Introduction

Booking a flat in Mumbai is more than selecting a layout and making a payment. It’s a major investment decision filled with legal, financial and practical considerations. Positing a flat in Mumbai, whether for personal stay or investment, can become fraught if key questions are omitted. To help you navigate with confidence, here are the Top 10 questions you must ask before booking a flat in Mumbai, backed by India-first guidance and updated regulatory context. These questions help build E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) so you enter the transaction well-armed.

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Key Stats to Be Aware Of

Key Stats:

• Under the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) guidelines, buyers must check project registration, title clearances and agreement disclosure before booking. ([Maharashtra RERA][1])
• In 2025, a checklist by JLL for under-construction property purchases highlights delays and hidden charges as major risk areas. ([JLL Homes][2])
• A analysts’ blog emphasises that even “promoted” home-buying decisions in Mumbai rely heavily on questions of delivery timeline, documentation and builder reputation. ([Ambit Realtors][3])

Also read, 2BHK in Mumbai: Best Localities for Price & Lifestyle 2025

These statistics underscore why asking the right questions is not optional, it’s essential.

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The Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Flat in Mumbai

1. Is the project registered under RERA and what is the RERA number?

Check the project’s registration on the official MahaRERA portal. Verify that the RERA number matches the brochure and the builder’s claim. ([Maharashtra RERA][1]) ➡ Why it matters: A registered project means regulatory oversight, standardised carpet-area disclosures, and safer payment conditions.

2. What is the complete legal status of the land title deed, encumbrance certificate, and approvals?

Ask for title deed, mother deed, encumbrance certificate (EC), approved building plan, and occupancy certificate (OC). ([narangrealty.com][4]) ➡ Why: Clear land title and legal approvals protect you against hidden disputes and ensure the property is genuine.

3. What is the builder’s track record and reputation?

Probe past completed projects of the builder, delivery timelines, litigation history and customer feedback. ([SOBHA Limited][5]) ➡ Why: Even a well-priced flat becomes stressful if delivery is delayed or construction quality is sub-par.

4. What is the timeline for possession, and what penalty clauses exist for delay?

Ask for the anticipated possession date, contract slab-wise payments, and delay compensation if any. ([mkshelters.com][6]) ➡ Why: Many buyers assume delivery will be on time; you must plan for potential delays that could impact financing and moving.

5. What are the exact unit specifications and amenities included?

Clarify the carpet area, built-up area, floor rise charges (if any), amenities included (clubhouse, pool, gym) and extra costs. ([SOBHA Limited][5]) ➡ Why: What you're paying for might not be what you receive—clarity helps avoid hidden costs.

6. What is the full cost breakdown, base price + parking + PLC + GST + maintenance deposit?

Demand a detailed cost sheet: base price, preferential location charges (PLC), parking, GST (if applicable), corpus/maintenance deposit. ([JLL Homes][2]) ➡ Why: Hidden charges often inflate the actual cost by 10-15% or more.

7. Are there any pending infrastructure or regulatory risks?

Check for litigation, building-plan deviations, missing approvals, or regulatory compliance issues (for example, the builder’s funds are frozen). ([The Times of India][7]) ➡ Why: Projects with compliance issues can stall or fail, making your investment vulnerable.

8. What are the annual maintenance costs and who manages the society?

Ask for the expected maintenance charge per sqft/year, how parking is charged, and who will run the society post-handover. ➡ Why: A cheap flat with high maintenance drains budget later.

9. How is the connectivity, micro-location, and future resale potential?

Assess proximity to suburban rail, metro stations, road infrastructure, schools, hospitals and long-term growth prospects. ([Ambit Realtors][3]) ➡ Why: Real-estate value in Mumbai depends heavily on location & connectivity. Also check out, The Ins and Outs of Property Management for Landlords: Maximizing Your Rental Income

10. Can I take a sample flat/inspection & review the agreement with a lawyer?

Arrange a site visit, inspect model or ready flat, and have your lawyer check the agreement for sale/deed, possession clauses and exit terms. ([mkshelters.com][6]) ➡ Why: Practical inspection and legal review uncover hidden structural or contractual issues.

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Comparison Table – Why Each Question Matters

Question No.	Risk if Left Unchecked	Benefit of Asking
1	Unregistered project → weak buyer protection	Verification of project legitimacy
2	Land-title dispute or missing approvals	Clarity on legal safety
3	Builder delays or cost-overruns	Insight into reliability
4	Extended delay, interest/EMI burden	Clear timeline, plan move/financing accordingly
5	Smaller usable area, hidden charges	Know exactly what you’re paying for
6	Unexpected cost inflations	Full transparency of cost
7	Project stalled or de-registered	Avoidance of high-risk deals
8	High monthly drain on income	Healthy budget projection
9	Poor connectivity, weak resale	Better long-term value and lifestyle
10	Hidden flaws, unfavourable clauses	Safer transaction and future security

Also read, What Salary to Afford a 2BHK in Mumbai in 2025

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Practical Takeaways for Buyers

• ✅ Start with a document folder: RERA registration, title deeds, plan approvals, builder track-record.
• ✅ Budget for total cost: purchase price + parking + maintenance + stamp duty/registration.
• ✅ Visit the site at least once—and snapshot key details (layout, unit orientation, amenities).
• ✅ Hire a property/legal advisor to review the agreement and title.
• ✅ Prioritise location & connectivity over just the size or bargain.
• ✅ Avoid being persuaded solely by brochures—ask these 10 questions to avoid costly surprises.

Also read

Conclusion

In a city like Mumbai, booking a flat is as much about asking the right questions as it is about choosing the right flat. By carefully asking and verifying the Top 10 questions to ask before booking a flat in Mumbai, you significantly reduce risk and increase the possibility of a smooth and rewarding purchase. Whether you are buying a 1 BHK or a 3 BHK, staying alert, diligent and informed is what separates a savvy buyer from a passive one.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to check RERA registration even for a ready-to-move flat? Yes, RERA registration validates the project’s legal status and builder obligations regardless of construction stage.

2. Can hidden charges raise my cost by more than 10 %? Absolutely. Many buyers end up paying extra for parking, PLC, GST, maintenance deposits and floor rise—so ask upfront.

3. How important is builder reputation compared to price? Very. A slightly higher price with a dependable builder often yields better delivery and lesser headaches than a bargain deal with risks.

4. Should I visit the site before booking or after booking? Visit before booking if possible. Even after booking, visit to ensure progress and inspect if another unit is available as comparison.

5. What if I skip hiring a lawyer and just trust the developer’s standard agreement? That exposes you to risk. A lawyer can spot unfair clauses, missing timelines, and liabilities you might overlook.

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References

1. “Top 10 Questions Every Homebuyer Should Ask Before Buying Property in Mumbai,” Chhabria Housing, September 2025. ([Chhabria Housing][8])
2. “Essential Questions to Ask Developers Before Buying an Apartment,” SOBHA, June 2 2024. ([SOBHA Limited][5])
3. “Documents and Papers to Check Before Buying a Flat,” Narang Realty Blog, August 2025. ([narangrealty.com][4])
4. “10 Things to Know Before Buying a Flat in Mumbai,” MK Shelters, July 2025. ([mkshelters.com][6])
5. “The New Buyer Checklist: What to Look for Before Booking a Flat in 2026,” Puravankara Blog, Nov 18 2025. ([puravankara.com][9])
6. “Checklist for Buying an Under-Construction Property in India (2025),” JLL Homes Blog, June 2 2025. ([JLL Homes][2])