Rs 20 Lakh Salary Not Enough to Buy Home in Gurugram: Techie’s Viral Post Reveals Housing Crisis
A techie's viral post highlights the struggles of affording a home in Gurugram, even with a Rs 20 lakh annual salary. The post reveals the increasing difficulty of homeownership in Indian cities due to soaring real estate prices.
Real Estate Prices In IndiaGurugram Housing MarketSocial Media ReactionsTechie Job SalaryCost Of Living In GurugramReal EstateJun 08, 2025
Akhilesh detailed that his friend, who earns around Rs 1.2 lakh per month after taxes, EPF, and deductions, is unable to buy a house with decent amenities without living paycheck to paycheck. The friend doesn't splurge, doesn't own a car, and has no kids—just a partner. Every project he visits starts at Rs 2.5 crore, with brochures boasting about infinity pools, zen gardens, Italian marble, and biometric lifts. If he were to buy such a house, he would have no buffer, no vacations, and no emergency funds.
Here’s the full text of the post:
‘Was having a discussion with a friend in Gurgaon. His CTC is Rs 20 lakh. His in-hand is around 1.2 lakh per month after taxes, EPF, and deductions. He doesn't splurge. No car. No kids. Just a waifu. Every project he visits starts at 2.5 crore. The brochures talk about infinity pools, zen gardens, Italian marble, biometric lifts. If he buys this, he has to live paycheck to paycheck. No buffer. No vacations. No emergencies. He earns more than maybe 95% of India. Still can’t buy a home in his city. The market is not broken. It’s working exactly as designed. For someone else.
People under this are saying that if your friend doesn’t have a budget, he shouldn’t buy in Gurgaon. He should buy in some tier 2 or tier 3 city where flats are cheap. If we’re allowed to make irrational arguments, I might as well ask my friend to buy a flat in Dhaka because it's even cheaper there.’
The post gained significant traction, with many users sharing similar experiences. One user commented, ‘It’s wild how even a high salary feels inadequate in certain cities. Many people are in the same boat, juggling expenses while trying to save. It makes you question what success means nowadays.’
Another user added, ‘It is the same story everywhere. In Hyderabad, a triplex villa outside ORR quotes a minimum of 2.5 crore. There are villas being sold for 9 crore, not sure what on earth these villas have. If one wants an apartment, prices range from 1.5 to 3 crore based on location. Buying a home is not a common man's dream anymore. The real estate market is completely in the hands of black money hoarders.’
A third user expressed, ‘Gurgaon has brand new flats starting from as low as 65 lakhs for a 2BHK. Humans are aspiring high with shallow pockets.’ Another suggested, ‘With this money, he can go to his ancestral home (most probably in a village), build a Lutyens bungalow there with this much money. Clean air, clean water, grandeur home, social life, stick with the cultural roots, better health—there are countless benefits.’
Yet another user commented, ‘Not just your friend, even people whose CTC is 50 lakh couldn't afford to buy apartments, forget about villas. For a low per capita country like India, the real estate prices are in the sky. Yet every project is sold out in pre-launch. Who and how they are buying is a mystery.’
This situation underscores the broader issue of the real estate market in Indian cities, where even high salaries are not enough to afford a decent home. The debate continues, raising questions about the affordability and sustainability of urban living in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual salary mentioned in the post?
The annual salary mentioned in the post is Rs 20 lakh.
Why is buying a home in Gurugram difficult despite a high salary?
Buying a home in Gurugram is difficult despite a high salary because the real estate prices are extremely high, and even a Rs 20 lakh annual salary is not enough to afford a decent home without living paycheck to paycheck.
What amenities are mentioned in the brochures of the projects visited?
The brochures of the projects visited mention amenities such as infinity pools, zen gardens, Italian marble, and biometric lifts.
What are the reactions on social media to this post?
Reactions on social media include surprise at the high cost of living, sympathy for those struggling to afford a home, and suggestions to consider properties in smaller cities or villages.
What does the post reveal about the real estate market in Indian cities?
The post reveals that the real estate market in Indian cities is increasingly unaffordable, even for high earners, and is often driven by black money and speculative investments.
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