Mumbai is notorious for its skyrocketing property prices and steep living costs. In prime areas like Cuffe Parade or Nariman Point, residents often pay thousands—or even lakhs—every month as maintenance charges, rent, or society fees. But imagine a place where living is not only free from maintenance costs but actually pays you money. Sounds like a dream? Welcome to Jolly Maker Tower, one of South Mumbai’s most fascinating housing stories.
Zero Fees, Positive Returns
Located in Cuffe Parade, Jolly Maker Tower flips the traditional concept of housing on its head. Unlike most apartments in Mumbai, where residents often dread paying high maintenance fees, residents of Jolly Maker don’t pay anything. In fact, they receive an annual dividend of roughly Rs 2.5 lakh simply for owning a flat in the building.
The phenomenon gained attention when real-estate content creator Vishal Bhargava shared a video explaining the unusual financial structure. “Get paid Rs 2.5 lakh to stay in this building in Mumbai. Yes, the building society actually pays the homeowner to live here,” he said.
The History Behind the Wealth
The secret behind Jolly Maker’s financial model dates back to the 1970s. According to Bhargava, when the apartments were first sold, the builder offered buyers a linked investment opportunity in another commercial property located at Nariman Point.
“In the 1970s, buyers were offered the chance to buy the builder’s commercial property at Nariman Point by paying 40% extra,” Bhargava explained. Today, that property earns a rent of approximately Rs 50 lakh per month, which is used to maintain Jolly Maker Tower and pay dividends to its residents.
Essentially, the society functions like a self-sustaining investment fund: profits from the commercial property cover maintenance costs and generate income for homeowners. Living here is like being part of a long-term, passive investment plan—without lifting a finger.
Why Residents Love It
For residents, the benefits are both financial and lifestyle-oriented. Cuffe Parade offers proximity to top schools, offices, shopping hubs, and cultural spots, making it a highly desirable address. Combine that with zero maintenance fees and an annual payout, and Jolly Maker Tower becomes one of Mumbai’s most sought-after residential addresses.
The model also encourages community stability. Homeowners are less likely to sell their flats or move out because staying in Jolly Maker is financially rewarding. This creates a cohesive and stable community, rare in Mumbai’s fast-paced real estate market.
Social Media Buzz
The story of Jolly Maker Tower has captured the attention of netizens across India. Many were amazed at the innovative financial model. One user commented, “Wow! Nariman Point is also a good place to invest.” Another added, “Smart old-school capitalism—market it, brand it, and let people enjoy the benefits.”
Even Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma reacted on X (formerly Twitter), tweeting, “You won’t believe this math! And it is true,” confirming the authenticity of the arrangement.
Lessons From Jolly Maker
Jolly Maker Tower isn’t just a curiosity—it offers practical lessons for developers, homeowners, and urban planners:
Long-term planning matters: Linking residential properties with income-generating commercial assets ensures benefits that last decades.
Financial sustainability: Residents don’t have to bear maintenance costs because the society is backed by reliable revenue streams.
Incentivizing community: Paying homeowners encourages them to maintain the property and remain invested long-term.
Innovative urban living: High-cost cities like Mumbai can benefit from creative financial models that reduce the burden on residents.
Could This Model Be Replicated?
While rare, Jolly Maker’s structure raises an important question: can similar models be implemented in other parts of Mumbai or India? With careful planning, linking residential societies to commercial income streams could create profitable, self-sustaining communities.
For developers, it’s an opportunity to combine comfortable urban living with smart investments. For homeowners, it’s proof that owning property doesn’t have to be purely a financial burden—it can also be a source of passive income.
Conclusion
In a city where property prices are high and living costs constantly rise, Jolly Maker Tower stands out as an exceptional example of smart planning and financial foresight. Residents don’t just live—they earn while living, thanks to a decades-old strategy that links residential and commercial property.
This society demonstrates that urban living can be profitable, sustainable, and rewarding, turning the idea of homeownership on its head. If every housing society were built this way, living in Mumbai could go from stressful to financially empowering.
Truly, if a society must exist, it should be like this: a place where living doesn’t cost a fortune but actually adds to your wealth.

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