A viral social media post has reignited a national conversation about real estate affordability in India—this time centered on Gurgaon, a booming urban hub in the National Capital Region (NCR). Despite earning ₹20 lakh annually—placing him in the top 5% of Indian income earners—a tech professional reportedly cannot afford an apartment in the city without financial strain. The revelation has triggered a wave of reactions online, with many questioning the accessibility of urban housing in India’s fastest-growing real estate markets.
Affording a Home in Gurgaon: Even High Earners Feel the Heat
The affordability gap in Gurgaon’s housing market has become a stark reality, even for those earning significantly above the national average. The post, shared by a techie named Akhilesh on platform X (formerly Twitter), outlined how his friend, despite having a ₹20 lakh CTC and taking home around ₹1.2 lakh per month, remains priced out of the city’s housing market.
“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,” Akhilesh wrote.
Even with no dependents, car, or extravagant lifestyle, the man finds home ownership unattainable without sacrificing financial security.
Gurgaon’s Luxury-Driven Housing Market
Gurgaon has witnessed a significant transformation in its residential offerings over the last decade. Luxury and ultra-luxury projects now dominate new developments, driving up entry-level costs.
- Many newly launched projects start at ₹2.5 crore or more.
- Developers are marketing aspirational lifestyles with premium amenities: rooftop lounges, concierge services, smart homes, and imported fittings.
- According to market analysts, a large share of these high-end units are purchased by investors or HNIs (High Net-Worth Individuals).
“Gurgaon is attractive for investors. I’ve seen a few projects where more than 90% are investor-driven,” commented a user on X.
Is the Market Broken—Or Just Not Made for Salaried Buyers?
The viral post raises uncomfortable questions about who the real estate market is designed to serve. Many respondents pointed to a systemic issue: a disconnect between real income earners (especially salaried, tax-paying professionals) and prevailing property prices.
“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,” Akhilesh noted.
Others weighed in with skepticism about affordability metrics that exclude the informal economy, where true earnings may be higher than reported due to tax avoidance.
Key Highlights Table
| Detail | Insight |
|---|---|
| Annual Income of Buyer | ₹20 lakh (Top 5% of earners in India) |
| Monthly In-hand Salary | Approx. ₹1.2 lakh after deductions |
| Average Starting Price in Gurgaon | ₹2.5 crore for mid- to high-end apartments |
| Lifestyle Expenses | Minimal—no car, kids, or splurging |
| Key Barrier | High property prices, not matched by income growth |
| Market Composition | High investor presence, luxury-driven developments |
FAQs
1. Can someone earning ₹20 lakh a year afford a house in Gurgaon?
Technically yes, but with very limited financial flexibility. Most decent apartments start at ₹2.5 crore, which would stretch even a high earner’s budget thin.
2. Why are property prices in Gurgaon so high?
Gurgaon’s rapid urbanization, strong investor demand, luxury branding, and infrastructural growth have inflated property values, especially in premium segments.
3. Who is buying these expensive homes?
Primarily high-net-worth individuals, investors, and business owners—many of whom may not rely solely on declared income or salaried earnings.
4. Are there affordable housing options in Gurgaon?
Affordable housing projects do exist, particularly in the outskirts like Sohna Road or New Gurgaon, but they may lack premium amenities and connectivity.
5. Is this a problem in other Indian cities too?
Yes, affordability concerns are growing in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, especially in central or well-developed zones.