USD 8,500 profit over 15 years. Had they invested the same amount in the S&P 500, their money could have nearly tripled. The S&P 500 was at USD 2,485 in 2019—the year they took possession of their flat. By June 2025, it had risen to USD 6,033. Had the couple invested USD 111,740 in the S&P 500 in 2019, it would have grown to USD 271,278.
The couple shared their regret on social media, stating, “There’s a cost to doing nothing, but a bigger cost to doing the wrong thing. This wasn’t just a financial mistake—it was a drain on time, energy, and mental bandwidth.”
Despite being in a prime IT corridor, their flat in Hyderabad delivered poor returns, especially due to currency valuation. The property also took time to sell, highlighting real estate’s lack of liquidity. The post serves as a cautionary tale for NRIs. While flats in Hyderabad and other real estate assets may seem like safe bets, they often underperform compared to stocks, especially when currency risks are factored in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the NRI couple's initial investment in the flat in Hyderabad?
The NRI couple initially invested Rs 64 lakh in a 3BHK apartment in Nanakramguda’s Mantri Celestia complex.
How much did the flat sell for in 2024?
The flat sold for Rs 90 lakh in 2024.
What was the annualized gain on the NRI couple's investment in the flat?
The annualized gain on the NRI couple's investment in the flat was just around 0.5 percent.
How much would the couple have earned if they had invested in the S&P 500 instead?
Had the couple invested USD 111,740 in the S&P 500 in 2019, it would have grown to USD 271,278 by June 2025.
What is the main lesson from the NRI couple's real estate investment?
The main lesson is that while real estate may seem like a safe investment, it often underperforms compared to stocks, especially when currency risks are factored in.
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