In Mumbai, owning a home in high-end areas is akin to realizing a grand dream, but the reality of living in the city's most expensive buildings goes beyond mere purchasing. The associated costs of maintenance are staggering, incorporating more than basic utility bills; they include a form of 'invisible lifestyle' that many cannot conceive. This raises questions about the accessibility of such luxury living for the average person, who may only earn a fraction of what is required for ongoing maintenance.

The article details how maintenance fees are calculated per square foot in affluent neighborhoods of South Mumbai, where charges typically range from ₹25 to ₹40 per square foot. For instance, a sprawling penthouse that occupies 5,000 square feet could incur monthly costs between ₹150,000 and ₹200,000 just to maintain the building's elegance. Significant portions of these expenses stem from maintaining common areas, which include services such as temperature control for Olympic-sized swimming pools, the care of vertical gardens, and upkeep of high-speed elevators that whisk residents to the 60th floor in moments.

Such exorbitant costs are often justified by the provision of 'white-glove services' that cater to the affluent market in Mumbai. These services ensure that the living environment remains pristine and luxurious, but they inevitably highlight the stark contrast between extreme wealth and the everyday struggles of the average Indian citizen. This situation raises broader social and economic questions about the sustainability of such luxuries in an overcrowded and often economically disparate city like Mumbai.