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Rent vs Buy Home Calculator

Compare the true 10-year cost of renting vs buying a house in India. Factor in EMI, maintenance, property appreciation, rent escalation, and opportunity cost of down payment.

home Buy Cost key Rent Cost compare 10-Year Analysis
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Property Appreciation
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Annual Maintenance Cost
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Rental Details
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Annual Rent Escalation
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Investment Return (if renting)
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Analysis Period
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Monthly EMI (Buy)
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Total Buy Cost (10yr)
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Total Rent Cost (10yr)
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Rent vs Buy Home in India — The Most Important Financial Decision of Your Life

Every year, millions of salaried Indians face the same question at the dinner table: should we rent or should we buy? In 2026, with home loan rates hovering between 8.5% and 9.5%, property prices near all-time highs in metros, and equity markets delivering 12–15% returns, this question has never been harder to answer. And the stakes have never been higher.

The rent vs buy decision is not just a lifestyle choice. It is a financial commitment that can make or break your wealth journey over the next two decades. A wrong call in Mumbai could mean you spend ₹3–4 crore more than necessary. A right call in Hyderabad at the right time could build ₹2 crore in equity while you live comfortably. This guide cuts through the noise, the builder hype, the "renting is throwing money away" myths, and gives you the real numbers city by city.

lightbulb The Golden Rule of Rent vs Buy

If the price-to-annual-rent ratio of the property you want to buy is above 25x, renting and investing the difference almost always wins financially over a 10–15 year horizon. Mumbai sits at 50–60x. Hyderabad is at 25–35x. The numbers tell a very different story in each city.

How to Use This Calculator — What the Numbers Actually Mean

The calculator above runs a full 10–30 year analysis comparing two paths. In the Buy path, your costs include the down payment, stamp duty and registration (upfront), monthly EMI payments, annual maintenance, and property tax — offset by the appreciated value of the property at the end of the period. In the Rent path, your costs are monthly rent (which escalates each year), but your down payment and the stamp duty money you did not spend are invested in a diversified portfolio (SIP in index funds or mutual funds, assumed at 12% per annum).

The key insight is this: buying a home has an enormous opportunity cost. The ₹20–30 lakh you pay as a down payment, plus the ₹6–8% you pay in stamp duty and registration, is cash that could be compounding in the market. Over 20 years at 12%, that ₹30 lakh grows to nearly ₹2.89 crore. The calculator factors this in, which is why it often surprises people.

Here is what each field means:

  • Property Price: The current market value of the property you want to buy. Use realistic numbers — check recent registration data on your state government's website, not developer brochures.
  • Down Payment %: RBI mandates a minimum 10–20% down payment depending on loan amount. We recommend 20% to keep your EMI manageable and your loan-to-value ratio healthy.
  • Home Loan Rate: Current floating rates range from 8.35% (SBI for excellent credit) to 9.5% (private banks, lower CIBIL score). Use your actual rate, not the advertised teaser rate.
  • Property Appreciation: India average is 5–7% per year. But this varies wildly — premium Mumbai localities gave 3% p.a. over the last decade while Hyderabad's Gachibowli gave 9–10%. Be conservative: use 5–6%.
  • Annual Maintenance: Budget 1–2% of property value per year. A ₹1 crore flat will cost ₹1–2 lakh annually in society maintenance, repairs, painting, and plumbing. Many buyers ignore this.
  • Monthly Rent: What you would pay to rent an equivalent flat in the same locality. This is the baseline cost you avoid by buying — or alternatively, the cost you pay when you rent.
  • Annual Rent Escalation: Typically 8–10% per year in Indian metros. Landlords usually revise rent every 11 months. Model this realistically.
  • Investment Return: If you rent and invest the down payment instead, what return do you expect? The Nifty 50 has given ~13% CAGR over the last 20 years. A conservative estimate is 10–12%. Use what your actual portfolio earns.

