A step-by-step guide to buying a property in India, with documents, costs and safety rules.
Buying a home is a big decision. This guide takes you through the steps – from deciding what you need to taking possession – with the documents to check and costs to expect.
Read it end to end once, then use it as a checklist for each project you shortlist.
Buying a property generally follows these 15 steps.
Select the location, property type, size, purpose, and preferred possession date.
Include the property price, stamp duty, registration fee, GST where applicable, brokerage, legal fees, maintenance deposit, interiors, and loan charges.
Compare lenders, check your credit score, calculate the EMI, and obtain loan pre-approval if required.
Compare projects, builders, prices, amenities, connectivity, construction quality, and possession timelines.
Check the developer’s track record, completed projects, litigation history, approvals, and customer feedback.
For applicable new and under-construction projects, check the project registration number on the relevant state RERA website.
Visit the site and check construction quality, carpet area, specifications, common facilities, parking, access roads, and surrounding development.
Ask an independent property lawyer to verify title documents, ownership, approvals, land use, encumbrance, tax records, and pending disputes.
Confirm the final price, payment schedule, possession date, cancellation conditions, maintenance charges, parking, and included facilities in writing.
Pay only after basic legal and RERA checks. Obtain a written receipt and confirm refund and cancellation terms.
Ensure the agreement clearly mentions the unit number, carpet area, total price, payment schedule, possession date, penalties, specifications, and dispute terms.
Submit documents to the lender, complete technical and legal checks, and pay your contribution according to the agreement.
Pay applicable stamp duty and registration charges. Both parties should complete registration at the relevant Sub-Registrar’s Office.
Collect the possession letter, keys, allotment documents, utility details, warranties, and approved plans.
Apply for mutation, update municipal and society records, transfer utilities, and retain all original documents securely.
| New project | RERA registration, sanctioned building plan, commencement certificate, land title documents, development agreement, environmental approvals where applicable |
|---|---|
| Ready-to-move property | Occupancy Certificate, Completion Certificate, possession letter, approved plan, property tax receipts |
| Resale property | Previous sale deed, title chain, encumbrance certificate, tax receipts, society or association dues clearance, loan closure documents |
| Plot or land | Title deed, land-use permission, layout approval, conversion order where applicable, survey records, access-road documents |
| All properties | Identity documents, PAN, address proof, agreement, payment receipts, registration documents, and property insurance records |
Note: Stamp duty, registration charges, taxes, approvals, and document requirements vary by state and property type. Confirm the final requirements with the relevant state authority, lender, and an independent property lawyer.
Sources: RERA Rajasthan · Kerala RERA · Reserve Bank of India · Income Tax Department
Information checked on 8 October 2026. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.
Include taxes, registration, loan charges and interiors.
Track record, approvals and registration come first.
An independent property lawyer should check the title and the agreement.
Pay only after basic legal and RERA checks, and keep receipts.
Store every agreement, receipt and communication.
Decide your requirement and budget, check loan eligibility and shortlist projects.
Title documents, RERA registration, approved plans, commencement certificate and, for ready homes, the Occupancy Certificate.
Stamp duty, registration, GST if applicable, parking, maintenance deposit, legal and loan charges and interiors.
It is strongly advisable. Use an independent property lawyer, not only the builder’s.