First-time home buyers: end-to-end checklist (India)

Step 1 · Budget & affordability

Sabse pehla step hai realistic budget decide karna. Sirf property price nahi, balki registration, stamp duty, brokerage (agar hai), interiors, moving cost – sab include karein.

• Monthly income vs current fixed expenses ka simple spreadsheet banayein.
• Bank ke EMI calculator se different loan amounts test karein (socho ki EMI aapki net income ka 35–40% se zyada na ho).
• Emergency fund (6–9 months expenses) ko alag rakhein – use downpayment me mat daalein.

Step 2 · Home loan readiness

Loan eligibility pehle samajh lo, taki site visit aur negotiation ke time aap confident ho.

• CIBIL score 750+ generally safe zone hai better rates ke liye.
• Existing loans (car, personal) ka impact EMI capacity pe calculate karein.
• Pre-approved loan offer lene se negotiation table par aapki position strong hoti hai.

Step 3 · City, micro-market & project type shortlist

Sirf brochure nahi, daily life soch kar shortlist karein:

• Office commute time vs remote-work flexibility.
• School, hospital, daily shopping distance.
• Future infra plans (metro, expressway, commercial hubs).
• Ready-to-move vs under-construction – risk, timeline aur cashflow ke hisaab se decide karein.

Step 4 · Site visits: what to check

• Actual usable space (furniture mentally place karke dekhein, sirf super built-up number pe mat jaayein).
• Natural light & ventilation – din ke alag-alag time par flat dekhein agar possible ho.
• Building condition, lifts, parking, common areas aur security.
• Neighbours se quietly society ka feedback lein (maintenance, water, power cuts, etc.).

Step 5 · Legal & documentation basics

Har city / state ka nuance alag hota hai, lekin kuch basic cheezein universal hain:

• Title clarity (builder/owner ke paas genuine ownership proofs hain ya nahi).
• Approvals: layout plan, commencement certificate, occupancy certificate (ready units ke liye).
• Loan approval list: major banks is project ko finance kar rahe hain ya nahi.
• Registered agreement ke clauses samajhna (possession date, delay penalties, etc.).

Step 6 · Negotiation & offer

• Area ke recent transactions ka data (circle rate, portal listings, broker feedback) collect karein.
• Price ke saath-saath inclusions (parking, club membership, GST/maintenance) clear rakhein.
• Verbal commitment ke bajay email/WhatsApp summary banwa ke confirm karein.

Step 7 · Registration & handover

• Token / booking amount ke baad payment timeline aur milestones likhit me rakhein.
• Registration ke din ke pehle hi stamp duty & registration charges ka exact breakup samajh lein.
• Handover ke waqt snag list (minor defects) likhit me banwa kar get it acknowledged.

Disclaimer: Ye guide informational hai, final decision ke liye hamesha apne CA / legal advisor se consult karein.