With property prices in several Bengaluru neighbourhoods crossing the ₹2 crore mark, many prospective buyers are questioning whether their current income levels can comfortably support such a purchase. Conversations across social media platforms reflect concerns around rising EMIs, lifestyle costs and long-term financial commitments, especially as borrowing rates remain elevated and household expenses continue to rise.

Although the Reserve Bank of India has kept its benchmark rate unchanged, bringing some predictability to borrowing costs, experts note that affordability pressures persist due to steep property values, particularly in the mid and premium segments.

Financial advisors say that affordability goes well beyond the property's advertised price. Buyers must consider EMIs, day-to-day expenses, and long-term financial goals before committing.

According to financial planner Suresh Sadagopan, total household expenses, including EMIs and routine living costs, should ideally not exceed 50 percent of monthly income. For a ₹2 crore home, assuming a loan of around ₹1.6 crore, the EMI could be approximately ₹1.5 lakh per month, depending on tenure and interest rates.

If a household spends another ₹1 lakh on regular monthly expenses, the combined income requirement rises to roughly ₹3 lakh per month. This estimate excludes additional costs such as stamp duty, registration charges, interiors, and furnishing, which can significantly add to the overall outlay.

While banks typically require a minimum 20 percent down payment, experts suggest that contributing a higher share upfront can reduce financial strain.

Putting down 40 to 50 percent lowers the loan amount substantially, making EMIs more manageable and leaving room for savings and future expenses. This becomes especially important for households juggling multiple liabilities such as car loans, education expenses, or personal loans.

Affordability also becomes more complex for dual-income households if one partner temporarily pauses their career. Once a high EMI commitment begins, flexibility reduces significantly. Buyers must assess whether they can sustain repayments comfortably even if income fluctuates.

Experts recommend disciplined financial planning rather than relying solely on bank eligibility. Even if lenders approve a large loan, the more important question is whether the borrower can service all obligations without compromising lifestyle or emergency savings.

For those planning to reduce their loan burden over time, partial prepayments can help cut interest costs. However, such pre-closures should be made only when sufficient liquidity and contingency funds are in place.

Despite price escalation, apartments in the ₹1.5 to 2 crore range remain available in parts of Bengaluru, though increasingly in peripheral or emerging areas.

In North Bengaluru, several established developers are quoting prices between ₹1.5 crore and ₹2 crore for both under-construction and newly completed projects. Resale units in these developments are reportedly closing in the ₹1.2 to 1.5 crore range.

East Bengaluru has seen sharper appreciation, driven by sustained IT-sector demand. Along Sarjapur Road, entry prices are around ₹1.5 crore, while established localities such as Whitefield now see values ranging from ₹1.7 crore to ₹3 crore.

South Bengaluru offers relatively more moderate pricing in certain corridors, with projects along Kanakapura Road priced between ₹1.3 crore and ₹1.5 crore. However, most homes below ₹1.5 crore are typically located on the city's outskirts rather than in central areas.

Buying a ₹2 crore home in Bengaluru requires far more than loan approval. A stable monthly income of approximately ₹3 lakh or higher, a strong down payment strategy, and disciplined long-term financial planning are essential to avoid financial strain. While options still exist across various corridors, buyers must carefully balance aspiration with sustainability to ensure that homeownership does not compromise future financial security.