A recent record sale of a penthouse valued at 271 crore rupees in the elite 'The Dahlias' area of Gurugram has sparked active debate in the real estate market. This ultra-luxury apartment was acquired by entrepreneur Manav Sardana.
Businessman Sandeep Mall expressed doubt regarding such a huge sum, suggesting that this money could be used to build a luxurious mansion with a helipad and a private helicopter in the prestigious National Capital area.
Harshdip Rappal, founder of the American technology company 'Legitt AI', joined the discussion. Supporting Sandeep Mall, Rappal stated that he himself does not understand the logic of purchasing apartments worth 100 crore rupees or more.
Harshdip Rappal shared his personal experience. His first home in Delhi was an apartment on the fifth floor of a 12-story building. However, after the birth of his daughter, he rented a standalone house of 350 square yards in the prestigious 'New Friends Colony' area. Despite a very high monthly rent, he felt his daughter needed the freedom to play on the lawn, dig in the soil, and run in the rain, rather than being confined by apartment walls.
When the homeowner demanded the house be vacated, Rappal did not have the funds to buy his own mansion but also did not want to return to the apartment. Therefore, he chose a compromise by buying a standalone building on a 300 square yard plot.
Rappal also questioned the construction quality of apartments in India. He emphasized that regardless of whether he buys his next home in India or America, and regardless of whether he has small money or millions of dollars, it will always be a detached house, not an apartment. He warned that in 50 years, building structures can become weathered, and wondered what would remain for future generations—a 'phantom box hanging in the air'?
In his view, true property is where you own not only the house but also the land itself.
During this discussion, users in the comments also presented arguments in favor of living in an apartment compared to a private house. User Chetan Chawla noted that choosing an apartment is more practical for people who travel frequently and are often abroad, as maintenance and security are significantly easier. Nevertheless, he added that if the budget exceeds 100 crore rupees, acquiring a detached mansion in a prestigious area like Lutyens' Delhi would be a wiser decision.
