Hi Sir, My wife and kids have moved to Bangalore for my kids education. They will stay in Bangalore till the next 5-7 years. They are currently living in a rented apartment for around Rs 20,000 per month. Please can you advise is it advisable to purchase a house, rather than living in a rented apartment. As per their period of stay, how much investment is ok for flat purchase, which can be sold if required after the completion of education. Will it be a right decision to purchase a house or it's better to live on rent only. Please advise Sir.
Ans: You have shared valuable context. Your wife and kids are in Bangalore for your children’s education. You are spending Rs 20,000 per month on rent. Their stay in Bangalore is expected for 5 to 7 years.
Let’s explore whether buying a house is better than continuing to stay on rent.
As a Certified Financial Planner, I will give you a 360-degree view. This will help you take an informed and confident decision.
Let’s assess your options now.
Family’s Duration of Stay Is Very Important
Your family will be in Bangalore only for 5 to 7 years.
This period is short for real estate investment.
Property needs longer holding period to break even on costs.
Stamp duty, registration, maintenance, brokerage are high in property.
You may not recover these costs within 5 to 7 years.
Flexibility Is Very High With Rental Living
Rental living gives you location flexibility.
You can change school zones easily if needed.
If your job changes city or your children need to shift, renting helps.
You can always move to better flats or localities.
With ownership, moving becomes costly and stressful.
Owning Means High Upfront Investment And EMI Burden
Even a small flat in Bangalore costs minimum Rs 60 to 80 lakhs.
You will need to pay 20% to 25% as down payment.
This will block your liquidity and emergency funds.
The EMI will likely be more than current rent.
That adds financial pressure for 15 to 20 years.
If You Sell Flat After 5–7 Years, It Is Uncertain
Property prices don’t always rise in short periods.
There is no guaranteed appreciation in 5–7 years.
If the area becomes crowded or unpopular, prices may even fall.
Finding a good buyer quickly is tough.
The resale may need discounts or compromises.
Even if you sell, you may not recover all costs.
Liquidity And Peace Of Mind Are Higher With Renting
You can always plan finances better when liquidity is strong.
You can invest the saved EMI in mutual funds.
This creates wealth with higher transparency and flexibility.
If your family wants to shift later, it’s easier when you rent.
Owning a flat creates attachment and restriction.
Let Us Evaluate Investment Return On Property Option
Real estate is not a liquid asset.
It can take months to sell.
You don’t earn monthly cash flow like mutual funds.
Maintenance cost and property tax eat into return.
Legal risks, tenant hassles also exist.
You cannot redeem part of it during emergencies.
Real Estate Returns Are Not Always Better
In 5–7 years, mutual funds can give better returns than property.
Mutual funds are more regulated and flexible.
SIPs allow systematic wealth creation without high risk.
You can stop, pause or increase SIPs as per need.
In mutual funds, there is better control over asset mix.
For Short Duration, Renting Is Cost-Effective
Renting at Rs 20,000/month means Rs 2.4 lakhs per year.
In 7 years, rent paid will be Rs 16.8 lakhs.
This is still far lower than buying and then selling flat.
It is better to keep the money growing in funds.
No stress of EMI, no risk of unsold property.
Are You Emotionally Attached To Buying A Home?
Some families feel mental peace in owning a house.
If that is your strong emotional need, only then consider buying.
But do not think from investment point of view.
Buying only for 5–7 years is not financially wise.
Renting gives you peace of mind with lower costs.
How Much Investment Is Ok, If You Still Want To Buy?
Keep flat budget below 40% of your total net worth.
Do not stretch EMI beyond 35% of your monthly income.
Keep 6 months expenses aside before booking a flat.
Check resale potential in the same area before purchase.
Never buy under-construction flat for short term purpose.
Ready-to-move flats are safer but still not ideal.
You Can Grow Wealth Better Through Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are good for 5 to 10 years investment goal.
They give diversification and long-term growth.
Choose SIPs in actively managed funds.
Avoid index funds. They do not outperform in all cycles.
Index funds lack professional stock picking.
Actively managed funds handle market corrections better.
A Certified Financial Planner can suggest good funds.
Avoid Direct Plans And Invest Through MFD With CFP
Direct funds do not give personalised advice.
Investors often pick wrong funds in direct mode.
There is no one to rebalance when needed.
A CFP-backed MFD understands market cycles and goals.
He will guide with discipline and performance review.
This helps avoid wrong exits and over-allocations.
If You Hold Investment-cum-Insurance Policies Like ULIPs or LIC
These do not give high returns.
Insurance should not be mixed with investment.
If you hold ULIPs or LIC savings policies, consider surrendering.
Reinvest the proceeds in mutual funds.
This will help meet your goals faster and with better returns.
Your Family’s Lifestyle Should Remain Stress-Free
Don’t let EMI impact your children’s education quality.
Don’t stretch budget for status or emotional pressure.
Renting is not a failure. It is smart when used well.
Focus on freedom and stability, not ownership.
Final Insights
For 5–7 years stay, renting is the better decision.
Don’t block your wealth in illiquid assets like property.
You need liquidity, flexibility, and peace of mind.
Keep your focus on your child’s education and family goals.
Channel savings to mutual funds with professional help.
Avoid emotional or societal pressure to buy.
Review financial decisions every 6 months with a Certified Financial Planner.
Rent now, invest wisely, and build wealth step-by-step.
You can buy a home later when your life goals are settled.
Till then, enjoy the flexibility that renting offers.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
Asked on - Jun 02, 2025 | Answered on Jun 02, 2025
Listenरामलिंगम सर, आपकी विस्तृत प्रतिक्रिया और मार्गदर्शन के लिए बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद। मैं आगे यह भी जोड़ना चाहता था कि अगर जरूरत पड़ी तो मैं फ्लैट खरीदने के लिए पैसे जुटा सकता हूँ, बिना लोन लिए। मेरी सोच यह है कि अगर मैं किराए पर रहता हूँ तो मेरा खर्च 5-7 साल की अवधि के लिए लगभग 15-17 लाख होगा, क्या फ्लैट खरीदना और किराए के पैसे बचाना फायदेमंद होगा। अगर बाद में फ्लैट की जरूरत नहीं पड़ती तो उसे बेचा जा सकता है या किराएदारों को दिया जा सकता है या मुझे पैसे फिक्स्ड डिपॉजिट में रखने चाहिए और किराए पर रहना चाहिए। कृपया मुझे बताएं सर, कौन सा विकल्प बेहतर है। धन्यवाद
Ans: यह देखते हुए कि आप फ्लैट को सीधे खरीद सकते हैं (बिना किसी लोन के), यहाँ एक संक्षिप्त अनुशंसा है:
✔️ किराए पर लेना और फिक्स्ड डिपॉजिट (या म्यूचुअल फंड) में निवेश करना 5-7 साल के लिए बेहतर है क्योंकि:
5-7 साल के बाद प्रॉपर्टी को फिर से बेचना सभी लागतों (पंजीकरण, ब्रोकरेज, रखरखाव) को कवर नहीं कर सकता है।
रेंटल यील्ड (~2-3% सालाना) FD (~7%) या म्यूचुअल फंड (~10-12%) की तुलना में कम है।
पूंजी या लिक्विडिटी जोखिम का कोई लॉक-इन नहीं है।
✔️ इसलिए, FD/म्यूचुअल फंड में निवेश करना और किराए पर रहना इस छोटी अवधि के लिए वित्तीय रूप से अधिक कुशल है।
सादर,
के. रामलिंगम, एमबीए, सीएफपी,
मुख्य वित्तीय योजनाकार,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment