It’s tempting to empty all savings into the down payment and interiors, but that leaves you exposed. A common guideline is to keep at least 3–6 months of living expenses as an emergency fund even after you close on the property. For homeowners, some people stretch this to 6–9 months, because you now have more responsibilities, like repairs and EMIs.
Remember, life doesn’t pause for your home purchase. Jobs change, health issues appear, appliances die, and sometimes roofs leak at the worst possible moment. If every surprise forces you into debt or panic, the dream home quickly feels like a burden.
So while planning, don’t think only in terms of “Can I arrange the down payment?” Add another line in your calculation: “After all payments, will I still have a decent buffer?” If the answer is no, consider a slightly cheaper property or a slower renovation plan. A home feels much more peaceful when you’re not constantly worried about the next emergency.
