India, March 15 -- Buying a home in cities like Mumbai, Kolkata or Delhi comes with hidden costs that many buyers overlook. From the hefty expense of interior work-such as cupboards and lighting-to the financial strain of planning home loans based on dual incomes, it's important to plan carefully. Financial advisors warn about these common missteps and offer advice on how to navigate the complex homeownership journey. Whether you're certain about staying in one city or planning to upgrade later, it's crucial to set a realistic budget and make informed decisions from the start.

Arjun Sen, age 35 and Meghna Sen, age 33, based in Kolkata, earn a total monthly income of Rs.3.2 lakh per month. They have Rs.25 lakh of savings and investments, ...