Buying a house is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions in a person’s life. For most people, it’s not just a purchase, it’s a dream. Whether you’re buying your first home or upgrading to a bigger one, it’s a major milestone. But this decision comes with responsibilities, and if you ignore some important aspects, you might face legal, financial, or emotional problems later.
The real estate market is filled with options — from luxury apartments in big cities to independent houses in growing towns. But no matter what kind of property you choose, there are certain key points that every buyer must consider to ensure a smooth and safe home-buying journey.
Let’s go step by step into the things you should check and keep in mind before buying a house.
1. Set a Clear Budget and Stick to It
The first and most basic step is to fix your budget. Buying a house involves much more than just the price of the flat or land. There are several other costs involved:
- Stamp duty and registration charges
- GST (if buying under-construction property)
- Brokerage (if applicable)
- Legal and documentation charges
- Maintenance and society deposit
- Interior and furniture costs after possession
These additional costs can go up to 10–15% of the base price of the house. That’s why you should calculate your budget including all these hidden costs, not just the advertised price.
Also, remember: Just because you are eligible for a big loan doesn’t mean you should take it. Keep EMIs under 30–40% of your monthly income.
2. Choose the Right Location
The location of your home will impact your lifestyle, travel time, future property value, and even your family’s safety. Here are things you must check in the area:
- Proximity to your workplace
- Good schools, hospitals, and markets nearby
- Easy public transport availability
- Water supply and power backup
- Crime rate and overall safety
- Pollution levels and green space
Also, research about future infrastructure plans like upcoming metro lines, flyovers, or malls. These developments can increase the property value in the coming years.
3. Check the Legal Title and Ownership
One of the most common problems homebuyers face later is related to property ownership disputes. To avoid this, always verify the title deed of the property. The title deed should clearly show:
- The seller’s name
- Their legal ownership
- No disputes or claims from any third party
If buying a flat in a builder’s project, ask for:
- Commencement certificate
- Approved layout plan
- RERA registration number
- Occupancy certificate (for ready-to-move-in flats)
You can also hire a property lawyer to verify these documents. Spending a few thousand on legal help can save you lakhs later.
4. Check RERA Registration (for New Projects)
Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, it is mandatory for builders to register all new residential projects with the state’s RERA authority.
Why is this important?
- RERA ensures transparency
- Project delays and false promises are reduced
- Buyers can file complaints and get justice
- You get to see the complete project details online
Always buy RERA-registered property. You can easily check the project and builder’s details on your state’s RERA website.
5. Know the Reputation of the Builder
In case you’re buying a flat in a builder’s project, the reputation of the builder is very important. Do a basic background check on:
- How many projects the builder has completed
- Were they delivered on time?
- Do existing residents have complaints?
- Financial stability of the builder
You can search online, read reviews, and even visit older projects to talk to residents. Don’t fall for flashy ads or celebrity endorsements. Always go for trust and quality over marketing.
6. Visit the Site Personally
No matter how attractive the project brochure or website looks, always visit the site personally. Don’t rely on sample flat pictures or videos. Go see the real construction quality, the location, and the surroundings.
Check things like:
- Width of roads
- Distance from main roads or markets
- How far the nearest hospital or school is
- Airflow, natural light, and ventilation in the actual flat
- Space for parking, lifts, stairs, and kids’ play areas
If it’s an under-construction property, ask for a site walk and see how far the work has progressed.
7. Understand Your Loan Eligibility
Most people buy homes using home loans. Before you select a property, check your loan eligibility with different banks. Factors affecting your home loan eligibility include:
- Monthly income
- Existing loan EMIs
- Credit score (should be 750+)
- Job stability
- Property location and legal clearances
Compare interest rates, processing fees, and terms offered by different banks and NBFCs. Even a 0.25% lower interest rate can save you lakhs in the long term.
8. Read the Sale Agreement Carefully
The sale agreement or builder-buyer agreement contains all the terms and conditions of the purchase. It’s a legal document — don’t just sign without reading.
Look for:
- Exact flat size and carpet area
- Total cost breakdown
- Payment schedule
- Penalty clauses for delay (builder and buyer both)
- Possession date
- Maintenance charges
- Warranty for construction defects
If you don’t understand something, take help from a legal advisor. Also, make sure everything promised to you by the agent or builder is written in the agreement.
9. Check Maintenance and Society Rules
A lot of buyers get unpleasant surprises later regarding maintenance charges, society rules, or hidden costs. So before finalising:
- Ask about monthly maintenance amount
- Who is responsible for repairs after possession?
- Are pets allowed?
- Parking policy – do you get a reserved spot or not?
- Is there a sinking fund or corpus you need to pay?
Talk to other residents if possible to get a clear picture.
10. Think About Future Needs
When you buy a house, think long-term. It’s not just about your present lifestyle. Will this home suit your needs 10 or 15 years later?
For example:
- Is there a second bedroom for future kids?
- Is there a lift in case your parents move in?
- Will the locality remain peaceful and livable in future?
- Can you sell or rent it easily later if needed?
Buying a house is a long-term investment. Make sure it fits your future goals as well.
11. Check for Hidden Charges
Sometimes, builders or agents might quote a base price, but the actual price is much higher due to hidden charges. Be aware of:
- Floor rise charges (extra amount for higher floors)
- View facing charges (like garden view or pool view)
- Parking charges (some are extra)
- Clubhouse or amenities charge
- Legal fees or processing fee
Get a complete cost sheet with all charges included before you decide.
12. Don’t Rush or Fall for Pressure
Buying a house is a personal decision, not a race. Builders and agents might create urgency like “only 2 flats left” or “price going up tomorrow”. Don’t fall for these tricks.
Take your time, discuss with your family, do your research, and only then proceed. It’s better to miss one deal than regret a wrong decision.
