Bought 2 Properties Before 35 And Got (Almost) Debt-Free Doing It

In an age when most millennials struggle to balance rent, rising expenses, and lifestyle aspirations, becoming a homeowner, let alone twice over often feels like a far-off dream. But for one millennial born in a small town in Uttar Pradesh, this dream became a reality. His story isn’t about overnight success or large inheritances. It’s about discipline, timing, and a mindset shift that turned modest income into real estate success and helped him become nearly debt-free before turning 35.

This is more than a personal success story. It’s a roadmap for what is possible when millennials rethink money, housing, and financial freedom.

From Small-Town Struggles to Financial Clarity

Born in 1990 in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, the man behind this story didn’t come from privilege. He didn’t graduate from a top college or land a high-paying job straight out of school. His early adulthood was riddled with academic setbacks, interview rejections (more than 45!), and years of uncertainty.

Yet through all of this, one habit kept him anchored: he treated saving money as a non-negotiable expense like paying rent. Whether the paycheck was small or decent, a portion of it went straight into savings before any spending.

His career began in Noida in 2013, with a starting salary of just ₹7,000 per month. While most of his peers were upgrading phones or spending on weekend getaways, he stayed focused. No credit cards. No EMIs. No unnecessary expenses. He cooked at home, took shared transport, and lived with flatmates to save on rent.

That commitment to frugality became the foundation for his financial growth.

Also Read: As a First-Time Homebuyer, Should You Invest in a Tier 2 City and Rent in a Metro?

Buying the First Property in Noida The Foundation Stone

By 2018, after five years of careful budgeting, he had saved ₹5 lakh. Around this time, a job switch brought in an additional ₹2 lakh through joining bonuses and relocation support. With ₹7 lakh in hand, he decided it was time to enter the real estate market.

He finalized a flat in Noida a growing residential suburb with improving infrastructure and metro connectivity. His father helped with the down payment, but there was a catch: this wasn’t a gift. The understanding was clear if he defaulted on the home loan EMIs, the property would be sold.

This arrangement wasn’t just financial; it was emotional accountability. It made him treat his decision with the seriousness it deserved. The ₹55–60 lakh loan was spread over 25 years, but from day one, his goal was to become debt-free as early as possible.

For many millennials, the idea of a 25-year loan is daunting. But for him, it was a stepping stone not a trap.

The Second Property in Bengaluru A Calculated Family Investment

In 2023, a new opportunity took him to Bengaluru. Newly married and expecting his first child, he and his spouse decided to buy their second home. By now, his financial standing had improved significantly. He had already paid off a chunk of his first home loan, had regular SIPs running, and had built a modest emergency fund.

With ₹40 lakh financed through a home loan and ₹10 lakh taken as a car loan, the couple bought a spacious apartment in a well-connected Bengaluru locality. This time, they had more clarity and confidence. His earlier experience with buying, researching builders, reading legal agreements, and budgeting helped them navigate the process smoothly.

Although he could afford to close both loans early, he continued EMIs to maximize tax benefits under Section 80C and Section 24 of the Income Tax Act. He also avoided the temptation to over-leverage, keeping monthly EMI commitments well within 30% of household income.

What Set His Strategy Apart?

His success wasn’t accidental. It was rooted in a series of conscious decisions:

1. Investing Early, But Not Hastily

He bought his first home when property prices were still reasonable in Noida. Instead of chasing trending locations, he focused on livability, infrastructure, and builder reliability.

2. Prioritizing Financial Discipline Over Lifestyle

He delayed luxury purchases, avoided dining out frequently, and used apps and discounts smartly. Savings weren’t just leftovers they were planned monthly goals.

3. Continuous Learning and Research

He took the time to understand real estate laws, construction quality benchmarks, and resale market dynamics. He even consulted a few real estate experts online to vet his decisions.

4. Balanced Portfolio Beyond Real Estate

He didn’t rely only on property. His SIPs, tax-saving fixed deposits, and carefully chosen stocks generated strong returns (between 50% and 300% over five years), which eventually helped him fund property-related expenses without taking personal loans.

Debt-Free (Almost) Before 35 Is It Really Possible?

Yes and no.

For many middle-class earners, becoming 100% debt-free by 35 might seem like a tall order. But as this millennial shows, even reaching 80–90% debt repayment before that age is possible with the right mindset.

His current liabilities are minimal, and his assets, two properties in major cities, continue to appreciate. He lives in one, rents the other, and is comfortably supporting a family while planning for his child’s future. He didn’t wait for windfalls. He built wealth brick by brick and paid off debt the same way.

Also Read: Rajasthan’s New Building Bylaws: Impact, Challenges, and Opportunities

Expert Advice: Should You Try This Path?

According to financial planner Suresh Sadagopan, this level of achievement is rare but achievable if approached wisely.

“Real estate should only come after job stability, emergency fund creation, and basic insurance planning,” he advises.

He also cautions against rushing into property ownership too early, especially if your career demands frequent relocation. Locking funds into illiquid assets too soon can limit flexibility.

Instead, first-time buyers should:

• Focus on stable income and a 3–6 month emergency fund
• Build credit history responsibly
• Compare rent vs. buy scenarios based on location and career stage
• Diversify through SIPs, mutual funds, and FDs alongside property investments

Final Thoughts

This story is more than a financial milestone; it’s a mindset shift. It proves that homeownership is still possible for millennials if they’re willing to be strategic, patient, and disciplined.

While property prices in cities like Bengaluru and Noida are rising, smart buyers can still find value by:

• Choosing emerging neighborhoods with long-term growth potential
• Avoiding luxury upgrades in early years
• Tracking builder reputation, RERA registration, and legal compliance

Whether you're 28 or 38, financial freedom doesn’t come from flashy decisions. It comes from consistency, research, and the courage to stay focused when the world encourages instant gratification.

For millennials eyeing their first property, the goal shouldn’t just be ownership, it should be ownership with peace of mind.

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