I’m confused whether to buy or rent?

If that house is for your parents to live (and you care about them too much) - then buy. Don't think about it much.

Also marry a guy who would be okay with that.

If that flat is from an asset standpoint - don't buy. You should invest.

I’m giving my parents a new home, a bigger one.

I’m male and a year younger than you. Believe me, this is the best feeling I’ve ever experienced. I’ve spent a lot on traveling, but the turning point in my life was when I saw my friend lose both of his parents. He had only regrets that he couldn’t do anything special for them.

That’s why I decided—as my parents are getting older—that their dream of owning a bigger house should be fulfilled first. Traveling and preparing for retirement can wait a year or two.

I’ve purchased land, and construction is already halfway complete. It’s a two-story building with 5 bedrooms. I didn’t go for a flat because my parents have always lived in their own house, and they don’t like the concept of flats at all

hopefully, my story will teach you something. you will do without any regrets. its big commitment.
so all the best

1. If your to be husband is going to have a problem with you supporting your parent, they are not right for you anyways.
2. As you already have 20L for down payment, loan sanction amount for a 50L property required will be around 30L, you will not get all of it disbursed because you have to pay a piece of every builder demand from pocket, so assume around 25L loan disbursed at max which is not much. Max per month EMI will be around 20-22K
3. As you mentioned, you will obviously grow in your career and even with current inhand you can surely handle your marriage and look at other financial investments As well quite comfortably

With all this, finding right and understanding partner will ease things overall for you

Don't buy a house (assuming apartment) it only depreciates. You will get a much bigger and better house for rent. They will feel much more proud of living in a big house that caters to their aspirations than a smaller house with the stress they know u are under because of the constant emi payments.

First of all, you're doing great. Most people don't have the financial discipline or the responsible nature that you do.

Find a guy who values those qualities, and supports you for who you are. Otherwise, he's not worth it.

Buy. If you're saying the house will cost 50-60 L, buy as you have down payment. Your income will increase eventually and you'll be able to pay off more.

Go the long route, look for 3bhk (speaking from experience of a friend who bought house before marriage) if you are to ever live with spouse and parents, 3bhk will have a breather plus it'll be worth something.

Another tip: since you will be able to pay off sooner, look into overdraft home loans. Why? You can park the marriage money and savings you have in the OD and that saves a LOT of interest. That money is available liquid for you to use anytime just like SB. The Interest saved will be 8.5%< which if you invest otherwise in MFs will be equivalent of earning ~13% if you deduct tax on the short term gains.

So investment in MFs is worth only which it gives you more than 15% which honestly is moving towards the higher risk profile.

I suggest not to burn hard earned savings. And no credits/loans/emi
My opinion: If I reach a corpus say 1.5.cr which is very difficult/doable will solve some financial challenges. Only then whatever is surplus I will burn to do things that I sacrificed in the journey. P.S There are pros living in rented places, one of the biggest ones is you don’t need to worry earthquake or any natural calamity. Think I build a solid house spending all my savings then Mother Nature decides to bring it down. I can’t go back in time or build another one.

Hey , I am a female (I thought it was relevant) and did something similar this year. Just keep a few things in mind

1. I bought a house for my parents but I kept my and my father’s name both. It gives a sense of security I guess . Loan application is in my name
2. Always consider extra cost while buying a house. Registration, TDS , interiors they will be big amount that you need to account for. Since I got married before buying the house, a huge chunk of my savings were gone . So I bought a flat which was under construction, it will be ready in 2 years and will give me time to save money
3. Take the max possible tenure on the loan. You can close it earlier when you get more cash in hand but higher tenure will mean lesser emi so lesser burden
4. Banks give an insurance option also with loan, take that because then god forbid if anything bad happens like lay off or something banks will pardon 6 months of emi .
5. If you are worried about future husband objecting cause you both may also have to buy a home in future. I don’t think that will happen in next 5-6 years that will be enough for you to repay this loan. Worst case this loan stretches then let him be the primary applicant on the loan and you can be the secondary that way his credit score will be checked and not yours.

While I love the fact that I did something for my parents it does cast a scare, like I can’t leave my job and do a startup but I guess that’s a decent price to pay for their comfort

If I were you, I'd just buy 50 lakhs isn't a big amount if you're getting 1.2 after taxes and have 20L savings. Also your husband or in-laws shouldn't have a problem from financial pov with buying the house, your total asset - liability still stays the same only no matter if you buy the house or not. If they can't understand even this much no point in running after them explaining. About the wedding, you can make a decision to do a modest wedding with any other savings you and your parents might have left.

I’ll suggest don’t buy. If you care about your parent you could always pay their rent if your brother is not interested.

Buying could cause problem in future.

If you are buying buy in your name. And just let your parent live there.