Start with the cost you can comfortably carry
A property budget is more than the advertised price. Account for stamp duty, registration, brokerage where applicable, loan processing, interiors, maintenance deposits, and the emergency reserve you should keep after possession.
A comfortable purchase leaves room for ordinary life after the EMI—not just enough money to complete the transaction.
Verify the property before evaluating the décor
Ask for the title chain, sanctioned plan, occupancy or completion documentation where applicable, tax receipts, and society or association records. For projects under construction, verify the relevant RERA registration and compare promised milestones with official disclosures.
Documents worth checking
- Current title and prior ownership chain
- Encumbrance information and lender release documents
- Sanctioned building plan and permitted use
- Property tax and utility payment status
- Society NOC, share certificate, or association records
Visit like a resident, not a guest
See the neighbourhood during working hours and after dark. Test the actual commute, mobile signal, water pressure, lift waiting time, parking access, and noise. Speak to residents about recurring issues that a short viewing may not reveal.
Make the final comparison on total value
Compare usable area, building condition, recurring costs, legal clarity, commute, future supply, and realistic resale demand. A slightly higher price can be rational when it removes substantial legal, repair, or location risk.