Property Related Doubts: 10 Critical Questions to Ask Before Buying Any Property
Buying property is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make – yet most buyers rush into it with unanswered property related doubts that later turn into costly regrets. Did you know that 68% of property disputes in India arise from issues that could have been avoided with proper due diligence? (National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, 2023)
This comprehensive guide will arm you with the 10 essential questions every smart buyer must ask before signing any agreement. We’ll cover:
- Legal verification questions (title checks, approvals)
- Financial transparency must-asks (hidden costs, loans)
- Construction quality queries (builder reputation, materials)
- Future value assessment (appreciation potential, infrastructure)
- Red flags most buyers miss (that agents won’t tell you)
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to separate good deals from potential nightmares.
Question 1: Is the Property Title Clear and Marketable?
Why This Matters
A shocking 42% of property court cases stem from title disputes (Delhi High Court, 2023). Never assume the seller owns the property outright.
What to Verify
- 30-year title chain – Get the complete history of ownership transfers
- Encumbrance Certificate – Shows existing loans/liens on property
- Mutation records – Confirms current owner in municipal records
- Land use classification – Residential/agricultural/commercial?
Red Flags
- Missing links in ownership history
- Pending litigation (check district court website)
- Seller refusing to share original documents
Pro Tip: Invest ₹2,000-3,000 in a professional title verification service – it’s cheaper than litigation.
Question 2: Are All Approvals in Place?
Must-Have Approvals
| Approval Type | Why It Matters | Where to Verify |
| RERA Registration | Legal protection against delays | Gujarat RERA portal |
| Commencement Certificate | Construction is legally started | Municipal Corporation |
| Environmental Clearance | Especially for large projects | State Environment Dept |
| OC (Occupancy Certificate) | The proof building is habitable | Builder must provide |
Costly Consequences of Missing Approvals
- Banks may refuse loans
- Municipal services (water/electricity) denied
- Risk of demolition orders
Question 3: What’s Included in the Total Cost?
Most buyers focus only on the base price and get shocked by 15-25% additional charges:
Common Hidden Costs
- Maintenance deposits (often 2 years advance)
- Parking charges (₹3-10 lakhs in cities)
- Stamp duty & registration (5-8% of value)
- GST (1% for under-construction, 5% for affordable)
- Society formation charges
Smart Buyer Move: Get a written breakdown of all costs before paying any token amount.
Question 4: What Are the Payment Plan Terms?
Payment Schedule Red Flags
🚩 “90% payment demanded before possession”
🚩 “No construction milestones linked to payments”
🚩 “Penalties only for buyer delays, not builder”
Ideal Payment Structure
- 10-15% at booking
- 60-70% tied to construction stages (plinth, flooring etc.)
- 15-20% at possession
Never agree to plans where you pay faster than construction progress.
Question 5: What’s the Builder’s Track Record?
Background Check Essentials
- Past project delivery delays (ask existing residents)
- RERA complaints (check state RERA website)
- Financial health (delayed projects often mean cash crunch)
- Construction quality (visit their older buildings)
Key Metric: Average delay across last 3 projects (anything over 6 months is risky)
Question 6: What Are the Exact Dimensions?
Measurement Terms You Must Understand
- Carpet Area (actual usable space)
- Built-up Area (includes walls)
- Super Built-up (adds common areas)
Industry Trick: Some builders advertise super built-up but price per sq.ft as if it’s carpet area.
Always get: Architect-certified floor plans with dimensions.
Question 7: What Infrastructure Developments Are Planned?
Value Boosters to Confirm
- Metro/road expansions (check master plans)
- School/hospital projects
- Commercial hubs coming up
- Water/sewage upgrades
Warning: Don’t rely on verbal promises – check with:
- Local municipal office
- Development authority websites
- RTI applications if needed
Question 8: What Are the Society Rules?
Often-Overlooked Restrictions
- Rental policies (some ban it entirely)
- Pet allowances
- Renovation limitations
- Guest stay rules
Nightmare Scenario: Buying then discovering you can’t rent it out as planned.
Question 9: What’s the Exit Strategy?
Even great purchases may need to be sold someday. Ask:
- Resale demand in area (check listings)
- Rental yields (compare with nearby areas)
- Upcoming supply (too many new projects = competition)
Smart Metric: Average time properties sit unsold in the locality.
Question 10: What’s Not in the Contract?
The most dangerous clauses are often what’s omitted:
Must-Have Contract Clauses
- Penalties for builder delays
- Defect liability period (minimum 1 year)
- Exact specifications (brands/materials)
- Cancellation terms
Legal Essential: Pay ₹10,000-15,000 for a real estate lawyer’s review – it’s your best investment.
Conclusion: From Doubt to Confident Purchase
These 10 questions form your bulletproof checklist against 90% of property pitfalls. At AroundTown Realty, we’ve helped over 1,200 clients ask the right questions—saving them from crores in potential bad investments.
Don’t navigate the market alone:
📞 Call our property experts today for a free consultation!
🔗 Visit: https://aroundtownrealty.in/
FAQs: Clearing Common Property Related Doubts
1. How much should I negotiate off the asking price?
In current markets, 5-15% is reasonable depending on location and builder inventory pressure.
2. Is paying cash to save stamp duty safe?
Never! Under-reporting leads to:
- Higher capital gains later
- Loan rejection if reselling
- Legal penalties
3. Should I buy under-construction or ready?
Under-construction: 10-15% cheaper but riskier. Ready: Secure but premium priced.
4. How do I verify land titles for ancestral properties?
Requires:
- Checking 30+ year records
- Partition deeds if inherited
- Succession certificates
5. What’s more important – location or builder reputation?
Location determines long-term value, but a bad builder can ruin even the best location.
