Buyer guide · India
Buying property in India, step by step
From checking RERA registration to registering the sale deed — what to do, what it costs, and what to verify.
Currency₹ INR (Lakh, Crore)Default unitsq ft (carpet)RegulatorState RERATypical deposit10–25% of price
How buying works
- 1Set your budget and get loan sanctionBanks typically fund up to 75–90% of value depending on loan size.
- 2Shortlist and verify the projectCheck the RERA registration, approvals, OC/CC status and builder track record.
- 3Due diligence on titleLawyer reviews the title chain, encumbrance certificate, khata/mutation and tax receipts.
- 4Agreement for salePay token/booking amount; RERA caps advance at 10% before a registered agreement.
- 5Pay stamp duty and registerExecute the sale deed at the sub-registrar office; deduct and deposit TDS if applicable.
- 6Possession and mutationTake possession, transfer utilities and update municipal records in your name.
Costs to budget for
Stamp dutySet by each state; some offer lower rates for women buyersVaries by state
Registration feePaid to the sub-registrarOften ~1%
GSTApplies to under-construction homes only5% (1% affordable)
TDSBuyer deducts and deposits when price is ₹50 lakh or more1%
BrokerageIf using an agentNegotiable
Home-loan feesProcessing, legal and valuationVaries by lender
Who can buy
AllowedResident IndiansAny property type, subject to state rules on agricultural land.
AllowedNRIs and OCIsResidential and commercial property; not agricultural land, plantations or farmhouses.
Generally not allowedForeign nationalsNon-resident foreign nationals generally can’t buy, except by inheritance or specific RBI permission.
Documents to check
- RERA registration — project and agent
- Title deed — and 30-year title chain
- Encumbrance certificate — no loans or liens
- Approved building plan — sanctioned by local authority
- OC / CC — occupancy & completion certificates
- Khata / mutation — and property-tax receipts
Terms you’ll see on listings
- BHK
- Bedroom, hall, kitchen — 3 BHK = 3 bedrooms.
- Carpet area
- Usable floor area inside walls; the RERA-mandated basis.
- Super built-up
- Built-up area plus a share of common areas.
- Ready to move
- Construction complete; OC usually received.
- Builder floor
- One floor of a low-rise building, often with roof or basement rights.
- Gaj
- Square yard — common for plots in North India.
Recent rule changes
2023 onwardsQR codes on property ads (Maharashtra)MahaRERA requires the registration number and QR code on project advertisements, with penalties for non-compliance.
OngoingState RERA portalsEach state publishes project progress, complaints and agent registrations online.
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change — confirm with a qualified professional. Last reviewed [DATE].