Many young double-income-no-kids (DINK) couples earning around ₹50 lakh a year are now finding themselves in a fix. They have good, well-paying jobs and no dependents, yet buying a house seems increasingly out of reach. The figures just do not seem to add up. But is there something more to the story?
Even with stringent budgeting and regular saving, the gap between income growth and the surge in property prices has only widened over the past decade. This growing mismatch has reshaped how urban professionals perceive financial security.
Instead of rushing into homeownership, many now prioritize liquidity, flexibility, and smarter investments — quietly challenging the long-held belief that owning a house is the ultimate marker of being “settled.”
Why owning a home seems out of reach even for a high-income DINK couple
Many couples with a combined annual income of over ₹50 lakh are finding it increasingly difficult to buy a home. The challenge isn’t just about money — it’s the widening gap between income growth and soaring property prices, coupled with evolving lifestyle choices and competing financial goals. Here’s a closer look at what’s really driving this struggle:
#1. Rising property prices have exceeded growth in salaries
Over the past decade, property costs in the cities have increased considerably more rapidly than salaries. A 2BHK apartment, which ten years ago cost ₹60-70 lakh, may now be priced at ₹1.5-2 crore. At the same time, growth in salaries is far more modest, even among well paid professionals.
If a property is to be valued at ₹1.5 crore, a 20% down payment means ₹30 lakh needs to be paid as initial amount. The balance of ₹1.2 crore, by obtaining a home loan at the present rate of interest means about ₹1.1-1.3 lakh as EMIs for a period of twenty years. This alone consumes nearly half the take-home salary and gives no scope for household expenses, for discretionary spending and for savings.
#2. The down payment dilemma
Becoming a homeowner is not just about repaying EMIs as this expense needs to be taken from the capital outlay. Besides the 20% down payment, the buyer needs to budget for stamp duty and registration cost, brokerage fees and maintenance deposit. All these charges can add another ₹10–12 lakh (in case of the same 2BHK example), taking the overall requirement to about ₹40–45 lakh.
For the young professional, setting aside such a large amount without compromising on emergency funds or holiday plans or investment projects is extremely difficult. Tying such a large percentage of net worth into a single illiquid asset like real estate has an inherent risk especially when one aims to achieve financial freedom by investing in assets, like equity funds, which hold the potential to deliver far better returns over the long term.
#3. Renting often makes more financial sense
For many professional urbanites, renting means the flexibility and convenience that buying a house does not provide. A rented home enables families to live close to work, remain free of unpredictable maintenance costs (usually paid by the owner), and to change homes easily for lifestyle or career reasons.
From a financial view, of course, renting is the better course, financially speaking, in the short to medium term. The fact that most cities have low rent-to-property-value ratios (a side effect of elevated property prices) is as added bonus.
Effectively, all the money saved by not having to put up a down payment or paying large monthly EMIs can be used to meet other goals. For instance, investing in equities, mutual funds or other assets that have the potential to yield better returns as compared to an owned property.
#4. The high cost of urban living
Even if one has no dependents, urban living has its expenses and these are substantial. The cost of rent can vary from ₹50,000-₹60,000 (for a 2BHK), groceries and dining ₹30,000-₹35,000. Transport, electricity, telephone and gas bills and other contractual outgoings like subscriptions and insurance, can add up to another ₹60,000-₹70,000. To this you need to add say ₹20,000 per month for leisure and travel. And finally, you need to factor in the ongoing SIP commitments.
Thus, even these moderate expenses and committed investments, which represent a comfortable but not luxurious way of life, can total over ₹1.5 lakh per month, consuming half the salary received. If taxes, occasional family obligations and the rising cost of living are added in, the amount of earning available for down payment or EMI becomes perilously small, thus putting home buying out of such a reach as apparently exists.
#5. The burden of lifestyle inflation
Lifestyle inflation is a major factor at play. Today’s urban professionals often face constant pressure — from peers, colleagues, and social media — to maintain a certain standard of living. Frequent dining out, weekend getaways, the latest gadgets, and upgraded vehicles have blurred the line between luxury and necessity.
This shift has a direct impact on long-term financial planning. Even high-earning households struggle to set aside substantial funds for homeownership while trying to sustain their current lifestyle and discretionary spending habits.
#6. Emphasising flexibility not ownership
For many high-earning households, flexibility seems more attractive than immediate home ownership. The long-term commitment of a housing loan will restrict investment in equities and mutual funds, involve the individuals being tied to a location and ongoing payment of EMIs, interest on loans and maintenance outlay undoubtedly involves financial stress.
In this instance lifestyle and financial freedom — liquid assets built up, available emergency funding, diversified investments made — becomes crucial and as a result home ownership becomes a conscious choice rather than a necessity. Such considerations should ensure that any use of cash for property purposes is in accordance with long-term financial considerations.
#7. Social and emotional pressures to own a home
Homeownership has emotional and cultural impact beyond numbers. For many people, having a home represents stability, success, and being “settled”. Families and social circles perpetuate this belief, therefore there is often indirect but constant pressure to buy property that doesn’t always make sense financially.
This societal pressure makes people feel that renting or postponing home ownership is a personal shortcoming rather than a calculated decision. The emotional importance of having a set place is obvious but must be balanced against long-term financial security, flexibility in jobs and lifestyle changes. For many city workers, familiarizing themselves with and prioritizing these circumstances first make home ownership a thoughtful, well-timed occasion rather than pressure for immediate decision on the basis of outside perspectives.
How high-income couples should think of homeownership strategically
Buying a home, even with a high income, requires thoughtful planning and financial discipline. The first step is to set clear financial benchmarks and create a realistic budget where EMIs do not exceed 30–35% of post-tax income. Equally important is maintaining sufficient liquidity — by investing the surplus in SIPs, mutual funds, and emergency funds — while steadily preparing for homeownership.
A practical approach could be to consider phased or partial ownership, or explore emerging micro-markets where property prices are more affordable yet hold strong appreciation potential. It’s also worth leveraging government schemes and tax incentives available to first-time homebuyers to ease the financial burden.
Most importantly, renting should not be seen as a setback. Deferring ownership until career stability, savings, and lifestyle priorities align can be a smart financial choice. Ultimately, prioritising financial independence, liquidity, and disciplined investing can make homeownership a well-timed, sustainable decision — not a rushed milestone.