Bollywood's Luxe Living: Why Celebs Prefer Renting Over Buying in Mumbai

Mumbai’s luxury real estate market continues to be heavily influenced by Bollywood celebrities, many of whom are frequently in the news for their high-value property transactions. Despite being among the top buyers of premium residences, some stars reportedly prefer renting upscale homes in the city, revealing a unique trend in celebrity housing preferences.

A-List Buyers Fueling the City's Luxury Surge

The city’s premium property segment has seen notable purchases by prominent names such as Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Manoj Bajpayee, Ajay Devgn, Kajol, Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Suniel Shetty. These celebrities have not only invested in lavish apartments but also shown interest in commercial real estate assets.

Why Some Prefer Renting Over Owning

According to property consultants, despite having the financial capability, several celebrities are inclined toward renting high-end properties. Industry voices suggest that stars often seek specific lifestyle elements—like a sea-facing apartment in a coveted neighbourhood—that might only be available for rent.

In many cases, the property a celebrity desires may not be listed for sale, or they might prefer the flexibility of renting while planning future investments. Ajai Kapoor, founder of 360 Degrees, remarked during a real estate podcast by Zapkey.com that many stars aim to live a grand lifestyle, sometimes beyond their current means, which makes renting an attractive option.

"The simple reason, or maybe one of the reasons, is that every celebrity wants to live a life of king size, and they want to live beyond what they can afford at that time in their life," Kapoor stated. He added that some prefer to wait a few years before committing to a purchase that truly suits their long-term needs.

Access to Ultra-Luxury Without Ownership

Sandeep Reddy, co-founder of Zapkey.com, provided a simple example—an actor might not be in a position to buy a ₹50 crore home but could still rent it for ₹1 crore per year, allowing them to maintain a luxurious lifestyle without the burden of ownership.

Another consultant mentioned that many actors have relatively short career peaks. Given they often already own homes in their native towns, purchasing a Mumbai property might not always be a practical or financially sound decision.

Stars Currently Residing in Rented Homes

Several high-profile names are presently residing in rented homes. Shah Rukh Khan and his family, for instance, have temporarily shifted to a rental property while their famed bungalow ‘Mannat’ undergoes renovation. Similarly, Vicky Kaushal, Huma Qureshi, Shraddha Kapoor, and Urvashi Rautela are reportedly among those living in leased apartments in Mumbai.

This mix of buying and renting among Bollywood celebrities reflects not just financial considerations but lifestyle choices and strategic flexibility in India’s most expensive real estate market.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on publicly available information and expert commentary. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or real estate advice.