01Verify the legal position
Check land ownership, relevant authority approvals, approved building plans and the exact unit or plot being sold. Marketing material is not a substitute for official documentation.
- Match the project name and location with the approval record
- Check the seller entity and receiving bank account
- Obtain the sanctioned layout or building plan
- Confirm the exact plot or unit allocation in writing
02Review developer performance
Study completed projects, possession history, quality, complaints, escalation charges and how the developer handled delays.
- Inspect completed and delayed projects
- Ask existing buyers about possession and maintenance
- Compare advertised progress with dated site evidence
- Treat projected returns as promotional until contractually supported
03Understand the complete payment plan
Calculate booking, confirmation, monthly, quarterly or half-yearly payments, possession charges, transfer fees, taxes, utility charges and any escalation clause.
- Add every installment—not only the headline booking
- Separate category premiums and possession charges
- Budget for taxes, transfer, utilities and maintenance
- Read cancellation, refund and late-payment clauses
04Red flags before token payment
Pause when approval identity is unclear, the payment schedule is incomplete, returns are guaranteed without enforceable terms, or pressure is used to avoid document review.
- Unverified NOC or approval screenshots
- Payment requested into a personal account
- Missing total price or undisclosed charges
- Guaranteed rent or appreciation without legal security
- Refusal to provide a dated booking form
05Plan your exit before entry
Consider who may buy or rent the property later, realistic demand, transfer restrictions, holding period and transaction costs.
- Identify the likely future buyer or tenant
- Compare asking prices with recent closed deals
- Check transfer restrictions and resale charges
- Keep an emergency reserve for delayed possession