Daybreak How surging property prices are turning dreams homes into pipe dreams
Dec 30, 2025
Rona Kumar Gunjan, a business reporter from The Ken, shares insights on the soaring property prices in India that have surged nearly 30% over the last two years. She discusses how younger generations are increasingly leaning towards renting due to affordability concerns and job mobility. Rona also explores the emotional attachment to home ownership, reveals the disparity between rising prices and stagnant incomes, and highlights the financial advantages of renting versus buying. Her analysis sheds light on the potential for reverse migration as living costs soar.
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Prices Outpacing Incomes
- Property prices have surged ~30% in two years while nominal incomes lag far behind, making ownership much harder for young people.
- Rising interest rates and rents worsen affordability despite higher nominal GDP and incomes.
EMI Eats Half The Paycheck
- A young colleague says buying a home is 'not sustainable' because EMIs would swallow half their salary and limit mobility.
- They prefer renting to stay flexible and avoid poor value like tiny studios for huge EMIs.
Home As Security And Shelter
- Another colleague, from a homeowner family, treats real estate as long-term security and notes risks tenants face if landlords change plans.
- They view owning as protection against being asked to vacate and as a durable investment.