Investment and jugaad: How this Pune executive achieved financial independence at 46

Investment and jugaad: How this Pune executive achieved financial independence at 46

Amit Upadhyaya, a Pune-based corporate executive, has achieved financial independence at age 46. Despite working for a French multinational (Dassault Systemes) for two decades, Upadhyaya does not credit his wealth to a high corporate salary or employee stock options. He sees it as the outcome of investing in the right stocks and funds and holding … Read more

So you’re looking to buy a new home. Should you think like SRK or Warren Buffett?

So you’re looking to buy a new home. Should you think like SRK or Warren Buffett?

A report by Anarock found the demand for 3BHKs has now surpassed that of 2BHKs, and the sale of high-end apartments (above Rs.1.5 crore) has increased nearly four-fold since 2021. Meanwhile, demand for affordable housing (below ₹40 lakh) fell to 21% of homebuyers in the second half of 2023 from 25% in the second half … Read more

What is the best approach to managing home purchase without straining finances?

What is the best approach to managing home purchase without straining finances?

I’m in my early 30s, married with a young child, and working in an IT company for 10 years. I’ve saved in mutual funds, fixed deposits, PPF, and stocks. We currently live in a rented apartment, but I’ve found a property that fits our budget. The house costs ₹85 lakhs, requiring a ₹25 lakh down … Read more

Rent, home loan, capital gains, losses: a simple guide to taxation on real estate

Rent, home loan, capital gains, losses: a simple guide to taxation on real estate

There are layers upon layers, from rent to the time of selling to home loans. For instance, most of the rules applicable to a house or commercial property are not applicable to land. If a land owner earns rent, lease, or any other form of income on vacant land (without any construction), such income is … Read more

Axis Bank and Piramal Finance join forces for co-lending business; details here

Axis Bank and Piramal Finance join forces for co-lending business; details here

Axis Bank and Piramal Finance have partnered to establish a co-lending business aimed at extending loans to underserved segments in India. This partnership aims to reach middle and low-income borrowers who lack access to traditional banking services, as well as to expand financial inclusion into rural and semi-urban areas beyond major cities. The newly established … Read more

Considering a joint home loan? Here’s how to apply

Considering a joint home loan? Here's how to apply

A joint home loan is a type of housing loan in which multiple individuals share the financial responsibility. It allows immediate family members, such as spouses, parents, and siblings, to apply for the loan together. Let’s examine the numerous advantages of opting for a joint home loan and why it could be the perfect option … Read more

Can I claim a tax benefit on rent paid in the same city where I own a house?

Can I claim a tax benefit on rent paid in the same city where I own a house?

Is there a tax benefit available if an individual stays in a rented house and at the same time rents his own house in the same city? —Arindam Mukhopadhyay We assume that you are in employment and are paid a house rent allowance (HRA) by your employer. As per the provisions of the Income Tax … Read more

Income Tax Return: What are the alternatives to Form 16 that can be used while filing ITR?

Income Tax Return: What are the alternatives to Form 16 that can be used while filing ITR?

July 31, 2024, is the deadline for submitting Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the Assessment Year (AY) 2024–2025. Before submitting their ITRs, salaried employees wait to receive Form 16 from their employers. Pay information, Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) that the employer has deposited, and other data needed to correctly file the ITR are all … Read more

Is due diligence by banks sufficient when buying property?

Is due diligence by banks sufficient when buying property?

In real life, too, it’s not uncommon to uncover issues related to properties after you’ve seemingly made a rightful purchase. Sometimes a property is sold twice, to different parties, or the title deed is not clear, or relatives might come into the picture. In fact, National Crime Records Bureau data shows that more than 7,000 … Read more

Income tax: Home loan benefits when two houses are self-occupied

Income tax: Home loan benefits when two houses are self-occupied

I own two houses. Both are taken on housing loans. I stay in the first house, and my parents remain in the second house. Can I take tax benefits for both properties? Can I also avail of the tax benefit for stamp duty and registration charges paid for the second property purchased in March 2024? … Read more