The property hunt of Neeraj Kumar, 32 years in Noida, in his own words.
I’m 32, married, with a young child, and earning ₹15 lakh per annum. Owning a home felt less like a luxury and more like a life milestone, a sign of stability I’d grown up hearing about.
It turns out this isn’t just a personal belief. A Knight Frank India report shows that 80% of Indians still prioritize homeownership, with the sentiment strongest in metros like Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad.
Shishir Baijal, CEO of Knight Frank India, put it well:
“Homeownership has emerged as a robust and enduring trend… positioning ownership as a symbol of financial security and future stability.”
Step 1: Facing the Financial Reality
With property prices in NCR often 10x – 15x my annual income, buying wasn’t going to be impulsive. I had to weigh aspiration against affordability.
This echoes what analyst Hardik Joshi often says:
At some point, people stop saying ‘I must buy a house’ and start asking ‘Is buying actually worth it?’
I built a clear budget:
- 20%+ down payment saved.
- EMI calculated for 15–20 years with a safety buffer.
- Registration, interiors, and maintenance funds accounted for.
Step 2: Navigating the Loan Maze
Like most buyers my age, I had to finance a majority of the cost. As per a study – Millennials and Gen Z make up over 53% of India’s home loan demand.
With my income bracket, I chose a joint home loan with my wife to maximize eligibility and tax benefits. I ensured the loan allowed prepayment without heavy penalties—something my banker confirmed was a smart choice.
Step 3: The Search for The One
The search was draining. Under-construction projects promised discounts, but the delays and legal risks made me cautious. A Makaan.com survey showed 43% of first-time buyers now prefer ready-to-move homes, and I realized I was one of them.
It was during this phase that I reached out to Unreal Investor’s team. Their structured approach cut down my search time significantly. They evaluated my requirements—location, budget, and resale potential—and directed me to a ready-to-move 3 BHK in Noida Sector 76 priced at ₹80 lakh. The property ticked all my boxes: strong connectivity, livable infrastructure, and no legal overhang.
Step 4: Legal Vigilance or Learning from Others’ Mistakes
Having shortlisted the property, I focused on legal checks. I had read enough about cases like the Adarsh Housing Society scam—where improper clearances and title issues led to demolitions.
Even academic studies show litigated units drop 4–6% in value due to buyer risk perception.
Guided by Unreal Investor’s recommended legal counsel, I verified all clearances like RERA registration, title chain, & occupancy certificates before signing.
Step 5: The Emotional Journey
Despite professional support, I’d be lying if I said the process was stress-free. Over 60% of buyers report significant stress during acquisition, and I felt it at every inspection, document review, and negotiation.
Watching peers take advantage of stamp duty rebates for women (up to 1% in states like Uttar Pradesh) pushed me to register jointly with my wife—a decision that made financial sense.
Step 6: Moving In and Looking Ahead
The day I got the keys, I understood what actress Sumona Chakravarti meant when she said:
Being settled is when you are financially independent… my mom encouraged me that no matter I get married or not, I should have a space of my own.
For me, that space is our ready-to-move 3 BHK in Noida Sector 76. Looking back, Unreal Investor’s involvement saved me months of effort and potential legal headaches. Their guidance from shortlisting to legal due diligence turned a long chaotic process into a structured journey.
Final Takeaway for First-Time Buyers
Owning a home is more than a financial decision—it’s a structured plan. My experience taught me:
- Budget realistically; account for down payment, EMI, and hidden costs.
- Prioritize ready-to-move to reduce risk.
- Never skip legal checks—title, RERA, and occupancy matter more than discounts.
- Lean on experienced guidance—just as Unreal Investor’s team streamlined my search and secured a clean purchase.
At 32, with a ₹15 lakh salary and a young family, I now own an ₹80 lakh asset that balances lifestyle comfort with investment value. The journey wasn’t easy, but with the right planning and support, it was absolutely worth it.
