Guide for Buying under - construction property

10 Unshakable Rules Before Buying an Under-Construction Property

Here is a Smart Investor’s Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls and Maximizing Gains:

Buying an under-construction property comes with exciting perks - early-bird discounts, higher price appreciation, customization options and brand-new amenities with minimal maintenance. Plus, it offers strong rental potential once completed. But as they say, great rewards often come with great risks, and under-construction properties are no exception - project delays, unexpected costs, or even cancellations can turn your dream investment into a nightmare.

So, how do you make a smart, secure investment? You can confidently navigate the process and reap the rewards with the right guidance.

Here’s a powerhouse checklist to make sure your under-construction buy is rock solid.

01.

RERA or Nothing – Your First Line of Defense

Before you even think of signing that cheque, one word: RERA. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act ensures transparency, accountability and timely project completion. A RERA-registered project means the builder can’t play hide and seek with approvals, possession timelines, or financials. Every project under RERA has a unique registration number, unlocking crucial details—legal status, progress updates, even past developer credibility. This is your reality check before you commit.

Kaustubh Group ensures all their projects are RERA-registered, providing transparency and legal compliance. For instance, their Vanrai project in Kandivali East is registered under MahaRERA No. P51800046638.

How to Verify:

  • Visit the MahaRERA website.
  • Enter the project name - Vanrai and the registration number - P51800046638
  • Review project details such as possession dates, approvals and litigation history.
Tip: Always cross-check the developer's recently completed projects on RERA to gauge credibility.
02.

Square Feet vs. Smoke and Mirrors – Decode Property Area Like a Pro

When buying a home, it's essential to know what you're paying for. Terms like RERA Carpet Area, Built-Up Area and Super Built-Up Area define the size and space of an apartment, helping you make an informed decision.

RERA Carpet Area - Net usable floor space, excluding external walls, balconies and service shafts.

Built-Up Area - Carpet area plus internal walls, balconies and terraces.

Carpet Area
Built-Up Area
Super Builtup Area

For instance, Kaustubh Group clearly states the RERA Carpet Area in their project brochures—no guesswork, no surprises. That’s the transparency you want when buying a home.

Tip: Don’t let Super Built-Up Area fool you - true value lies in the actual space you live in.
03.

Lock the Deal, But Read the Fine Print First

A builder-buyer agreement is a legally binding contract that defines payment terms, construction timelines, possession date and penalties for delays. It ensures buyers receive promised amenities and outlines refund policies and quality standards. Reviewing this agreement carefully helps prevent disputes and safeguards both parties' interests.

Tip: Get a legal expert to review the agreement before signing.
04.

If the Banks Back It, You’re on Track

If you’re planning to finance your under-construction property with a loan, ensure the project is bank-approved. Check with reputed banks (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, etc.) if they have approved the project. If multiple banks approve it, the project is likely to be reliable. In case of delays, the bank can take legal action against the developer, safeguarding the buyer's interests.

Tip: Opt for bank-approved projects to ensure smoother loan processing and legal clearance.
05.

Paperwork First, Property Next – No Shortcuts!

Before buying under-construction property, verify the project’s legal approvals and clearances. Check the land title and ownership documents for any mortgage or obligations. Ensure the construction is in a residential zone with a valid land use certificate.

Ask for key approvals like Certificate of Commencement, Building Plan Approval and Environmental Clearances. Ensure the land has a clear title deed with no disputes.

06.

A Builder’s Past Builds Your Future

A trusted developer ensures timely delivery, quality construction and legal compliance. Verify credibility by researching online, visiting past projects, reading customer reviews and confirming RERA registration. Check financial stability - well-funded projects indicate a strong track record. Assess legal approvals, past delays and construction quality to avoid risks. Bank-approved projects offer additional security and assurance.

For more details on verifying a developer’s credibility, read these insightful blogs:

How to Check the Credibility of a Developer – CREDAI

Tip: Check municipal records or ask for a title Certificate to verify land ownership.
07.

Understand the Payment Plans

When buying under-construction property, understanding payment plans is crucial. The most common is the construction-linked plan, where payments are tied to project milestones. This offers transparency, reduces financial risk and helps manage cash flow. Explore other options like down payment or possession-linked plans to find the best fit for your finances. For more details on Types of Payment plans to find the best plan for you, read the insightful blog by 99acres

Tip: Construction-linked plans are the safest as payments are made based on progress.
08.

Evaluate Pricing and Hidden Charges

When buying an under-construction property, consider costs beyond the base price:

Government Charges - GST, registration fees, stamp duty and property tax.
Maintenance & Utilities - Advance maintenance deposits, water and electricity charges.
Premium Location Charges (PLC) - If your unit has a garden view, higher floor, or corner positioning, additional fees may apply.
Parking & Clubhouse Fees - If applicable, parking slots and clubhouse memberships often come with separate costs.
Loan Considerations - If on a floating-rate loan, factor in potential EMI fluctuations.

09.

Verify Future Infrastructure Development

Assessing upcoming infrastructure like metro lines, roads and commercial hubs can enhance property value and livability. Investing in areas with planned developments ensures better connectivity and higher returns. This strategic assessment supports long-term convenience, appreciation potential and a well-rounded living experience.

Kaustubh Group's Strategic Locations:
All our projects are strategically located near upcoming infrastructure developments, enhancing property value and connectivity.

10.

Customer Support and After-Sales Service

Reliable customer support is crucial for addressing issues during and after construction.

Ways to Evaluate the builder’s After-sales service and customer support:

Investigate Real Experiences - Dive into customer reviews and social media to see how previous buyers rate their support.
Walk the Ground - Visit completed projects and chat with homeowners about their experience with after-sales care.
Reach Out - Test their responsiveness by asking questions; quick replies indicate reliable support.

In Conclusion

Thorough due diligence, legal verification and selecting a reputable developer are key to turning your investment into a secure and rewarding decision. After all, a dream home should be built on trust and informed choices - not just promises on paper.