1. Set a realistic budget Before visiting properties, decide how much you can comfortably spend. Your budget should include more than the basic property price. Consider these additional expenses: Stamp duty Registration charges Goods and Services Tax, where applicable Brokerage charges Parking charges Maintenance deposit Interior and renovation costs Loan processing and legal fees Moving expenses Avoid using your entire savings for the down payment. Keep an emergency fund for medical expenses, job changes, repairs, and other unexpected situations. 2. Select the right location The location of a property affects its price, convenience, rental demand, and future resale value. Check the area during both peak and non-peak hours before making a decision. Important factors include: Distance from your workplace Nearby schools and hospitals Public transport availability Road and metro connectivity Water and electricity supply Traffic and noise levels Flooding or drainage problems Shopping and daily-need facilities Future infrastructure projects A property may look affordable, but poor connectivity can create difficulties in daily life. 3. Verify the builder or seller If you are buying from a developer, research the builder’s previous projects. Check construction quality, delivery history, customer reviews, and litigation records. For a resale property, verify the seller’s identity and ownership documents. Make sure the seller has the legal authority to transfer the property. 4. Check RERA registration For a new or under-construction project, verify the project’s registration on the official RERA portal of the relevant state. The project details should match the builder’s advertisement and sales promise. Check: RERA registration number Approved project layout Promoter details Construction progress Proposed possession date Approved amenities Project completion details Complaint history, if available RERA portals provide buyers with important project information and help improve transparency. Buyers may also have rights related to delays and material changes under applicable rules. 5. Examine the legal documents Do not rely only on the brochure or verbal promises. Ask for copies of the relevant documents and get them checked by an independent property lawyer. Common documents include: Sale deed or title deed Previous sale deeds Encumbrance Certificate Approved building plan Commencement Certificate Occupancy Certificate for a ready property Completion Certificate, where applicable Property tax receipts Society documents for resale flats Bank release letter, if the property was under a loan Power of Attorney, if someone is selling on behalf of the owner An Encumbrance Certificate helps identify registered loans, claims, or legal charges connected with the property. 6. Inspect the construction quality Visit the property personally instead of depending only on photographs. Check the walls, floors, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical points, ventilation, and common areas. For a ready-to-move property, inspect: Water pressure Leakage or dampness Tile and flooring quality Electrical wiring Lift condition Fire-safety equipment Parking space Mobile network Natural light and ventilation You can also hire a qualified civil engineer for a professional inspection. 7. Understand the agreement Read the agreement carefully before signing or paying a major amount. Confirm the carpet area, payment schedule, possession date, cancellation terms, penalty clauses, amenities, parking details, and maintenance obligations. Do not sign blank forms or accept major changes verbally. Any promise about specifications, discounts, fittings, or possession should be included in writing. 8. Calculate the total cost The advertised price may not represent the final amount payable. Ask the seller or builder for a complete cost sheet. The cost sheet should clearly mention: Basic property price Floor-rise charges Parking cost Clubhouse charges Infrastructure charges Maintenance deposit Legal and documentation fees Taxes Registration and stamp duty Any other applicable charges 9. Compare home-loan offers Do not select a lender only because the interest rate looks attractive. Compare processing fees, prepayment rules, loan tenure, insurance requirements, and other charges. Before applying, check your credit profile and calculate whether the monthly EMI is affordable. A longer tenure may reduce the EMI but increase the total interest paid. 10. Visit the property more than once Visit the property at different times of the day. A quiet location in the afternoon may become noisy during the morning or evening. Speak with nearby residents, security guards, shopkeepers, and society members. Their feedback may reveal information that is not visible during a sales visit. Final checklist Before paying the booking amount, confirm: The seller or builder is verified. The property documents have been checked. The RERA details are valid, where applicable. The complete cost has been calculated. The agreement has been reviewed. The loan eligibility has been confirmed. The possession and cancellation terms are clear.