Strategic Real Estate Investing: How India's Savvy Investors Book Rs 50 Lakh Profits
While most Indian investors focus on mutual funds, a new class of wealth builders is playing a smarter, slower, and more lucrative game in real estate. Discover how they achieve 18-22% internal rates of return.
Real EstateInvestmentWealth CreationPropertyIrrReal EstateJun 23, 2025
According to Sujith SS, founder of the personal finance platform Moneydhan, these savvy investors are earning internal rates of return (IRR) as high as 18–22%, thanks to early-stage property investments and tactical asset flips. In a recent LinkedIn post that caught the attention of finance circles, Sujith revealed how India’s “emerging wealthy” are no longer satisfied with passive investing; they’re playing the real estate game like chess masters.
To explain the idea, in his detailed LinkedIn post, Sujith introduced a fictional case study, a character named Riya, as a way to simplify what many real investors are actually doing behind the scenes.
From under-construction flats to passive commercial income
It all started in Year 0, when Riya bought two under-construction flats in Gurgaon, priced at Rs 1.2 crore each. Notably, this was nearly 20% cheaper than comparable ready-to-move-in properties in the area, a classic early bird advantage.
Her payment plan was as calculated as her purchase: 10% at booking, then staggered disbursements at key construction milestones. No EMI burden. No upfront loans. Just patience and foresight.
Fast-forward to Year 2, construction progresses and with rising demand from NRIs and local brokers, the market value of each flat climbs to Rs 1.4 crore. By Year 3, as possession approaches, one of the flats touches Rs 1.75 crore. Riya sells it, bagging a cool Rs 50 lakh gain.
But she doesn’t stop there. The second flat is held and rented, fetching a 6% rental yield. This income, combined with her improved equity, helps her refinance the unit at lower rates.
The masterstroke? She channels the sale proceeds into a pre-leased commercial property on NH8, which starts delivering 8% annual returns from Day 1.
This isn’t random investing
“This isn’t random investing. This is a structured wealth play,” writes Sujith, describing how seasoned investors like Riya follow a disciplined loop every 7 to 10 years:
- Buy early, often in under-construction or pre-launch projects
- Wait for value to appreciate as possession nears
- Exit with gains or hold for rental yield
- Reinvest into high-yield commercial real estate
It’s a cycle that not only compounds capital but transitions an investor from growth to passive income, without ever stepping into the volatility of the stock market.
But what about the risks?
Sujith is quick to caution against assuming this strategy is foolproof. Delays in project delivery, stagnant property prices, legal entanglements, and poor-quality tenants in commercial units can all eat into returns.
Add to that the invisible costs—6–7% stamp duty, capital gains taxes, potential rental vacancies, and EMIs on unfinished units, and it’s clear this isn’t for the uninformed or impatient.
Still, with due diligence and professional guidance, Sujith argues, real estate isn’t just a defensive asset anymore; it’s a dynamic wealth creation engine, especially for those willing to zig while the rest zag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IRR in real estate investing?
IRR stands for Internal Rate of Return. It is a financial metric used to measure the profitability of potential investments. In real estate, it helps investors understand the expected return on their investment over time.
Why are under-construction properties cheaper?
Under-construction properties are often cheaper because they come with certain risks, such as delays in completion and market fluctuations. However, they offer the potential for higher returns as the property value appreciates over time.
What are the risks of real estate investing?
Risks in real estate investing include delays in project delivery, stagnant property prices, legal entanglements, and poor-quality tenants. Additionally, there are costs like stamp duty, capital gains taxes, and potential rental vacancies.
How can investors mitigate risks in real estate?
Investors can mitigate risks by conducting thorough due diligence, working with experienced professionals, and diversifying their portfolio. It’s also important to have a long-term investment horizon and be prepared for potential market fluctuations.
What is the benefit of investing in commercial properties?
Commercial properties often offer higher rental yields and more stable income compared to residential properties. They can provide consistent cash flow and appreciation in value, making them a valuable addition to a real estate portfolio.
Related News Articles
India's Rise to Realty Prominence: A Billion-Dollar Boom
India is accelerating to become the real estate capital of Asia, with a total valuation of Rs 14.2 trillion among the top 100 realty companies.
Maharashtra Cabinet Renames Pune Airport After Sant Tukaram Maharaj
The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a proposal to rename Pune airport after the 17th-century Warkari saint and poet, Sant Tukaram Maharaj.
The Downfall of Real Estate Moguls: Alexander Brothers Arrested in Miami
In a shocking turn of events, the renowned real estate moguls, the Alexander Brothers, were recently arrested in Miami. This news has sent ripples through the business community, leaving many to wonder what led to their downfall.
Luxury Homes, Toxic Air: The Urban Pollution Paradox in India
Nithin Kamath, a prominent real estate analyst, highlights the growing concern of urban pollution in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Despite seeing a surge in luxury real estate, these cities struggle with alarming levels of air pol
Tragic Incident: Two Workers Killed, One Injured as Slab Collapses in Chikhla Mines
A devastating slab collapse in the Chikhla mines of Manganese Ore (India) has resulted in the death of two workers and left one injured. The incident has raised serious concerns about safety protocols in the mining industry.
Women Home Buyers Witness 14% Surge in 2024: Report
A recent report by Square Yards, titled 'Key Holders of Change - Women Driving Real Estate Growth and Transformation,' reveals a significant 14% increase in women homebuyers in 2024.