Buying a home is often seen as one of the biggest milestones in adult life. For many young Indians, however, purchasing a property also means taking on a large home loan that can shape their finances for decades.
A Mumbai woman’s recent Instagram video has sparked a conversation around that trade-off after she took a walk through her luxury housing society on a Monday night and found its seemingly expensive amenities almost completely deserted.
In the video, titled “One advice to all youngsters,” Instagram user Ruchi Dubey reflected on the contrast between the high cost of homes in Mumbai and the limited time working residents may have to actually enjoy their surroundings.
‘Flats here cost crores,’ says Ruchi Dubey
Walking through the residential complex, Dubey pointed out that the society was unusually quiet.
“It’s a very big society. And, you know, flats here cost crores. The rents are also completely in lakhs here. But, you know, one thing I have noticed is that today is Monday night, and no one is here,” she said in the video.
She added that the garden was empty, the society’s lights were largely switched off and there was hardly anyone around.
“There’s not a single person in the parking lot because tomorrow is Tuesday,” Dubey said.
Her observation focused less on the property itself and more on the lifestyle that comes with paying for it.
Who gets to enjoy the amenities?
Dubey questioned whether people who work long hours actually get enough time to use the facilities that form part of expensive residential developments.
“So, I want to say one thing: the person who bought this house doesn’t even have time to enjoy the amenities here. All the time, they are just doing a job,” she said.
She pointed to the quiet garden and the night-time view as examples of amenities that residents might pay for but have little opportunity to enjoy during a busy working week.
“Who is able to enjoy this quiet night, this view, walking around, etc.? Only those who don’t have any responsibilities,” she added.
Her comments have touched on a familiar question for homebuyers: whether a property purchase should be viewed only as an investment or also in terms of how much it contributes to a person’s quality of life.
Her advice to young homebuyers
Dubey also urged young people to think carefully before committing a large portion of their income to a home loan.
“Most of the youth take home loans at a very young age, and then they spend their whole lives paying off the loan, and they are never able to enjoy that thing,” she said.
She advised viewers to consider their financial decisions carefully before making a major purchase.
“So, make sure that if you ever feel like buying something, a house or whatever, or making any financial decisions, think carefully before buying so that you don’t have to regret anything later,” Dubey said.
The video presents her personal perspective rather than a universal argument against home ownership. Buying a home can provide stability, potential long-term financial value and a sense of security, while renting can offer greater flexibility. The right decision ultimately depends on income, location, family circumstances, financial goals and how long someone expects to stay in a particular city.
Dubey’s Monday-night walk, however, highlights a less-discussed part of the home-buying equation: having access to expensive amenities and actually having the time to use them are two different things.