Deep Dive: The Real Cost of Buying a Home in India

Most people look only at the EMI when deciding to buy. That is a dangerous mistake. Here are all the costs you actually incur when you buy a home:

One-Time Upfront Costs

Cost Head Typical Range On ₹80L Property
Stamp Duty4–8% (varies by state)₹4.0–6.4L
Registration Fee0.5–2%₹40K–1.6L
Home Loan Processing Fee0.25–1% of loan₹15K–64K
Legal & Technical Charges₹10K–30K₹15K–30K
Interior & Furnishing (basic)₹3–10L for 2BHK₹4–8L
Brokerage1–2% (resale)₹80K–1.6L
Total Upfront (excl. down pay)~10–18% extra₹9.5–18L

Ongoing Annual Costs

Cost Head Monthly Annually
Society Maintenance₹3,000–15,000₹36K–1.8L
Property Tax—₹5K–50K
Home Insurance₹500–2,000₹6K–24K
Repairs & Upkeep₹2,000–8,000₹24K–96K
Sinking Fund (major repairs)—₹20K–60K
lightbulb The 5% Rule for Quick Comparison

Divide the annual unrecoverable costs of owning (property tax + maintenance + cost of capital in down payment) by the property value. If that percentage exceeds your annual rent-to-property-value ratio, renting is cheaper. In Mumbai, this usually works out to about 4.5–5% cost of ownership vs 1.8–2% rent yield — meaning owning costs almost 2.5x more per year.

City-by-City Analysis: Where Does Renting or Buying Win?

Mumbai — The Most Expensive Market in India

Mumbai remains India's most extreme case for the rent vs buy debate. A decent 2BHK in a mid-segment locality like Chembur, Mulund, or Kandivali costs ₹1.2–1.8 crore. The same flat rents for ₹32,000–42,000 per month.

Buy scenario: Property price ₹1.5 Cr. Down payment 20% = ₹30L. Loan ₹1.2 Cr at 9% for 20 years. EMI = ₹1,07,926/month. Add stamp duty ₹7.5L (5%), registration ₹1.5L, interior ₹8L. Total upfront: ₹47L. Monthly ownership cost: EMI ₹1.08L + maintenance ₹8,000 + insurance ₹1,500 = approximately ₹1.17L/month.

Rent scenario: Rent ₹38,000/month. The ₹47L upfront cash invested at 12% for 20 years = ₹4.57 crore. The ₹79,000 monthly difference (EMI minus rent) invested via SIP at 12% = ₹7.86 crore over 20 years. Property value in 20 years at 5% appreciation = ₹3.98 crore.

Break-even: In Mumbai, you need to hold the property for 22–26 years before buying financially matches investing and renting. The price-to-rent ratio of 55–65x makes Mumbai one of the most expensive cities globally to buy vs rent.

Verdict for Mumbai: Unless you have emotional, family, or stability reasons, renting and investing in Mumbai builds significantly more wealth over 15–20 years. Buy only if you have a very long horizon (25+ years) and are buying in an appreciating micro-market.

Bengaluru — The Tech City Dilemma

Bengaluru has seen massive appreciation in certain pockets (Whitefield, Sarjapur Road, Hebbal) but overall remains more affordable than Mumbai. A 2BHK in Koramangala or HSR Layout costs ₹80L–1.2 Cr; in outer areas like Electronic City or Begur, ₹50–70L.

Buy scenario: Property ₹80L. Down payment ₹16L (20%). Loan ₹64L at 8.75% for 20 years. EMI = ₹56,490/month. Stamp duty in Karnataka is 5.1% = ₹4.08L. Registration ₹80K. Total upfront: ₹21L. Monthly cost including maintenance: ₹62,000.

Rent scenario: Comparable 2BHK rents for ₹26,000–32,000. Say ₹28,000/month. EMI vs rent difference: ₹34,000/month invested at 12% = ₹3.39 crore over 20 years.

Break-even: 16–18 years in Bengaluru. If you are buying in a high-appreciation IT corridor and plan to stay 15+ years, Bengaluru can make sense. If you are unsure about staying in the city (very common among IT professionals), renting is smarter.

Insight: Bengaluru has seen many IT professionals buy flats only to find themselves relocated to another city or country within 5–7 years. The transaction costs (stamp duty + brokerage + registration) alone eat 7–9% of property value. You need 3–4 years of appreciation just to break even on transaction costs.

Delhi-NCR — Wide Variations Within the Market

Delhi-NCR is not one market. Noida Sector 150 and Greater Noida West are still affordable at ₹40–65L for a 2BHK, while South Delhi or Gurugram Golf Course Road costs ₹1.5–3 crore. Rental yields similarly vary from 2% in South Delhi to 3.5% in Noida.

Gurugram DLF Sector:** A ₹1.5 Cr flat rents for ₹35,000–45,000. Price-to-rent ratio: 40–50x. Not compelling to buy unless you have a 20+ year view.

