Buying a home is one of those big life moments that stays with you forever. It’s exciting, emotional, and honestly, a little scary too. With so many ads, opinions, and “limited period offers” flying around, it’s easy to feel rushed or confused.
Most people spend 15–20 years paying off a home loan. So spending a couple of weeks doing proper checks makes complete sense. This homebuying checklist is meant to help you slow down, ask the right questions, and feel confident about your decision.
Step 1: Check the Official Location
The first step in homebuying is knowing where the project actually sits.
Don’t go only by the project name or what’s written on the brochure. Always check:
- Which municipality or corporation the project comes under
- When that area was officially added to city limits
Some projects use premium-sounding names even if they are outside proper municipal boundaries. This can affect water supply, roads, taxes and future development. A quick check now can save you trouble later.
Step 2: Availability of Basic Civic Infrastructure
A home may look great inside, but daily life depends on basic services.
Before you move ahead, ask simple but important questions:
- Where does the water come from right now?
- Is the approach road approved or privately managed?
- Is there a proper sewage drainage line?
- Who will take care of maintenance in the long run?
These basics play a big role in how comfortable your day-to-day life will be.
Step 3: Amenities Not Just Inside, but Outside Too
Clubhouses and gyms are nice, but life doesn’t stop at the building gate.
Look around the area and check:
- Are there public gardens or playgrounds nearby?
- Are these maintained by the local municipal body?
Public spaces add breathing room, especially for families with kids or elderly parents. They also make the neighbourhood feel more liveable.
Step 4: Polluted or Pollution-Free?
The environment around your home matters more than many people realise.
Check if:
- There are factories or industrial units nearby
- The project is close to large open or natural spaces
Cleaner surroundings mean better air, less noise and a healthier lifestyle over time.
Step 5: Tough Questions, Easy Decision-Making
Don’t rely only on online listings or word of mouth.
Visit the site yourself and ask direct questions about:
- Construction progress
- Possession timelines
- Approvals and permissions
- Utilities and services
If answers feel unclear or you’re pushed to “just trust us,” take a step back. Clear answers usually come from transparent developers.
Step 6: The Developer’s Team Tells a Story
People behind the project matter just as much as the building.
Try to understand:
- Who handles construction?
- How stable is the sales and support team?
If core team members or sales executives keep changing, it’s usually not a great sign. A steady team often means better planning and smoother execution.
Step 7: The Power of Proof
For under-construction projects, progress should match what’s being promised.
Ask for:
- The date when excavation or plinth work was completed
- Photos showing construction stages
A typical RCC slab takes about 15–30 days. Compare timelines with what you see on site. Many good developers also share progress updates online. You can even use Google Earth to track how construction has moved over time.
Step 8: Background of the Developer
Spend time understanding who’s building your future home.
Check:
- Whether the builder has an in-house engineering team
- Or if construction is fully outsourced
- How approachable the developer is if issues come up
Clear responsibility makes problem-solving much easier if something goes wrong.
Step 9: Past Record Shapes the Future
A developer’s track record speaks louder than marketing.
Find out:
- How many projects they’ve delivered in the last five years
- Whether any faced long delays
If possible, visit completed projects and speak to residents. Their feedback gives real insight into what living there feels like.
Step 10: Look Beyond 5-Star Reviews
Online reviews help, but they don’t always show the full picture.
Instead of focusing only on high ratings:
- Read negative reviews carefully
- See what buyers or residents are unhappy about
Repeated complaints usually highlight real issues that ads don’t mention.
Step 11: Let It Be Ready and Perfect
If you’re looking at a ready-possession home, don’t skip final checks.
Make sure you:
- Confirm the exact completion date
- Talk to people already living there
- Ask about water, electricity, lifts and maintenance
This step helps you avoid unpleasant surprises after moving in.
Step 12: Updates Matter
Before finalising anything, visit the MahaRERA website.
Check:
- Project registration details
- Approvals and timelines
- Whether the developer updates information regularly
Regular updates usually reflect transparent working practices.
Homebuying doesn’t have to feel stressful. When you follow a clear checklist and take time at each step, decisions become easier and more confident. From checking the official location to tracking RERA updates, every step protects your peace of mind.
A home isn’t just a purchase. It’s where your everyday life unfolds. Choosing wisely makes all the difference.
