Things to consider while buying an apartment in India

Should you buy a flat is a different question, but if you have decided to buy/book one, the following information might found useful.

• Ensure that your apartment has a proper waste management system approved by the local authority.
• Ensure that the project has clearance/NOC from local government body, electrical inspectorate, fire and rescue and other statutory bodies concerned.
• Better to buy an apartment with municipal water connection. Depending purely on natural or borewells are risky in terms of availability as well as quality especially in urban, semi-urban areas. If it is not there, builder might say you can apply for it and get it later, but that could involve significant cost and effort.
• Understand clearly about parking slot and how it is allocated. It will be better to get it allocated by the builder itself so as to avoid any potential disputes. Also collect allocation letter from the builder once it is allocated.
• Since electrical vehicles are getting popular these days, having individual charging points in the respective parking slots will be ideal. Consider this point if you find any significance.
• If you have decided the builder, try to visit some of their recent projects to understand the quality of construction and finishing and also to see the amenities.
• Understand the other expenses that will be incurred other than apartment price. There could be documentation expenses or other expenses other than statutory registration fees and taxes.
• Understand the project completion and handover time and make a note of the terms and conditions of it. Ensure that these details are included in the agreement signed.
• Understand in details about the after delivery support provided/offered by the builder. It is almost certain that you will end up with some kind of issues after the hand over.
• Try to get feedback from few of the owners who bought an apartment from your builder. Don’t blindly go with the online reviews available.
• Many are unaware about built-up area super built-up area and carpet area. Please read about this and get it clarified with the builder.
• There could be subsidies/discounts if the apartment size is within certain limits or apartment owner/co-owner is a woman.
• Thoroughly check the quality and finishing of your apartment before taking the delivery. Look for proper tiling (broken tiles, open gaps between the tiles etc.), availability of power in all the points, water supply etc.
• Collect warranty papers of all the fittings (sanitary wares, switches etc.) of your apartment and also of the common equipment like water pumps, power generator, lifts etc.
• If you are looking for a premium address, go with reputed builders. New and non-famous builders are also fine, provided you get the adequate facilities, quality and support.
• Understand that key hand over doesn’t mean you can start living there. Occupancy Certificate from the local government body is mandatory to live in your apartment. Some builders will rush for key hand over in order to meet delivery deadline and at the time of hand-over occupancy certificate may not be there.

Hope this helps. Written on 11th April, 2022.