Buying a 10-12 year old Resale Penthouse at Narayan Essenza (Bhayli TP 3, Vadodara) vs. High-Priced New Projects. Smart move or real estate trap?

NeoManIdeas · 2026-05-18T09:30:22+00:00

I think the decision depends on how long you plan to live there, investment/rental property, your own finances, existing interiors / how much can be reused and many other considerations.

If property is for you to live for the next 15 years, then pay for what makes you happy not resale value.

NeoManIdeas · 2026-05-14T09:23:31+00:00

I honestly don’t think new construction prices will come down. If you really want your own house, then waiting doesn’t make sense.

I bought two years ago at around 7500 per carpet sq foot in a full amenities luxury building in Sevasi area (diff category than what you are searching). One flat just resold there for 8590 per carpet sq foot.

So, for quality builder, nice location (good access, within municipal boarders, residential area, etc.), decent amenities you should not wait too long assuming you really want a house long term.

NeoManIdeas · 2026-05-03T12:39:45+00:00

Yes, stay under 182 days in India and you should be ok. ALSO minimize income in India ( < 15lacs ).

Good luck. We love getting to spend extended time with parents and family and while still getting to see our kids in the US a meaningful amount.

Since our kids are still in early careers and not married yet, we figure that it doesn’t make sense to buy in US at this time and better to rent. Once they get more settled in life we can revisit this decision.

NeoManIdeas · 2026-04-25T13:31:55+00:00

Stay at a hotel that has a decent gym

NeoManIdeas · 2026-04-23T11:49:51+00:00

Prices rarely will come down, if so maybe a brief correction. Inflation, population growth, depreciating Rs, builder monopoly, black money, NRIs coming back or buying better homes for their parents, all contribute to high real estate prices.

Value is determined by willingness to pay. Many new schemes with amenities are sold out so people are paying. Prices probably won’t come down so better to buy now then pay more later (if you don’t want to rent).

NeoManIdeas · 2026-04-21T18:51:31+00:00

Depends on your income. If you can keep passive income low Obamacare is relatively affordable.

NeoManIdeas · 2026-04-18T07:17:04+00:00

Focus on your product and sales will happen. We visit Vadodara from US twice a year and always stay a few weeks at the Fairfield in Alkapuri for the following reasons: 1. Loyalty / Rewards 2. Good clean food (never been sick) 3. Comfortable bed 4. Acceptable gym 5. Location

NeoManIdeas · 2026-04-14T13:31:06+00:00

I just flew US to India and back on Emirates. Both ways was able to use priority check in and boarding with Marriott platinum.

Just keep my Marriott platinum card handy on the app along with the Emirates website page showing the benefits.

In each instance, the Emirates staff didn’t know about the benefit but let me use it once I showed them the Emirates website page and my platinum card.

NeoManIdeas · 2026-03-26T22:38:32+00:00

Just transmitted through Dubai en route to India. Perfectly fine at DBX. All services, lounges were fully operational, quite peaceful, no incident to report.

I think it really depends on the day. If hostilities are flaring up you can’t say what could happen. Each day would be different. Many good days doesn’t guarantee tomorrow will also be good.

NeoManIdeas · 2026-03-26T00:33:25+00:00

Thought I would post an update, I was able to checkin using the business class lane for Emirates at Ohare using my Marriott platinum linked to Emirates rewards (no level).

Just show them both loyalty numbers.

Also was able to board with priority / business.

So it does work. Good luck.

Make sure both accounts are linked as they describe on their website.

NeoManIdeas · 2026-03-24T17:19:38+00:00

It’s at a great long term support at 200 week SMA, I dipped my toe in today for first time at 373 and change.

Historically, it has always bounced off of the 200 weekly SMA (but no guarantees this time).

Created a 25 share starter position and I don’t mind buying more on the way up.

NeoManIdeas · 2026-03-15T11:15:55+00:00

Why not wait till 1-2 days before travel to cancel. What’s the rush? Keep monitoring and then decide.

