A viral Instagram video by a man has ignited a fierce online debate over whether luxury high-rise apartments are truly worth their sky-high price tags.
Marketed as the pinnacle of urban luxury, premium residential towers promise lavish amenities, landscaped spaces and modern lifestyles. But Puneet Jindal’s candid take on apartment living has struck a chord with millions online, with many agreeing that expensive city homes often come at the cost of peace, fresh air and quality of life.
In the now-viral clip, which has clocked over 4.1 million views, Jindal described his experience of living in a multi-crore apartment as “hellish,” despite having access to facilities like a swimming pool, clubhouse and sports courts.
“I am sharing my experience. A flat worth crores has zero value, zero in my eyes,” he said in the video.
According to Jindal, the biggest problem is the lack of ventilation and the overwhelming heat generated by air-conditioner exhaust systems in densely packed towers.
“Everyone’s AC is running, brother. This whole place becomes a furnace. There is no such thing as fresh air here,” he said, adding that he frequently suffers from sneezing and discomfort while sitting in his balcony area.
He also complained about foul smells from sewage systems entering his bathroom, claiming that life inside such buildings feels suffocating despite the luxurious branding attached to them.
The video took a broader swipe at urban lifestyles and homeownership culture, with Jindal arguing that city living traps people in lifelong financial stress.
“If you are earning Rs 25,000 in a village and earning Rs 1 lakh in a city, keep in mind, it is equal,” he remarked, while praising village life for its cleaner air, slower pace and affordability.
The viral video quickly divided social media users.
“I think the same. A flat is like a matchbox,” one commenter wrote in support.
Others, however, defended apartment living and pointed out that gated societies offer safety, convenience and lifestyle benefits difficult to match elsewhere.
“The kind of peace these societies offer is truly unmatched,” another user commented.
Some users also argued that factors such as floor selection and building design play a major role in determining comfort levels inside high-rises.
The viral discussion has once again brought focus to India’s rapidly growing urban housing culture, where luxury real estate often sells dreams of comfort and status, but residents say the reality can sometimes feel very different.
