Zerodha's Nikhil Kamath buys his first home but faces backlash due to long-time support for renting

Nikhil Kamath , the co-founder of Zerodha , who has often advocated renting over buying, recently purchased his first home. This decision stirred debate, with many on social media calling it hypocritical, accusing him of giving advice that contradicts his actions. Some suggested that his recommendations were aimed at the less wealthy while he benefited as a billionaire. Others encouraged people to make housing decisions based on personal financial circumstances rather than influencer opinions.


Nikhil Kamath criticised on social media for buying home

Several users criticised Kamath on platforms like X, expressing disappointment. One user accused him of double standards, while another suggested that Kamath’s advice was self-serving, warning people to consider their own situations when deciding whether to buy or rent a house. The user wrote, “Hey @NikhilKamath, so you preached that renting is better than buying a house, but then you went ahead and bought one yourself? Looks like your 'renting' advice was only for the poor folks, while you enjoyed the benefits of being a billionaire! #DoubleStandards #Hypocrisy.”

Another social media user criticised Nikhil Kamath's decision, saying, "After promoting renting over buying, Kamath has reversed his stance and purchased a house. He's misleading those who followed his podcast advice. Ultimately, the choice to buy or rent should be based on one's personal financial circumstances. Influential figures often share advice that serves their interests."

Others highlighted the need for personal discretion when following financial advice from influencers, suggesting that a home purchase is ultimately about securing family needs. One user commented, “After denouncing the idea of buying a house and instead favouring to rent a place, Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath has bought a house. Don’t believe in Influencers, no matter how rich they are. Buy a house whenever you can afford. You need a shelter for your family.”


Nikhil Kamath's clarification: Renting vs buying a house

On his podcast "WTF is with Nikhil Kamath," Kamath discussed his decision to buy a house, explaining that while renting offers many benefits, it also comes with a significant drawback: the uncertainty of when one might need to move out. He shared a personal experience where he had to leave a rented house earlier than he would have liked, highlighting the lack of long-term security as a key factor that influenced his choice to purchase a home.


Industry insights and guest perspectives

In the podcast episode, Kamath was joined by industry leaders such as Irfan Razack, Chairman and MD of Prestige Group, Karan Virwani, CEO of WeWork India, and Nirupa Shankar, Executive Director at Brigade Group. The discussion covered various facets of the real estate market, providing different insights into the pros and cons of renting versus buying a property in today's economic climate. The guests shared their expertise, offering a range of perspectives on making real estate decisions in the current market scenario.

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