Rs 1.2 Lakh Monthly Salary, Still Can’t Buy a Home in India? Viral Post Highlights Real Estate Crisis
A viral post on social media by Akhilesh highlights the real estate affordability crisis in India, showing that even high earners in Gurugram struggle to afford homes.
Real EstateAffordabilityLuxury HousingUrbanisationNrisReal Estate NewsJun 08, 2025
According to the post, Akhilesh’s friend takes home around Rs 1.2 lakh per month after taxes and deductions. He lives modestly—no car, no kids, no extravagant lifestyle. Despite this, every residential project he visits in Gurugram starts at a staggering Rs 2.5 crore. These homes boast features like infinity pools, zen gardens, biometric lifts, and imported marble floors, making it clear that developers are targeting luxury buyers, not average professionals.
The viral post struck a chord with many, especially young urban professionals. The core argument is simple: even those in the top 5% of India’s income bracket can’t comfortably buy a home in metro cities without compromising their financial security. Owning a house would mean living paycheck to paycheck, with no room for emergencies or even basic leisure.
Akhilesh concluded the post with a powerful remark: “The market is not broken. It’s working exactly as designed—for someone else.”
The post captures a larger trend—how rapid urbanisation, speculative investments, and a push for ultra-luxury housing are making homeownership increasingly elusive, even for India’s high earners.
Anarock’s Annual Residential Report 2024 reveals that 59% of new housing projects in Delhi NCR, 18% in Hyderabad, and 12% in MMR were priced above Rs 2.5 crore, showing a rise in demand for premium homes among wealthy buyers and NRIs. NRIs, in particular, are playing a key role in this expansion, actively acquiring premium properties in major Indian metros as part of long-term wealth preservation strategies, noted a recent report by GRI Club.
While the majority of new supply is focused on ultra-luxury homes, there is a noticeable shortage of homes in the upper mid-income and premium segments. Since the RERA law came into effect in 2017, there has been a significant increase in trust for developers who follow rules and deliver on time. This has led to a growing preference from NRIs for projects by such developers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue highlighted in Akhilesh’s post?
Akhilesh’s post highlights the real estate affordability crisis in India, specifically showing that even high earners in Gurugram struggle to afford homes due to the focus on luxury projects.
How much does Akhilesh’s friend earn, and what is his lifestyle like?
Akhilesh’s friend earns Rs 20 lakh per year, with a take-home salary of around Rs 1.2 lakh per month. He lives modestly, with no car, no kids, and no extravagant lifestyle.
What are the features of the homes in Gurugram that Akhilesh’s friend visits?
The homes in Gurugram that Akhilesh’s friend visits start at Rs 2.5 crore and boast features like infinity pools, zen gardens, biometric lifts, and imported marble floors.
What does Anarock’s Annual Residential Report 2024 reveal about the housing market in India?
Anarock’s Annual Residential Report 2024 reveals that a significant portion of new housing projects in major cities like Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, and MMR are priced above Rs 2.5 crore, catering to wealthy buyers and NRIs.
How has the RERA law affected the real estate market in India?
Since the RERA law came into effect in 2017, there has been a significant increase in trust for developers who follow rules and deliver on time, leading to a growing preference from NRIs for projects by such developers.
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