A recent Reddit post by a Delhi resident has ignited a fierce debate online regarding the escalating cost of housing in the national capital. The user, earning a combined monthly income of ₹2 lakh with their partner, stated that even this substantial income is insufficient to purchase a modest 2BHK flat in the city.
The post, shared on Reddit's Delhi forum under the title questioning whether mid-salaried individuals should abandon dreams of homeownership, resonated deeply with professionals grappling with steep property prices. The couple explored established neighborhoods like Dwarka and Pitampura, only to find that 2BHK flats in safe, well-connected areas were priced between a staggering ₹2 crore and ₹2.5 crore.
“For people who do not have any backing from parents or ancestral money, it is out of reach for us. For example, we looked at flats in Dwarka, Pitampura, etc., and it is way out of our loan range. What do we do? Does anyone have any suggestions as to where we can buy?” the user wrote.
Public Outcry Over Rising Property Values
The Reddit thread quickly filled with responses from users echoing the sentiment that buying a home in Delhi has become increasingly difficult for those relying solely on regular incomes. Many commentators attributed the soaring prices to developers marketing standard apartments as “ultra-luxury” projects, while others pointed to political and bureaucratic investments as drivers pushing real estate values far beyond salary growth.
The discussion underscored a broader concern that incomes are no longer keeping pace with the cost of owning a home in Delhi.
Alternative Suggestions and Realities
Amidst the debate, several users offered suggestions:
- One user advised looking for land in tier 2-3 cities, noting that even there, only outskirts might be affordable.
- Another suggested exploring DDA flats or builder floors, acknowledging that a smaller flat than imagined might be necessary to stay within a budget of around ₹1.5 crore, citing Rohini as an example.
- A third commentator highlighted that both buying and renting are expensive in Delhi, suggesting that if Pitampura or Dwarka are out of reach, nearby or other areas with more reasonable costs should be considered. They also emphasized that a ₹2 lakh monthly salary is not small and, with the right priorities and disciplined saving, homeownership could still be achievable.
The viral post and subsequent discussion reflect a growing frustration among Delhi residents as the dream of homeownership becomes increasingly distant for a significant portion of the city's salaried class.