In a city where luxury real estate is as hot as its film industry, not every Bollywood star is rushing to own a piece of it—and there’s more to this than meets the eye.
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Mumbai: The Glamour Hub with Sky-High Property Rates
Mumbai is India’s ultimate real estate hotspot—especially when it comes to luxury homes. With breathtaking sea views, state-of-the-art amenities, and iconic pin codes like Bandra and Juhu, the city naturally attracts the crème de la crème of Bollywood.
From Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar to Deepika Padukone and Ajay Devgn, many celebrities have invested in ultra-luxe properties, often making headlines for their multi-crore real estate deals. Yet, surprisingly, a significant number of stars are still choosing to rent homes over buying them. Why?
Why Are Celebs Choosing to Rent Instead of Buy?
Despite their hefty paychecks and glamorous lifestyles, several Bollywood actors opt to lease premium properties rather than commit to ownership. And no, it’s not always about affordability—it’s often about flexibility, convenience, and lifestyle aspirations.
1. Access to Prime Locations with Dream Views
Many celebrities prefer homes with sea-facing views in elite neighbourhoods like Bandra Bandstand or Juhu Beach. But such homes aren’t always up for sale. Renting allows them access to such exclusive addresses without waiting for the “perfect” property to hit the market.
2. Living Lavishly Without Immediate Financial Commitment
As Sandeep Reddy, co-founder of Zapkey.com, puts it:
A celeb might not want to shell out ₹50 crore to buy a luxury apartment but can easily afford ₹1 crore per year in rent.
It’s a way to enjoy the high life now, without locking up crores in one property—especially when multiple real estate investments or business ventures are also in play.
3. Career Unpredictability & Lifestyle Flexibility
As Ajai Kapoor, founder of 360 Degrees, explained in a Zapkey podcast, some stars go through peak popularity for a few years and then fade from the spotlight. In such cases, owning expensive real estate in Mumbai may not make long-term sense—especially if they already have property in their hometowns.
Others prefer to rent until they’re ready to settle down or find a permanent home that aligns with both their lifestyle and investment goals.
4. Avoiding the Commitment of a Fixed Address
Many Bollywood stars are constantly traveling for shoots, promotions, and brand collaborations. Renting allows them to change homes as needed without the hassle of buying and selling properties each time their preferences evolve or their needs change.
Celebrities Currently Living in Rented Homes
Here are a few stars who’ve opted for leased residences:
- Shah Rukh Khan & family – renting a home temporarily while Mannat undergoes renovation
- Vicky Kaushal & Katrina Kaif – reportedly renting a luxury apartment in Juhu
- Shraddha Kapoor, Urvashi Rautela, and Huma Qureshi – currently residing in high-end rental properties across Mumbai
Final Thoughts
While Bollywood is often associated with glitz, glamour, and lavish lifestyles, the choice between renting and buying homes reveals a more pragmatic and strategic side of celebrity life. Whether it’s about flexibility, timing, or investment planning—many stars are showing that renting a dream home can sometimes be the smarter move.
