India, Dec. 24 -- For decades, owning a flat has been regarded as a cornerstone of financial security for India's middle class, often marketed as a safe, long-term investment that would appreciate in value and support future generations. However, as home prices soar, maintenance costs rise, and ageing buildings raise questions about resale and redevelopment, a growing number of buyers are beginning to ask whether apartments are truly investments or simply homes with a limited financial life.

A Reddit post warned that many buyers, including NRIs, assume an apartment will build long-term wealth, only to face the risk of poor resale or even illiquidity decades later. "The first home is a necessity in India, but the second flat onwards is ju...