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Everything you need to know about buying, selling, and investing in real estate
Step-by-step guide for first-time and experienced home buyers in India
How to sell your property at the best price with minimum hassle
Understand your rights under Real Estate Regulatory Authority
Stamp duty, registration charges, GST on under-construction properties
Smart ways to build wealth through real estate investments
Calculate your budget including down payment (typically 10-20% of property value), home loan EMI (should not exceed 40% of monthly income), registration and stamp duty charges (5-8% of property value), and maintenance deposits.
Banks typically offer 75-90% of property value as loan. Your CIBIL score should be 700+ for best interest rates. Compare rates from SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and other banks. Consider joint loans for higher eligibility.
Consider proximity to workplace, schools, hospitals, and public transport. Check upcoming infrastructure projects (metro, highways) that may increase property value. Research the neighborhood for safety and amenities.
Title deed and ownership proof, encumbrance certificate (last 30 years), approved building plan, completion/occupancy certificate, property tax receipts, and RERA registration number.
Visit at different times of day, check water supply, electricity backup, construction quality, parking availability, and common area maintenance. For under-construction properties, verify builder's track record.
Execute the sale deed at the Sub-Registrar's office, pay stamp duty and registration fees, get the property mutated in municipal records, and update utility connections in your name.
Research recent sales in your locality, check circle rates/ready reckoner rates, consider hiring a professional valuer, and compare with online property portals for market pricing.
Keep ready: original sale deed, society NOC, latest property tax receipts, encumbrance certificate, approved plan, completion certificate, and utility bills clearance.
Fresh paint and deep cleaning make a big difference. Fix minor repairs, declutter rooms, ensure good lighting in photos, and highlight unique features like balcony views or modular kitchen.
Short-term (held less than 2 years): Taxed as per your income tax slab. Long-term (held more than 2 years): Taxed at 20% with indexation benefits. Use Form 26QB for TDS payment.
Section 54: Invest in another residential property within 2 years. Section 54EC: Invest up to Rs. 50 lakh in specified bonds (NHAI/REC) within 6 months. Section 54F: For non-residential property sales.
Buyer must deduct 1% TDS if property value exceeds Rs. 50 lakh. TDS is deposited using Form 26QB within 30 days. Seller receives Form 16B as TDS certificate.
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 was enacted to protect home buyers and boost investments in real estate.
Right to Information
Access project details, layout plans, approvals, and completion timeline on the RERA website.
Carpet Area Transparency
Builders must sell on carpet area basis only, not super built-up area. No hidden charges allowed.
5-Year Defect Liability
Builder must fix structural defects or poor workmanship within 5 years of possession at no extra cost.
Delayed Possession Compensation
If builder delays possession beyond promised date, buyer is entitled to interest compensation or full refund with interest.
Mandatory Registration
All projects with plot area over 500 sqm or more than 8 apartments must be RERA registered before advertising or selling.
70% Funds in Escrow
Builder must deposit 70% of buyer payments in a separate escrow account, to be used only for that project's construction.
No Plan Changes
Builder cannot change the sanctioned plan or specifications without written consent of 2/3rd of the allottees.
How to File a Complaint
Visit your state RERA website, file complaint online with project details and documents. Decision is typically given within 60 days.
Stamp duty is a tax paid to the state government on property transactions. Rates vary by state.
| State | Male Buyer | Female Buyer | Joint (M+F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | 6% | 5% | 5.5% |
| Delhi | 6% | 4% | 5% |
| Karnataka | 5% | 5% | 5% |
| Tamil Nadu | 7% | 7% | 7% |
| Telangana | 6% | 6% | 6% |
| Uttar Pradesh | 7% | 6% | 6.5% |
| Gujarat | 4.9% | 4.9% | 4.9% |
| Rajasthan | 6% | 5% | 5.5% |
*Rates are indicative and may change. Additional surcharge and cess may apply. Please verify current rates with local authorities.
Registration charges are typically 1% of the property value in most states, capped at Rs. 30,000 in some states like Maharashtra. This is in addition to stamp duty. Registration is mandatory under the Registration Act, 1908 for properties above Rs. 100.
Affordable Housing (up to Rs. 45 lakh): 1% GST (without ITC)
Non-Affordable Housing: 5% GST (without ITC)
With Completion Certificate: No GST applicable
Resale Properties: No GST (only stamp duty + registration)
Important: ITC (Input Tax Credit) benefit is not available under the new GST rates. The 1% and 5% rates are effective from April 1, 2019. Land value is excluded (1/3rd of total amount is treated as land value).
Purchase property in emerging areas and hold for 5-10 years for capital appreciation. Best suited for long-term wealth building. Look for upcoming metro routes, IT parks, and industrial corridors.
Buy property in high-demand rental areas (near IT hubs, colleges, hospitals). Expect 2-4% annual rental yield. Furnished apartments command 20-30% higher rent. Consider co-living spaces for higher returns.
Buy from reputed RERA-registered builders at pre-launch or early stage. Prices are typically 15-30% lower than ready properties. Risk: delays. Always verify builder's track record and RERA compliance.
Office spaces and retail shops offer higher rental yields (6-10%) than residential. Look for properties near business districts, highways, or upcoming commercial zones. Higher initial investment needed.
Land in developing areas can give highest returns. Ensure clear title, NA (non-agricultural) conversion, and proper access road. Check zoning regulations and future development plans of the area.
Real Estate Investment Trusts let you invest in real estate with as little as Rs. 10,000-15,000. Listed on stock exchanges, they offer liquidity, regular dividends, and professional management without owning physical property.
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