Buyer's Guide

1. Set your budget

Start with what you can realistically afford, not just what a lender is willing to give you. As a rule of thumb, keep your total EMI (across all loans) under 40% of your monthly take-home income, and set aside an additional 8–10% of the property value for registration, stamp duty, and interiors.

2. Get your finances loan-ready

Check your credit score before you start hunting for a home — a score above 750 usually gets you the best interest rates. Keep your last 6 months of bank statements, salary slips or ITRs (for the self-employed), and PAN/Aadhaar handy; most lenders ask for the same document set.

3. Verify RERA registration

Every project should carry a RERA registration number, which you can independently verify on your state's RERA website. This confirms the project is registered, the promised delivery timeline is on record, and a grievance mechanism exists if something goes wrong.

4. Understand carpet area vs. super built-up area

The price you're quoted is usually per square foot of super built-up area, which includes common areas like lobbies and stairwells. Ask specifically for the carpet area — the actual usable floor space inside your unit — to compare projects fairly.

5. Site visit checklist

• Visit at different times of day to check sunlight, noise, and traffic
• Ask to see a show flat or a completed tower on the same site, not just renders
• Check the actual construction stage against what the sales team claims
• Ask about maintenance charges and what they cover

6. Documents to collect before booking

• RERA certificate and approved building plan
• Title deed / chain of ownership documents
• Encumbrance certificate
• Occupancy certificate (for ready-to-move projects)
• Allotment letter and payment schedule

This guide is for general information only and isn't legal or financial advice — always have a qualified lawyer review the sale agreement before you sign.