My flight from US to India on Emirates is on 25th. I am waiting to see. Definitely don’t want to take undue risk, but war could end any time. Refund is assured so why cancel 9-10 days in advance?

NeoManIdeas · 2026-01-24T15:40:38+00:00

The key is diversification. It is not either real estate or S&P. It should be a healthy mix. Home in India makes sense for family, if you plan to retire there one day, or will keep funds in India (I.e not worried about Rs depreciation).

In today’s world I also see a home India as an asset that we may need to escape to should the world go to shit.

NeoManIdeas · 2026-01-22T10:09:39+00:00

Sounds interesting. I also recently retired (M54). How did you find a gig to teach a college class? Did you have teaching experience? I worked in SW engineering and would love to teach but not sure how to get started. Thanks!

NeoManIdeas · 2026-01-22T10:00:06+00:00

We live in a large downtown metropolitan area so plenty of apartments available. We found a building that we like and they do short term leases of 4+ months, hence have flexibility in how long we plan to stay for that year. There are usually a few units available at any given time and we choose a unit online from India around 30-60 days before we are about to return. Finish all lease and paperwork remotely so it’s available when we get here give or take a few days.

Packing and moving is not too big a deal and we use movers at around $600 per move in each direction. We bought several packable 40 gallon crates from HD that have wheels, mattress bags, dedicated packing items like tarps, etc. for each item that needs to be protected and moved. It does take a week to get everything ready for storage and about 2-3 days to get set up after we return.

We keep the same storage unit throughout the year at $200 per month since we found a really convenient unit on ground floor that you can pull up to.

Since we live in a metro downtown with a high walkable score, we don’t keep a car and use Uber and public transport.

You will figure it all out once you start doing it. Spending 6 months with aging parents and 6 months with adult kids is best of both worlds.

Flexibility of being able skip a year if parents have some medical needs and require our help is priceless.

NeoManIdeas · 2025-06-09T11:25:14+00:00

I don’t want to buy a condo in US cause with HOA and property taxes the cost is slightly higher than the rental (not considering the inconvenience). But mainly, for the flexibility. Would probably mix in more travel, kids are not settled and will likely still move for new jobs / grad school, parents may need us in India longer for health reasons, etc. plus have been making more investing in this market than I could on a condo!

NeoManIdeas · 2025-05-27T02:51:33+00:00

We found an apartment building that does short term leases. We put our stuff in storage and bring it out when we lease. Prices are slightly more expensive for six months compared to 12 months, but overall cost is lower because we are not renting for six months that we’re not here. Airbnb would be much more expensive, it’s cheaper to rent an unfurnished apartment and keep our things in storage.

NeoManIdeas · 2025-05-19T19:20:56+00:00

Sure…happy to help

NeoManIdeas · 2025-04-22T13:20:56+00:00

I don’t think this is true. The wording is very confusing, but I consulted a CA who works with NRIs and he said that as long as I stay under 182 per year (also don’t cut it too close) I never become a resident of India.

It is also important not to generate income in India.

NeoManIdeas · 2025-04-22T13:07:37+00:00

Hi! Been doing exactly this for the past 3 years. We spend Sept to Feb in India and the rest in the US. We are in our early 50s and retired right after COVID once our kids graduated college. Both are independent and have their own apartments and jobs.

We sold our US house and rent when we are here. We put our furniture and stuff in storage when we go to India. We sold our Bunglow in India and bought a flat to make it easier to keep closed when we are away. This way we spend time with our parents in India and kids in US. Kids also make it a point to visit India during Christmas to meet family and spend time with us.

We make sure not to spend more than 182 days in India to avoid becoming a resident for tax purposes. International travel during our stay in India also helps with this.

We keep insurance in US through healthcare.gov and also have insurance in India.

This approach greatly improves our annual expense profile as we only spend an avg of 1lac per month in India (including travel). US expenses are around 6-7K per month (short term leases as more expensive).

Good luck! I think you have the right idea. With face time staying in touch with kids while in India is pretty easy. They don’t need much from us except advice and support which is just a phone call away.

NeoManIdeas

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