Noida Sector 50–78: A ₹60L flat rents for ₹18,000–22,000. Price-to-rent ratio: 27–33x. Marginally more reasonable. Break-even around 15–18 years.

Delhi/NCR also has property tax that has been rising sharply in municipalities like MCD and Noida Authority. Budget ₹20,000–80,000 annually depending on location and property value.

Hyderabad — Currently India's Best Buy Market

Hyderabad stands out among all Indian metros as the city where buying makes the most financial sense right now. Property values are relatively low compared to Mumbai or Bengaluru, appreciation has been strong (Gachibowli and HITEC City corridors saw 8–10% p.a. over 2018–2024), and rental yields are the best among major metros at 3–4%.

Buy scenario: 2BHK in Kondapur or Manikonda: ₹60L. Down payment ₹12L. Loan ₹48L at 8.75% for 20 years. EMI = ₹42,368/month. Stamp duty in Telangana: 7.5% = ₹4.5L. Total upfront: ₹17.5L. Monthly cost: ₹47,500.

Rent scenario: Comparable rent ₹18,000–22,000. Say ₹20,000. Difference ₹27,500 invested monthly.

Break-even: 14–16 years. Hyderabad's price-to-rent ratio of 25–32x and stronger appreciation makes buying genuinely competitive here, especially if you work in the HITEC City / Gachibowli tech corridor and plan to stay 12+ years.

Pune — The Underrated Sweet Spot

Pune offers a good balance between affordability, appreciation, and quality of life. Areas like Baner, Balewadi, Kharadi, and Wakad have seen solid 6–8% appreciation. A 2BHK in these areas costs ₹65–90L and rents for ₹22,000–30,000.

Price-to-rent ratio in Pune: 28–38x depending on locality. Stamp duty in Maharashtra is 5% (same as Mumbai), which dents returns. But Pune's relatively lower prices mean the absolute stamp duty amount is smaller. Break-even in Pune: 15–18 years for well-located properties.

Chennai — Stable But Slow Appreciation

Chennai has historically had lower price appreciation (4–5% p.a.) compared to Hyderabad or Bengaluru, but it also has more stable demand. A 2BHK in Velachery or Sholinganallur costs ₹55–80L and rents for ₹18,000–26,000. Price-to-rent ratio: 25–35x. Tamil Nadu stamp duty is 7%, which is high and impacts returns.

For Chennai buyers: if you are buying in OMR (Old Mahabalipuram Road) tech corridor and will stay 15+ years, buying is reasonable. For shorter horizons, rent and invest.

City-Wise Quick Summary: 2BHK Rent vs Buy (2026)
City Buy Price (2BHK) Monthly EMI Monthly Rent Price/Rent Ratio Break-Even
Mumbai₹1.5 Cr₹1.08L₹35–40K50–60x22–26 yrs
Bengaluru₹80L₹68K₹25–30K30–40x16–18 yrs
Hyderabad₹60L₹51K₹18–20K25–32x14–16 yrs
Pune₹70L₹59K₹22–28K28–36x15–18 yrs
Delhi-NCR (Noida)₹60L₹51K₹18–22K27–33x15–18 yrs
Chennai₹65L₹55K₹20–25K27–35x16–20 yrs

Hidden Costs and Traps That Buyers Miss

The real estate industry has a vested interest in making buying seem simpler and cheaper than it is. Here are the traps that catch Indian buyers off guard:

1. The "Super Area vs Carpet Area" Trap

Builders quote prices in super built-up area, which includes lifts, corridors, and lobby. Your actual usable carpet area is typically 65–75% of super built-up area. A flat advertised at ₹70L for 1,000 sq ft super built-up might have only 680–700 sq ft of carpet area. Effective cost per usable sq ft is 30–40% higher than the advertised rate.

2. Under-Construction Delays and Cost Escalation

Roughly 60% of under-construction projects in India face delays. If you book a flat that is 3 years from completion, you pay pre-EMI interest plus rent during that period. On a ₹80L loan, pre-EMI is ₹58,000/month. Over 2 extra years of delay, that is ₹14 lakh in dead money — on top of paying rent.

3. GST on New Properties

Under-construction properties attract 5% GST (1% for affordable housing). On a ₹80L under-construction flat, that is ₹4 lakh extra that is not included in builder quotes. Ready-to-move flats are exempt from GST but are priced higher.

