10 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Flat: Don't Skip These

Introduction

Buying a flat involves interacting with builders, agents, banks, and sellers. The questions you ask determine the information you get. Here are the questions that protect your interests.

Questions for the Builder

1. "What is the exact carpet area, not super built-up?"

Why ask: You pay per square foot, but builders often quote super built-up area which includes common areas.

What to expect:

Carpet area = actual usable space
Super built-up = carpet + walls + share of common area
Loading can be 25-40%

Follow-up: Get carpet area in writing in the agreement.

2. "Can I see the RERA registration certificate?"

Why ask: RERA registration is mandatory and shows project legitimacy.

What to verify:

Registration number
Project name matches
Approved units count
Completion timeline

Red flag: Builder hesitates or says "registration in process."

3. "What is the construction-linked payment plan?"

Why ask: Your payment should match construction progress.

Ideal structure:

Booking: 10%
Foundation: 10%
Each slab: 10-15%
Finishing: 10%
Possession: 5-10%

Red flag: Large upfront payments, time-linked plans.

4. "What are ALL the charges beyond base price?"

Why ask: Hidden charges can add 15-25% to advertised price.

Get written breakdown of:

Preferential location charges
Floor rise charges
Car parking (open/covered)
Club membership
Development charges
Legal and documentation
GST
Maintenance deposit

5. "What happens if you miss the possession date?"

Why ask: Delays are common; you need protection.

Expect:

Grace period (6 months maximum)
Compensation rate per month
Interest on payments made
Your right to exit with refund

RERA standard: Interest at SBI MCLR + 2%.

Questions for Yourself

6. "Can I afford the EMI even if my income drops 20%?"

Why ask: Job loss or health issues can affect income.

Test:

EMI should be < 35% of income
6 months' EMI in emergency fund
No other major financial commitments

Reality check: Banks approve more than you should borrow.

7. "Have I visited the location at different times?"

Why ask: Morning and night experiences can be vastly different.

Check at:

Morning rush hour: Commute reality
Evening: Noise, safety, lighting
Weekend: Parking, crowds
Monsoon: Waterlogging, road condition

Questions for the Society (Resale)

8. "What are the pending dues and monthly maintenance?"

Why ask: You inherit pending dues; monthly costs affect affordability.

Get in writing:

Current monthly maintenance
Any pending dues from seller
Upcoming major expenses (painting, lift replacement)
Sinking fund balance
Planned maintenance increase

9. "Can I see the society's financial statements?"

Why ask: Reveals society's financial health.

Check for:

Regular audits
Fund balances
Pending litigations
Major upcoming expenses
Defaulter list

Question for Your Lawyer

10. "Is there anything in these documents that concerns you?"

Why ask: Lawyers see patterns you don't.

Areas lawyer should check:

Title clarity
Agreement fairness
Unusual clauses
Missing documents
Potential disputes

Cost: ₹10,000-25,000 for thorough review.

Value: Prevents lakhs in future losses.

Bonus Questions

For Agent:

"What's your commission and who pays it?"
"Why is the seller selling?"
"How long has this been on market?"

For Neighbors:

"How has your experience been?"
"Any major issues with builder/society?"
"Would you buy here again?"

For Bank:

"What's your valuation of this property?"
"Any concerns with the project?"
"What's the effective interest rate including processing?"

Red Flag Responses

Be cautious if you hear:

"Don't worry about the details"
"This is how everyone does it"
"Price will increase tomorrow"
"Many buyers are interested"
"We don't negotiate on this"
"Pay in cash for discount"
"Documents are with the bank"
"Registration can be done later"

Conclusion

Asking questions is not being difficult – it's being smart. Any seller or builder who resists legitimate questions is hiding something. Your questions today prevent your problems tomorrow.