Q: How much should I spend on rent?

Ideal: 25-30% of take-home salary max. At ₹60K salary, budget ₹15-18K rent. Paying ₹25K (42%) makes you house-poor - too much income locked in housing. Exception: First 2-3 years in expensive city (Mumbai/Bangalore), 35-40% is acceptable if investing remaining aggressively. Prioritize location over space - living near work saves commute time and costs.

Q: What's society maintenance and how much is normal?

Maintenance covers: Security, cleaning, lifts, gym, pool, landscaping, repairs. Normal: ₹2-4/sq ft/month. For 1000 sq ft flat = ₹2,000-4,000/month. Luxury societies charge ₹5-8/sq ft (₹5-8K/month). This is perpetual cost - ₹3K/month for 30 years = ₹10.8L. Factor maintenance into affordability calculations alongside EMI, property tax, and repairs.

Q: Is buying property always better than renting?

Not always. Buying wins if: (1) Property <20x annual rent, (2) You'll stay 7+ years, (3) Can afford 30% down payment. Renting wins if: (1) Property >30x rent, (2) Job/city uncertain, (3) You invest (Down payment + EMI-Rent difference) in equity getting 12%+ returns. In expensive markets, renting + investing often builds more wealth than buying. Calculate honestly using our rent vs buy calculator.

Question 1

What's the difference between carpet area and built-up area?

Accepted Answer

Carpet area is usable floor space (where you can lay carpet). Built-up area adds walls, balconies. Super built-up adds common areas. A 1000 sq ft super built-up = ~750 sq ft built-up = ~600 sq ft carpet area. Builders sell on super built-up but you use only carpet area. Paying ₹8,000/sq ft for 1000 super = ₹80L, but actual usable space is just 600 sq ft (₹13,333/sq ft real cost).

Question 2

Should I buy PG, rent a flat, or buy a flat?

Accepted Answer

PG (₹8-15K): Best for 1-2 years post-college, no commitments, saves money. Flat rent (₹15-30K): Best for 25-32 age, flexibility for job changes. Buying flat: Best when settled in city 5+ years, have 30% down payment + 6-month emergency fund, and property is <25x annual rent. Don't buy just because 'rent is waste' - calculate total costs honestly.

Question 3

How much should I spend on rent?

Accepted Answer

Ideal: 25-30% of take-home salary max. At ₹60K salary, budget ₹15-18K rent. Paying ₹25K (42%) makes you house-poor - too much income locked in housing. Exception: First 2-3 years in expensive city (Mumbai/Bangalore), 35-40% is acceptable if investing remaining aggressively. Prioritize location over space - living near work saves commute time and costs.

Question 4

What's society maintenance and how much is normal?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance covers: Security, cleaning, lifts, gym, pool, landscaping, repairs. Normal: ₹2-4/sq ft/month. For 1000 sq ft flat = ₹2,000-4,000/month. Luxury societies charge ₹5-8/sq ft (₹5-8K/month). This is perpetual cost - ₹3K/month for 30 years = ₹10.8L. Factor maintenance into affordability calculations alongside EMI, property tax, and repairs.

Question 5

Is buying property always better than renting?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Buying wins if: (1) Property <20x annual rent, (2) You'll stay 7+ years, (3) Can afford 30% down payment. Renting wins if: (1) Property >30x rent, (2) Job/city uncertain, (3) You invest (Down payment + EMI-Rent difference) in equity getting 12%+ returns. In expensive markets, renting + investing often builds more wealth than buying. Calculate honestly using our rent vs buy calculator.

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Property & Area

Carpet vs Built-up Area Calculator

Society Maintenance Cost Calculator

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PG vs Flat Sharing Calculator

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