Buying your first home in Bengaluru: a practical checklist
Set your full budget, check the paperwork and inspect the property properly before you pay a token amount.
Start with the full budget
The price on a listing is only part of what you will pay. Add stamp duty, registration charges, legal fees, loan processing fees, interiors and moving costs before you decide what you can afford.
If you need a home loan, speak to lenders early. A clear idea of your eligibility keeps your search realistic and helps you move quickly when the right home appears.
Choose the location for daily life
Visit the area on a working day, during the hours you would normally travel. Try the commute, then check the water supply, nearby schools, hospitals and shops.
Ask neighbours what living there is really like. They can often tell you more about power cuts, flooding and traffic than any brochure will.
Check the documents
For an under-construction project, look it up on the Karnataka RERA website and compare the registered details with what you have been promised.
For a ready home, ask for the title deed, encumbrance certificate, Khata documents, recent tax receipts and the occupancy certificate. Have a property lawyer review them before you sign anything.
Inspect before you pay
Walk through the home in daylight. Look for damp patches and cracks, test the taps and switches, and confirm that the actual layout matches the approved plan.
Find out what the maintenance charges cover and whether any dues are pending. Put every promise that matters to you in writing.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules and fees can change, so confirm the details with a qualified professional before you commit.