He bought a Gurgaon flat in crores but now it ruins his weekend peace, even in Canada

Buying a home is often seen as a rite of passage—proof that you’ve made it. But what if that very milestone turns into a chain around your freedom? A recent post by CA Nitin Kaushik on X (formerly Twitter) is sparking conversation online for highlighting a growing reality many Indians face: how a dream home can silently turn into a long-distance liability.

In 2017, Kaushik’s friend proudly purchased a ₹1.1 crore flat in Gurgaon, backed by an ₹85 lakh loan. It was hailed as his first major asset—a moment celebrated by friends and family alike. But five years later, life took a turn. He received a lucrative job offer in Canada and moved abroad for a better future. The one thing that didn’t move? The flat.

Fast forward to 2025, and his weekends now look nothing like the peaceful life he imagined. Instead, they’re filled with WhatsApp tenant complaints, rent follow-ups, society dues, and property tax paperwork. The once-prized possession has become a logistical mess—one that ties him down, even from across the world. “Passive income?” Kaushik writes. “More like passive frustration.”



The post has struck a nerve among many Indian professionals, especially NRIs, who are realising that real estate doesn’t always guarantee financial peace. From delayed rentals to maintenance hassles, what begins as a badge of success can morph into a burden. Kaushik’s advice is blunt but necessary: before buying that “dream flat,” ask yourself—are you truly buying security, or just committing to years of stress paid in EMIs?

Gurgaon's Real Estate Prices Escalate

A recent post on the Gurgaon subreddit has sparked widespread discussion about the growing housing affordability crisis in urban India. In the post, a user expressed frustration over being unable to purchase a 3BHK home in Gurgaon, even with a sizable budget of nearly ₹2 crore. Despite this considerable amount, the individual explained that finding a suitable property within that price range had proven to be a challenge.

According to the user, their family had been urging them to purchase a house due to skyrocketing rental costs. They emphasized that the monthly rent itself was already excessive, but when exploring ownership options, property prices were even more daunting. The user noted that the real estate market had become so inflated that buying a home seemed nearly out of reach, even with what many would assume is more than enough money.

This post quickly gained traction and fueled an online debate about the rapidly deteriorating housing affordability in major cities like Gurgaon. Several commenters echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how real estate prices in prime areas have surged to unprecedented levels. The user mentioned that even well-known residential communities such as those in DLF or areas around Manesar were unaffordable, despite the large budget.

Adding fuel to the conversation, another viral post by a Gurugram resident recently made waves for estimating that it takes ₹7.5 lakh a month—pre-tax—just to “breathe” in the city’s upscale neighbourhoods. From EMIs to appearance upkeep, the post laid bare the steep lifestyle cost of looking successful in Gurgaon. Together, such accounts are painting a vivid picture of how home ownership and urban prestige, once aspirational, are now riddled with hidden emotional and financial tolls.