Buying a home in India: your checklist

Most problems with Indian property start with papers nobody checked. Work through these steps, with a property lawyer for the legal checks.

Updated 29 October 2026 · 15 items

Before you choose

Decide whether to rent firstBuy straight away or rent first?
Set a budget that includes everythingStamp duty and registration (often 6–8%), GST on homes still being built, interiors, parking and society deposits.
Get the home loan approved in principleKnow your limit before you negotiate.
Choose the area firstCommute, schools, water supply and flooding history.

Legal checks

Check the project's RERA registrationOn your state's RERA website; it shows approvals, timelines and complaints.
Have a lawyer check the titleUsually 30 years of ownership history, with an encumbrance certificate showing no loans or claims.
Check approved plans and the occupancy certificateFor a ready home, the occupancy certificate (OC) shows it was built as approved.
Check the builder's recordDelivered projects on time? Visit one and talk to residents.
For a resale home, get the society's no-objection letterAnd check property tax and maintenance are paid up.

Paying

Read the sale agreement carefullyPayment schedule, delay penalties, specifications and cancellation terms.
Deduct tax at source (TDS) when you pay1% if the seller is resident and the price is ₹50 lakh or more; much higher if the seller is an NRI.
Pay only by bank, to the account in the agreementKeep every receipt.

Registration and moving in

Pay stamp duty and register the sale deedAt the sub-registrar's office, with two witnesses.
Transfer the property records into your nameMunicipal records, property tax and the society's membership.
Transfer electricity, water and gasAnd keep all the papers in one place.

Questions

What legal checks should I do before buying property in India?

Check the RERA registration, the title (usually 30 years of history), an encumbrance certificate, approved plans and the occupancy certificate. A property lawyer can do this for a small fee.

Do I need to deduct TDS when buying property in India?

Yes. From a resident seller, 1% of the price if it's ₹50 lakh or more. From an NRI seller, the rate is much higher and you need a TAN (tax deduction account number).

Are my ticks saved?

Yes, in this browser on this device. Nothing is sent to us. Clearing your browser data, or opening the page on another device, starts a fresh list.

Will your money last after the move?

The free retirement planner works it out year by year, with Indian inflation, your children's costs and a stress test.

Open the retirement planner

General information for planning, not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules change: check anything important with the official source.