Owning a home is often seen as a milestone, but Bengaluru-based chartered accountant Meenal Goel stresses the need for financial realism in this pursuit. She introduces the 20-30-40 rule, which suggests that home loans should ideally last 20 years, with EMIs capped at 30% of monthly income and a 40% down payment on the property's value. For example, purchasing a ₹50 lakh home requires a monthly salary of approximately ₹96,500 and a down payment of ₹20 lakh. As property prices rise, so do the financial requirements; a ₹3 crore home necessitates a monthly income of nearly ₹5.79 lakh and a down payment of ₹1.2 crore. Goel highlights that while banks may approve loans based on eligibility, this does not guarantee financial comfort. She cautions against stretching finances too thin, which can limit savings and investment opportunities. Her framework encourages buyers to view homeownership as a calculated financial decision rather than just an emotional goal, ensuring that it enhances rather than hinders their financial well-being.