The Ugly Side of Indian Matchmaking #6 – Expecting Men to Own a House and Car Before Marriage, Here’s Why It’s Wrong

March 24, 2025
ARTICLE BY
Oendrila Kapoor
5 min read

In India, a man is not just expected to be emotionally and mentally ready for marriage—he also needs to have a house, a car, and a massive salary package before he can even be considered.

💡 “Shaadi ke baad ghar ka kya plan hai?”
💡 “She deserves stability—does he have his own house?”
💡 “Car toh honi hi chahiye, how will they go out?”

🚨 Translation: If you don’t already own property and a vehicle, you are not “husband material.”

Instead of focusing on compatibility, values, and emotional maturity, many families treat a groom search like a real estate and luxury checklist.

This ridiculous expectation is not just unfair—it’s completely wrong. Here’s why.

🚫 Marriage or Investment Plan? The Pressure on Men Is Unrealistic

In an ideal world, marriage is about building a life together—growing as a couple, making financial decisions as a team, and achieving milestones together.

But in Indian matchmaking?

❌ A man is expected to already have it all before marriage.
❌ He must earn well, buy a house, and own a car before even getting a rishta.
❌ If he hasn’t “achieved” this yet, he’s not “settled.”

🚨 Meanwhile, the same society expects a woman to move into the man’s house—but doesn’t demand that she own one herself.

💡 Why is a woman considered “marriageable” without financial assets, but a man isn’t?

💰 The House and Car Obsession – Why It’s a Bad Mindset

In Indian matchmaking, families don’t just want a loving husband—they want a ready-made luxury package.

💬 “Beta, ab toh shaadi ka time hai, kab tak kiraye pe rahoge?”
💬 “Ek ghar toh zaroori hai, warna log kya kahenge?”
💬 “She’s marrying into your home—you should own one.”

🚨 Here’s why this mindset is toxic:

Not every young man can afford a house.

  • With real estate prices skyrocketing, expecting a man to buy property before marriage is ridiculous.
  • Many men are still growing in their careers and don’t want to take on a home loan at an early stage.

Owning a house doesn’t mean financial stability.

  • A rented home + savings is often better than a man drowning in a massive EMI just to “prove” he’s settled.
  • A house doesn’t guarantee a happy marriage—but shared financial planning does.

A car is a convenience, not a requirement for a successful marriage.

  • Public transport, cabs, and ride-sharing exist.
  • A car should be a choice, not a forced milestone.

💡 A real partnership isn’t about what a man owns—it’s about what a couple builds together.

🤦‍♂️ The Double Standards – Why Women Are Not Held to the Same Financial Expectations

Here’s the blatant hypocrisy of Indian matchmaking:

👨 Men:

  • Must have a high-paying job, own a house, and drive a car before marriage.
  • If they don’t? They are “not settled.”

👩 Women:

  • No expectations of owning property or a car.
  • No pressure to contribute equally in finances.
  • Can move into the husband’s home without anyone questioning her financial assets.

🚨 Why is it okay for a man to provide everything, but a woman isn’t even expected to contribute?

💡 A marriage should be about equal partnership—not one person bearing all the financial pressure.

🏠 The Myth That “Owning a House = Stability”

Many families believe a house guarantees stability—but here’s the truth:

✔️ A rented home is not unstable. If anything, it gives freedom and financial flexibility.
✔️ A house with a massive loan isn’t “security”—it’s financial stress.
✔️ A stable marriage isn’t built on real estate—it’s built on understanding, trust, and shared goals.

💡 Instead of asking, “Does he have a house?” ask, “Does he have a plan for the future?”

🚀 Final Thoughts: Change the Mindset, Change the Future

A man’s worth isn’t defined by his financial assets—it’s about how he manages his life and future.
Marriage should be about partnership, not real estate investments.
Women and their families need to stop treating grooms like ATM machines.

A happy marriage isn’t built on square footage or a car model—it’s built on trust, love, and a shared vision for the future. At The Date Crew, we believe love isn’t about bank balances—it’s about real connections. If you're ready to meet someone who values you for who you are, not just what you own, we’re here to help. Let’s find the one who’s right for you. Contact us today!

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