Rs 8 crore for a Borivali flat? viral tweet fuels Dubai vs Mumbai real estate debate

A viral post on social media comparing current and historical real estate prices in Mumbai’s Borivali has sparked widespread discussion about skyrocketing property costs and more appealing international alternatives - particularly Dubai.

The conversation began when X user Mehul R Thakkar shared his astonishment over the current pricing of luxury apartments in the suburban Mumbai neighborhood. “Borivali sells 5 BHK apartments for Rs 8 crore++. Can't believe... 20+ years ago, during my childhood: 2 BHK was available for Rs 15-20 lakh in Borivali, and 5 BHK didn't exist, certainly,” he wrote.

While the post triggered a flood of nostalgic and critical reactions, one response stood out by proposing Dubai as a better investment destination.

The reply highlighted that for Rs 8 crore, one could purchase premium property in Dubai and even qualify for a Golden Visa by investing approximately Rs 4.5 crore in real estate. The visa offers long-term residency, making the Gulf city an increasingly viable option for affluent Indians.

The commenter also pointed out that setting up a business in one of Dubai's free zones could grant a two-year residency visa, with the added benefit of zero income tax. Dubai’s low home loan interest rates - around 3.5% - were also cited as a stark contrast to India’s relatively high lending rates, further tipping the scales in the UAE’s favor.

As property prices in Indian metropolitan areas continue to surge, the debate resonates with millennials and Gen Z professionals seeking better lifestyle value, global mobility, and tax-efficient investment opportunities abroad. There is also a broader trend among urban Indians evaluating the true worth of real estate ownership in India’s hyper-inflated housing market.