Methodology. Buy scenario: cumulative EMI paid + stamp duty (6%) + registration (1%) + maintenance (1% of home value annually) + property tax (0.2%) – remaining home equity at end of horizon (which is: home value at appreciation – remaining loan balance). Rent scenario: cumulative rent paid + opportunity cost (down payment and EMI-surplus invested at alternative return). Doesn’t include tax benefits (80C principal / 24b interest deduction up to ₹2L). For long horizons (15+ years) and steady appreciation, buying typically wins. For short horizons or expensive real estate (Mumbai/Bangalore), renting often wins.