Ankur Warikoo bought his home at 40. He shares why buying a house early may cost you something more valuable

Buying a house is often presented as one of the biggest milestones of adult life, with many people encouraged to purchase as early as possible. But entrepreneur and content creator Ankur Warikoo believes the timing of homeownership deserves more thought. Warikoo recently shared how his parents bought their home at 50, while he and his family purchased theirs at 40. For him, waiting was not about delaying security, but about protecting the freedom to make important life and career choices.

Ankur Warikoo bought his home at 40

Warikoo took to social media to discuss why buying a house does not necessarily need to happen early in life. He pointed out that his parents purchased their home at 50, while he bought his at 40. He also acknowledged that his children may never buy a house, highlighting that there is no single timeline that everyone needs to follow when it comes to homeownership.

According to Warikoo, every family’s financial journey is different, and he believes it should be that way.

Why Warikoo did not buy a house earlier

Warikoo explained that although he could have purchased a house earlier, he does not believe his family could have bought their current home any sooner. The house they eventually chose had several qualities that mattered to them. Warikoo described it as the ideal size and said it was located in a society where the family felt welcome and secure.

The location was equally important. The home was in a city where they wanted to live and allowed them to remain close to both sets of parents. It is also the only house they own and, according to Warikoo, the only one they intend to own. Had they purchased a property earlier, Warikoo believes it would most likely have been a compromise. It could have been smaller or located farther away from their family.

The financial freedom that came with waiting

For Warikoo, the biggest advantage of delaying the purchase was not simply getting a better home. It was avoiding financial obligations that could restrict his ability to take risks. He said he knew he did not want to be tied to a major financial commitment that could prevent him from making bold career moves. This is the part of his argument that goes beyond the question of property prices. A home loan can provide a sense of stability, but a large monthly repayment can also influence professional decisions, particularly during the early stages of a career.

What should you consider before buying a house?

Warikoo believes prospective homeowners should look beyond the immediate feeling of security that comes with owning property. One question is whether buying a house could make someone less mobile early in their professional career. A property can make relocating for a better opportunity more complicated, particularly when the homeowner has significant financial commitments attached to it.

Family circumstances can also change. A home that feels spacious when purchased may feel considerably smaller after marriage or when children arrive. The size of the loan is another factor. A large mortgage can consume a substantial portion of monthly income and leave less room for investments, career breaks, emergencies or other financial goals.

Can a home loan affect career choices?

Warikoo also questioned whether a house purchase could eventually tie someone to a particular job simply because they need to keep meeting their loan repayments. For someone considering a career break, starting a business or taking a professional risk, a substantial monthly obligation could make that decision much harder. This is why Warikoo believes the decision should not stop at whether someone can technically afford a house. The more important question is what else the purchase means for their life.

Security versus independence

Warikoo acknowledged that buying a house early can provide a powerful sense of security. However, he believes people should also consider whether that security comes at the expense of their independence. His own experience shaped this view. Waiting until 40 meant he could eventually buy a home that matched his family’s preferred size, location and lifestyle rather than settling for a property simply because he felt pressure to become a homeowner early.

For Warikoo, the real measure of a home purchase is therefore not just owning property, but understanding whether the financial commitment still leaves enough freedom to change jobs, take risks, support family and make choices without being driven entirely by the need to pay the mortgage.