In Bengaluru, the city’s skyline is currently dominated by 'sold out' signs and extravagant housing projects priced between ₹2-3 crores. While this might suggest a surge in affluence in the city to an outsider, chartered accountant Nitin Kaushik argues that it is more indicative of rising debt than growing wealth. According to him, many professionals are stretching their finances to buy expensive properties, often dedicating a large portion of their monthly income solely to repaying home loans rather than enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Kaushik's commentary, shared on the social media platform X, paints a picture of Bengaluru as entrapped by what he describes as a "₹3-crore web," where the allure of luxury housing is driving individuals beyond their financial means. He emphasizes that the perception of widespread wealth is misleading and is primarily based on the observation of property prices rather than an actual assessment of individuals' financial health through their income tax returns (ITRs). This discrepancy highlights a critical gap between appearances and reality in the housing market.

The conversation initiated by Kaushik serves as an essential reminder of the financial tensions faced by the middle class in urban India, where the desire to project an image of success often comes at a high personal cost. As the narrative of home ownership continues to be intertwined with status, the risk of financial overextension becomes a pressing concern, raising questions about the sustainability of such borrowing habits in the long term for the average urban dweller.