Retire safe, rent or no rent

Satyapal, 63, thought he had a well-structured financial plan to secure his retirement. Over the years, he bought four real estate properties, expecting a steady rental income in his silver years. He also invested in mutual funds, stocks and fixed-income instruments (fixed deposits and PPF), totalling Rs 6.25 crore. However, things haven't panned out as expected. Of the four properties Satyapal invested in, only two have been able to generate a combined monthly rent of Rs 60,000. The rest remain vacant and selling them off has proven challenging. Adding to his woes is the declining stock market, weighing on his equity investments. Worried, Satyapal approached us with a pressing question: how can he secure his retirement income, maintain his lifestyle and still leave behind a meaningful legacy for his children? What should Satyapal do? Though Satyapal plans to leave nearly all his assets to his two sons, it shouldn't come at the cost of his own financial security. His sons are independent and financially stable, while his retirement is a phase where income certainty is paramount. Rather than getting anxious about the ongoing market turmoil or rental income drought, Satyap

This article was originally published on April 17, 2025.