A Practical Home-Buying Checklist for India.
Use this guide as a starting point for questions and document review. It is not a substitute for independent legal, financial or tax advice.
1. Define the home you actually need
Start with household size, commute, school/healthcare needs, budget, down payment, monthly outflow, parking, accessibility, pets, work-from-home needs and expected holding period.
2. Verify the project and promoter
Match the project name and promoter/developer identity across marketing material, agreements and the relevant regulatory records. Where RERA applies, verify the project on the appropriate state or Union Territory RERA portal.
3. Understand the area being sold
Ask specifically for carpet area and understand the treatment of balconies, terraces, common areas and any other area terminology used in the cost sheet or agreement.
4. Review the complete price
Request a written break-up. Depending on the transaction, costs may include the property consideration, taxes, registration/stamp duty, parking, maintenance deposits, club/common-facility charges, utility deposits, legal/processing fees and lender costs.
5. Inspect the location and site
Visit at different times if practical. Check approach roads, neighbourhood development, traffic, drainage, noise, nearby land uses, access to public transport and the actual construction stage.
6. Read the agreement before paying
Have an independent professional review title-related documents, payment schedule, cancellation/refund terms, possession commitments, delay provisions, specifications, parking, common areas and handover conditions.