4. Home Loan Interest Resets

Most home loans in India are floating rate. When RBI raises the repo rate (as it did in 2022–23, hiking 250 bps), your EMI increases or your tenure extends. A ₹50L loan at 6.5% in 2021 became 9% by 2023 — adding ₹12,500/month to EMI or extending the loan by 7+ years. Buyers who planned for 2021 rates are now facing very different numbers.

5. Society Maintenance Escalation

Society maintenance charges in premium Mumbai and Bengaluru societies are ₹8,000–20,000 per month. These typically escalate by 10–15% every 3 years. Over 20 years, the cumulative maintenance bill on a premium flat is ₹35–60 lakh — a cost most buyers never factor in.

6. Resale Difficulty

Selling a property in India is not easy. Typical time-to-sell in a flat market is 6–18 months. If you need liquidity urgently, you will either wait or take a 10–15% price cut. This illiquidity is a real risk — especially for buyers in their 30s who may face job changes, relocations, or medical emergencies.

Tax Implications: Rent vs Buy

Tax benefits are often cited as a reason to buy. Here is the honest picture:

Tax Benefits for Home Buyers

  • Section 24(b): Deduct up to ₹2 lakh per year on home loan interest for a self-occupied property. At a 30% tax bracket, this saves ₹60,000/year. On a ₹50L loan at 9%, annual interest in Year 1 is ₹4.5L — but you can only claim ₹2L. The remaining ₹2.5L interest gets no deduction.
  • Section 80C: Principal repayment (home loan) qualifies under the ₹1.5L limit — but this limit is shared with EPF, PPF, ELSS, LIC, and children's tuition. Most salaried people have already exhausted 80C via EPF alone. This benefit is often exaggerated.
  • Section 80EEA: Additional ₹1.5L interest deduction for first-time buyers on affordable homes (stamp duty value up to ₹45L). This scheme has limited applicability in metros where property values far exceed ₹45L.

Tax Benefits for Renters

  • HRA (House Rent Allowance): If your employer provides HRA, you can claim exemption. The exemption is the minimum of: actual HRA received, 50% of basic salary (metros) or 40% (non-metros), and actual rent minus 10% of basic salary. A salaried professional in Mumbai with ₹80K basic and ₹40K HRA paying ₹38K rent can save ₹60,000–80,000 in tax annually.
  • Section 80GG: If you do not receive HRA, self-employed or salaried individuals paying rent can claim deductions under 80GG (up to ₹60,000/year). Limited benefit but often overlooked.
lightbulb New Tax Regime Alert

Under the new tax regime (which is now the default from FY 2024-25), HRA exemption and Section 24(b) deductions are NOT available. If you have opted for the new regime, the tax advantage of buying a home disappears entirely. This significantly tips the rent vs buy calculation in favour of renting for new-regime taxpayers.

The Opportunity Cost Calculation: Your Down Payment's Potential

This is the number that shocks most people. Let us run the actual math for a ₹30L down payment (typical for a ₹1.5 Cr Mumbai flat):

Investment Path ₹30L at 10 Years ₹30L at 20 Years
FD at 7%₹59L₹1.16 Cr
Equity Mutual Fund at 12%₹93L₹2.89 Cr
Nifty Index at 13%₹1.02 Cr₹3.34 Cr
Mumbai property at 5% appreciation₹48.9L (just appreciation)₹79.6L

The property value grows from ₹1.5 Cr to ₹3.98 Cr over 20 years (at 5%). But the ₹30L invested in equity grows to ₹2.89 Cr. Add the monthly SIP of ₹70,000 (EMI minus rent invested for 20 years) at 12%, and the renter's total wealth is dramatically higher in Mumbai. Only in scenarios where property appreciates at 9%+ per annum consistently does buying start to win in high-value markets.

When Should You Actually Buy?

Despite the financial case for renting in high-cost markets, buying does make sense in specific scenarios. Here is an honest decision framework:

Strong Buy Signals

  • You are confident you will stay in the same city for 10+ years. Career stability is key.
  • Your EMI will be less than 35–40% of your monthly take-home income. At 45%+ EMI-to-income, you will struggle with any unexpected expense.
  • You have a 20%+ down payment ready without liquidating emergency funds or equity investments.
  • You are buying in Hyderabad, Pune, or affordable parts of Bengaluru/NCR where price-to-rent ratios are below 30x.
  • You are 35–45 years old and want stability, tax planning simplification, and a paid-off home before retirement.
  • You are a first-time buyer with stable income who struggles to save/invest consistently (forced savings via EMI works for many people).
  • You have ageing parents or a growing family and need the certainty of a permanent address.

