Buying property is one of the largest financial decisions most families make. A little homework before you pay a booking amount can save years of stress. Here is the checklist we suggest to every buyer, whichever developer you choose.
1. Check the RERA registration
Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, most new projects must be registered with the state RERA authority before they are marketed. Ask for the registration number and look it up yourself on the official portal: UP RERA for Noida and Greater Noida, HRERA for Gurugram, and the relevant authority for other states.
The RERA page usually shows the approved plans, the promised completion date and quarterly progress updates. If what you are told at the sales office differs from what is on record, ask why.
2. Read the approvals, not just the brochure
A brochure shows the vision. Approvals show what has actually been sanctioned. Ask to see the sanctioned building plan, environmental clearance where applicable, and fire and height approvals for taller buildings.
3. Understand the title and land
Ask whether the land is owned outright, leased from a development authority or held under a collaboration agreement. Each has different implications for registration and resale. A property lawyer can review the title chain for a modest fee.
4. Look closely at the payment plan
- Is it construction-linked, time-linked or a down-payment plan?
- Which charges sit outside the basic price: parking, club membership, power backup, maintenance deposits?
- What does the agreement say about delays, both yours and the developer's?
5. Visit the site, more than once
Go on a weekday and again at the weekend. Look at road access, traffic at peak hours, water supply and what is being built nearby. A site visit tells you things no render can.
6. Look at the people behind the project
Ask about the team's track record: projects delivered, years in the industry and how past buyers were treated after possession. Experience across planning, finance and construction tends to show up in the quality of the finished building.
Trust is the strongest foundation any development can have.
Before you sign
Keep copies of every document and receipt, and make sure the builder-buyer agreement matches what you were promised. If anything is unclear, ask for it in writing.
If you would like to go through this checklist for one of our projects, book a call with our team. We are happy to walk you through every document.
