Purchasing a property is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. And whether it’s your dream home or a savvy investment, you want to make sure that everything checks out — legally, financially and structurally. We have developed a detailed checklist to guide you in making the safest and most informed decision possible.
Legal Due Diligence
Check that the property is legally sound before signing anything:
Title Deed: Confirm the seller has clear title to the property, without dispute.
- Encumbrance Certificate: Indicates that the property does not have an existing legal or financial obligation, such as a loan or mortgage.
- Land Use & Zoning: Make sure the land is approved for residential use.
- Plans Approval : Any building/parking/layout plans should be approved by local development authority.
- RERA Registration: If you are purchasing a new property, ensure it is registered with RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) of your state.
Builder or Developer Credibility
The property is only half the battle: so is a trusted developer. Do your homework:
- Look into their previous projects and the track record on deliveries.
- Tour past projects to see quality of construction.
- Ensure there are no outstanding lawsuits.
Commerical
Check customer reviews, particularly regarding possession delays and after-sales service.
Property Specifications
Know precisely what you’re getting:
- Carpet Area vs Super Built-up Area: Find out what useable space you are getting.
- Floor Plan - Analyze the layout.
- Amenities: Check whether promised features such as pools, gyms and clubhouses are indeed being delivered.
- Parking: Verify how many, what size, and where parking spaces are.
Location and Connectivity
Location can have a big influence on your lifestyle and resale value:
- Look for accessibility to highways, public transport, school, hospitals and markets.
- Read up on any planned infrastructure projects that may impact costs and convenience.
- Make sure the neighbourhood is safe, the streets are well-lit, and there is a proper drainage and sewage system.
Financial Clarity
Get acquainted with each item in the cost of the purchase:
- Basic price, floor rise charges, GST, registration fee, stamp duty, maintenance charges, etc.
- Understand your home loan eligibility & whether reputed banks are financing the project.
- Go through penalty clauses for late possession in the agreement.
Construction Quality
For a property that’s already built or under construction :
- Check walls, flooring, fittings, and finishing for quality.
- Look for signs of leakage, dampness, or poor workmanship.
- Ask about fire safety systems, power backup, and water supply.
- Visit during different times of the day to check light, noise and ventilation.
Documentation Checklist
Here are the critical documents to collect and verify:
- Sale agreement / Builder-Buyer Agreement
- Allotment Letter (for under-construction property)
- Possession Letter
- Completion Certificate (CC) and Occupancy Certificate (OC)
- Khata/Patta certificate (region-specific)
- Mutation certificate (for registration and tax purposes)
