🏡 Individual House Buying Tips

🔍 1. Research and Planning

  • Define your requirements: Location, size (plot & built-up area), number of rooms, budget, future expansion.
  • Budget Planning: Include not just house cost, but registration, stamp duty, interior, loan interest, etc.
  • Loan Eligibility Check: Pre-check your home loan eligibility with banks/NBFCs.

📍 2. Location & Neighborhood

  • Connectivity: Proximity to work, schools, hospitals, markets, public transport.
  • Future Development: Check upcoming infrastructure projects (metro, road widening, etc.).
  • Safety & Security: Verify crime rate and availability of street lights, security guards, CCTV in nearby area.

🧱 3. Legal Verification

  • Clear Title: Ensure the seller has clear ownership (title deed, mother deed).
  • Encumbrance Certificate (EC): To confirm no legal dues/mortgages.
  • DTCP / HMDA / BDA / RERA Approval: Depends on the location—check for layout and building approval.
  • Zonal Certificate / Land Use: Make sure it’s in a residential zone, not agricultural or commercial.

🏗️ 4. Construction Quality

  • Age of the Building: For old houses, inspect the structure for cracks, dampness, termites.
  • Soil Test (if newly built): Ensure it’s suitable for construction.
  • Materials Used: Ask about type of cement, steel, bricks used; check waterproofing and electrical fittings.
  • Structural Drawings & Plans: Get them reviewed if needed.

📝 5. Documentation Checklist

  • Sale Deed / Title Deed
  • Encumbrance Certificate (minimum 13 years)
  • Property Tax Receipts
  • Building Approval Plan
  • Completion Certificate (for new buildings)
  • Occupancy Certificate (OC)
  • Khata / Patta (depending on state)
  • NOC from Society/Association (if applicable)
  • Electricity & Water bills

💵 6. Financials

  • Home Loan: Compare offers from banks for lowest interest and insurance bundling.
  • Down Payment: Usually 15%-25%.
  • Registration Charges: Varies by state (commonly 6%-10% of property value).
  • Property Tax Dues: Ensure all dues are cleared.

📆 7. Possession & Handover

  • Utility Transfers: Ensure electricity, water, gas, and property tax records are transferred.
  • Check for Encroachments: Ensure compound walls and structures do not cross property limits.
  • Boundary Demarcation: Measure the site as per document.

🛡️ 8. Builder/Contractor Warranty

  • If buying a newly built home:
    • Ask for structural warranty (typically 5 years as per RERA).
    • Warranty on plumbing, electrical, roofing (usually 1 year).
    • Keep all invoices/agreements from the builder.

🧾 9. RERA (If Applicable)

  • Even for individual builders, check if they are registered under RERA (if your state mandates).
  • RERA protects against delays, defects, and misrepresentation.

🤝 10. Legal & Technical Help

  • Hire a lawyer to verify documents.
  • Use a civil engineer for construction quality audit.
  • Don’t depend only on seller’s agent. Get independent verification.

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