7 things to check before buying a property

1. Clear and marketable title

The seller or developer must have clear legal ownership of the land and the right to sell. For new projects this means the land title and development agreement; for resale it means the full chain of previous sale deeds.

Ask for copies and have an independent property lawyer review them. Check that there are no pending disputes, mortgages or claims on the property.

2. Approvals and regulatory registration

For new projects, confirm the project is registered with the state real estate regulator and that the registration details match what you are being told. Check that the building plan is approved and that the number of floors you are buying into is covered by the approval.

For ready properties, ask for the occupancy or completion certificate. Without it, you may face problems with utilities, loans and resale.

3. Carpet area — the number that matters

Brochures often quote super built-up area, which includes common spaces like lobbies, staircases and the clubhouse. What you actually live in is the carpet area. Compare properties on carpet area and price per square foot of carpet area, or the comparison will mislead you.

• Ask for the carpet area in writing, per unit.
• Check it against the floor plan and, for ready homes, measure on site.
• Note balconies and terraces separately.

4. The full payment schedule

For under-construction homes, payments should be linked to construction milestones — plinth, slabs, brickwork, finishes — not to calendar dates. That keeps your money moving only when the building does. Confirm what happens if a milestone is delayed.

5. Developer track record

A developer’s past projects are the best indicator of what you will receive. Visit at least one completed project. Look at construction quality, how the common areas have aged, and whether residents received possession on time.

6. The all-inclusive cost

Ask for an itemised cost sheet that lists every charge: base price, floor rise, parking, club membership, maintenance deposit, GST where applicable, stamp duty and registration. Many disputes come from charges that were mentioned verbally but never written down.

7. The neighbourhood, in real life

Visit the area on a weekday morning and evening as well as at the weekend. Drive your actual commute. Check water supply, power backup, mobile signal, noise, nearby construction and where the nearest school, hospital and market really are.

How your advisor helps

Your HOMESUA advisor works through this checklist for every property you are seriously considering and flags anything that needs a closer look before you commit. Legal opinions should always come from a qualified lawyer — we help you know what to ask for.