Strong Rent Signals

  • You are in Mumbai, South Delhi, or premium Bengaluru localities where price-to-rent is above 40x.
  • You are under 32 years old with career volatility — potential for relocation, career change, or entrepreneurship.
  • Your savings are insufficient for a proper down payment without straining liquidity.
  • You have significant high-interest debt (personal loan, credit card) — paying that off first is smarter than adding home loan EMI.
  • Your job is in the start-up, consulting, or IT services sectors where location flexibility is career-critical.
  • Property prices in your target locality are at all-time highs with no visible fundamental driver (new infrastructure, employment hub nearby).

Real-Life Scenario: Rahul in Bengaluru — Full Calculation

Let us walk through a complete real-life scenario. Rahul is 31 years old, a software engineer in Bengaluru earning ₹1.5L/month take-home. He is currently renting a 2BHK in Whitefield for ₹27,000/month. He has ₹18L in savings. A builder in Sarjapur Road is offering a 2BHK at ₹82L, ready-to-move.

Path A: Buy the Flat

Down payment: ₹16.4L (20%) — drains most of his savings.
Stamp duty + registration: ₹4.9L (5.6% Karnataka).
Loan amount: ₹65.6L at 8.75% for 20 years.
EMI: ₹58,007/month = 38.7% of take-home. Tight but manageable.
Interior and move-in costs: ₹4L (modest).
Remaining savings: ₹18L − ₹16.4L − ₹4.9L − ₹4L = Negative ₹7.3L. Rahul will need to borrow from family or dip into emergency corpus.

Annual maintenance: ₹54,000 (₹4,500/month society + ₹1,000 repairs).
Property value after 15 years at 7% appreciation: ₹2.26 Cr.
Total EMI paid over 15 years: ₹58,007 × 180 = ₹1.04 Cr.
Remaining principal after 15 years: ~₹42L. Net equity in property: ₹2.26 Cr − ₹42L = ₹1.84 Cr.

Path B: Continue Renting, Invest Aggressively

Keep savings intact: ₹18L in equity mutual fund at 12%. After 15 years: ₹98.7L.
Monthly investment: Rent is ₹27K. If he buys, EMI would be ₹58K. The ₹31K/month difference invested in SIP at 12% for 15 years = ₹1.52 Cr.
Total renter wealth: ₹98.7L + ₹1.52 Cr = ₹2.52 Cr. Plus, his ₹18L is intact and he has never been cash-strapped.
Rent paid over 15 years (starting ₹27K, escalating 8%/year): ₹88L.

The Verdict for Rahul

Renting and investing leaves Rahul ₹68L wealthier at the 15-year mark (₹2.52 Cr vs ₹1.84 Cr net equity), AND he maintains liquidity throughout. The buying scenario also leaves him nearly cashless at the start, which is a significant risk. However — and this matters — the numbers shift at year 20+. If Bengaluru property appreciates at 8% (possible in Sarjapur Road), buying starts to win by year 20. If Rahul is sure he will stay 18+ years, buying becomes rational. At 31, he has time — renting for 3–5 more years while building a proper down payment corpus may be the smartest move.

emoji_events Verdict: Rent vs Buy India 2026

Buy if: You are in Hyderabad, Pune, or affordable NCR; have 20%+ down payment without straining savings; EMI is under 38% of take-home; and have a 12+ year horizon. Buying is also right if the stability and permanence matter more to you than maximising financial returns.

