5 Important Things To Check Before Booking A Flat: A Comprehensive Guide

Buying a flat is not an easy decision and certainly, not an easy process. In 2025, the real estate landscape has evolved with new regulations, market trends and technological developments in place and it can complicate the house buying process. Here are 5 things to check before buying a house to ensure that you make the correct choice.

1. Ensuring Legal Clarity: Beyond RERA

• RERA Compliance and Beyond
  While RERA approval remains critical, 2024 saw amendments in several states to enhance transparency. For instance, Maharashtra RERA now mandates stricter timelines for project completion, reducing delays. Verify the RERA registration number on the official portal and check for pending litigations via the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) website. You can read more on RERA here.

• Title Deed and Encumbrance Checks
  A 2023 study by Confidence Home Builders revealed that 30% of property disputes stem from unclear titles. Engage a lawyer to scrutinize the title deed, sale deed, and encumbrance certificate (last 30 years). Use the Land Records Information System (LRIS) for digital verification.

• Occupancy Certificate (OC) and Completion Certificate (CC)
  Ensure the builder provides both OC (Occupancy Certificate) and CC (Completion Certificate). Without these, resale value drops by 15–20%, as per JLL India’s 2024 Market Report.

---

2. Financial Considerations: Builder Reputation and Loan Trends

• Builder Financial Health
  In 2024, builders with poor credit ratings faced 40% longer project delays, per CRISIL Ratings. Check the builder’s financials via their annual reports or platforms like IBA (Indian Banks’ Association). Reputable builders like Piramal Realty and Lodha Group consistently deliver projects on time (source: Anarock Property Consultants).

• Home Loan Interest Rates
  As of Q1 2024, LIC Housing Finance offers rates starting at 8.50% for salaried individuals For more on this, read the LIC Home Loan Interest Rate Guide). Compare this with SBI’s 8.65% and HDFC’s 8.70%. Use Jugyah’s Home Loan EMI Calculator to assess affordability.

• Hidden Charges
  Beware of processing fees (up to 1% of loan amount) and prepayment penalties (0.5–1% for floating-rate loans). For details, see Hidden Charges in Home Loans.

---

3. Power and Water Supply: Sustainability and Reliability

• Power Supply Trends
  In 2024, 45% of new projects in Mumbai integrated solar panels to combat load shedding (source: Central Electricity Authority). Ensure the society has a backup generator and is connected to the state grid. Check for smart meter installations, which reduced billing disputes by 30% in Bangalore (BSNL).

• Water Quality and Sustainability
  A 2023 CSE (Centre for Science and Environment) report found 60% of Indian cities face water scarcity. Verify water sources (municipal vs. borewell) and treatment systems. Projects with rainwater harvesting systems saw a 20% increase in resale value (Sobha Ltd.’s Sustainability Report).

---

4. Financial Aspects: Pricing, Growth, and Rentals

• Flat Pricing Dynamics
  Mumbai’s property prices rose by 12% YoY in 2024, driven by infrastructure projects like the Metro Line 6 (Anarock). Negotiate during pre-launch phases—builders often offer 5–10% discounts.

• Rental Yield Potential
  In Pune, rental yields hit 6% in 2024 due to IT hub expansions (JLL India). Areas near universities (e.g., Bangalore’s Hebbal) saw 8% rental growth. For investment insights, read Renting Residential Properties in Mumbai.

---

5. Practicalities: Parking, Waste, and Future-Proofing

• Parking and EV Infrastructure
  By 2025, 10% of new flats must include EV charging ports (per FAME II Scheme). Ensure the complex has adequate parking (1:1 ratio) and EV-ready infrastructure. Lack of parking reduces property value by 15% (Knight Frank). You can read more on Ev infrastructure here.

• Waste Management
  Societies with waste-to-energy plants saw 25% lower maintenance costs in 2024 (CII-SoBD Report). Check for segregation systems and tie-ups with recycling agencies. Read our blog on Waste Management.

• Smart Home Features
  Post-pandemic, 60% of buyers prioritize smart home tech (NASSCOM). Look for IoT-enabled security, energy-efficient appliances, and high-speed internet connectivity.

---

Final Thoughts: Making an Informed Decision

A flat is more than bricks—it’s a long-term investment. In 2025, prioritize sustainability, legal compliance, and future-ready features. It’s important to pay attention to these 5 factors and utilize existing platforms and technology to leverage the best returns on your investments .Use Jugyah’s Intelligent Housing Solutions to streamline your search.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is RERA approval mandatory for all projects?

A1: Yes, projects over 500 sq. ft. or involving 5+ flats require RERA approval (RERA Act 2016).

Q2: How can I check a builder’s track record?

A2: Review their past projects on Anarock and check for complaints on Consumer Court.

Q3: What’s the average home loan processing fee?

A3: Typically 0.5–1% of the loan amount

Q4: Are solar panels mandatory in new projects?

A4: In Maharashtra, projects above 50 units must install solar panels (MERC Regulations 2023).

Q5: How does waste management impact property value?

A5: Efficient systems boost resale value by 10–15% (Sobha Ltd.’s 2024 Report).