A Mumbai-based chartered accountant has ignited a discussion regarding property investment returns after sharing that his father sold a 2BHK flat for ₹5 crore in 2026, the same price it was purchased for in 2019. While it may seem like there was no appreciation, many argue that the deal still yielded significant benefits. Users on social media pointed out that the family potentially saved on rent, which could range from ₹12–18 lakh annually, amounting to about ₹80 lakh to ₹1.2 crore over the seven years. Additionally, the absence of capital gains tax due to the unchanged sale price could further enhance the financial outcome. Some commenters suggested that rental income during the holding period and tax efficiency through indexation could also contribute to the overall returns. However, critics countered that when factoring in inflation, maintenance costs, and other expenses, the investment effectively resulted in a loss. They noted that had the same amount been invested in equity markets, it could have yielded much higher returns. The case underscores the complexity of evaluating real estate investments, where returns may not be solely based on price appreciation.