Rent if: You are in Mumbai, premium South Delhi, or any market above 40x price-to-rent; your career has location flexibility; you are under 32; or you do not have a clean 20% down payment. Rent, invest the difference disciplinedly, and reassess in 3–5 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is renting really throwing money away? expand_more
No. This is one of the most persistent myths in Indian personal finance. When you rent, you are paying for housing — a real service. When you buy, you also "throw away" money in the form of interest (which on a ₹70L loan over 20 years is ₹75L+), maintenance, property tax, and stamp duty. The difference is that buying also builds equity. The question is whether that equity creation is better or worse than investing the equivalent cash in financial assets. In most high-cost Indian cities, it is not — at least over a 10–15 year horizon.
What is the price-to-rent ratio and how do I use it? expand_more
Price-to-rent ratio = Property Price ÷ Annual Rent. A flat worth ₹80L that rents for ₹25,000/month has a ratio of 80L ÷ (25K × 12) = 26.7x. A ratio below 15x: strong buy signal. 15–25x: buy is reasonable. 25–35x: borderline, depends on appreciation expectations. Above 35x: renting is almost always financially superior. Mumbai at 50–60x is extreme. Hyderabad at 25–32x is moderate.
How much down payment should I keep for a home loan? expand_more
Always aim for 20–25%. RBI allows as low as 10–20% depending on loan size, but a higher down payment reduces your EMI and total interest significantly. More importantly, keep your down payment separate from your emergency fund. Never liquidate your equity investments or emergency corpus for the down payment — that is a double hit to your financial health. If you do not have 20% ready without touching these reserves, you are not ready to buy yet.
Does the tax benefit under Section 80C and 24(b) make buying worthwhile? expand_more
Less than most people think, especially under the new tax regime (default from FY 2024-25) where these deductions are not available. Under the old regime, Section 24(b) saves maximum ₹60,000/year (₹2L deduction at 30% bracket). Section 80C for home loan principal is useful only if you have not exhausted the ₹1.5L limit via EPF/PPF/ELSS. The total tax saving is real but modest relative to the total cost of buying. Do not let tax saving be the primary driver of a ₹1 crore decision.
Should I rent out the property if I buy it as an investment? expand_more
Rental yield on Indian residential property is very low — 2–3.5% gross in most cities. After maintenance, property tax, vacancy, and depreciation, net yield is 1.5–2.5%. Compare this to equity mutual funds at 11–13% CAGR or debt funds at 7–8%. Residential real estate as a pure investment (not your primary home) rarely makes financial sense in India. Commercial property offers 6–8% yields but requires much higher capital. If investment is your goal, SIPs in index funds will almost certainly outperform.
What happens if property prices crash? Should I wait? expand_more
Indian residential property has not seen a nominal price crash in the last 30 years in major cities, though there have been real (inflation-adjusted) corrections. Prices stagnated in 2014–2020 in many metros. Waiting for a crash to time the market perfectly is risky — you may wait years and prices may not fall. A better approach: buy when you personally are ready (right city, right income, right down payment, right tenure horizon), regardless of short-term market predictions.
I'm 40 years old. Is it too late to take a home loan? expand_more
Not at all — in fact, 38–45 may be the ideal window for many salaried Indians. You have higher income, clearer city/career stability, and likely enough savings for a solid down payment. However, opt for a 15-year tenure (not 20) to ensure the loan is cleared well before retirement at 60. Also check that your total EMI (home + any car loan) is under 40% of income. Banks allow home loans up to age 70 (loan maturity), so a 40-year-old can get a 20-year loan. But getting it cleared by 55–58 is financially prudent.
Which Indian cities are currently best for buying property? expand_more
Based on price-to-rent ratios, appreciation trajectory, and infrastructure growth in 2026: Hyderabad (HITEC City corridor) and Pune (Hinjewadi, Baner, Kharadi) offer the best buy case. Bengaluru is reasonable in outer corridors (Electronic City, Whitefield). Ahmedabad and Navi Mumbai are also compelling for price-sensitive buyers. Mumbai (main city, Western/Central suburbs) and premium Gurugram are the weakest buy case right now. Tier-2 cities like Nashik, Coimbatore, and Indore offer very low price-to-rent ratios but may have lower liquidity if you need to sell.
How does RERA protect me as a homebuyer? expand_more
RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) requires builders to register projects, maintain 70% of funds in escrow, deliver on promised dates (or compensate at SBI MCLR + 2%), and rectify structural defects for 5 years. File complaints at your state's RERA website (e.g., maharera.mahaonline.gov.in for Maharashtra, rera.karnataka.gov.in for Karnataka). Always verify RERA registration before booking under-construction property. Note: RERA applies only to projects above 500 sq mt or 8 units.
What is the best strategy if I can't decide between rent and buy? expand_more
Use the "rent and grow your down payment" strategy. Continue renting and invest aggressively for 3–5 years. Invest the amount you would have paid as stamp duty and registration costs. Build your down payment corpus to 25–30% of target property value. In those years, your city preference and career stability will become clearer. By the time you buy, you will have a larger down payment (lower EMI), a stronger CIBIL score (better rates), and more financial resilience. This approach has helped many Bengaluru and Hyderabad professionals buy better properties than they could have afforded earlier.

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