Things to check before buying a flat

Before you pay anything

• Verify the MahaRERA registration number at maharera.maharashtra.gov.in, and that it covers your tower and phase.
• Match the promoter name on RERA with the company you are paying.
• For an EOI, get the refund terms in writing and pay only by cheque or bank transfer to the developer.

The project

• Approved plans, number of sanctioned floors, and the RERA completion date.
• Title and land documents, and any litigation listed on the RERA page.
• Commencement certificate for your building.
• The developer's delivery record on its past projects in the same city.

The unit

• RERA carpet area in the agreement, not built-up or super built-up.
• Orientation, floor, view, and what may be built in front of you.
• Balcony and deck sizes, which are outside carpet area.
• Parking: covered or open, allotted or not, and its price.

The money

• All-in cost: price, GST, stamp duty, registration, parking, deposits, maintenance.
• Payment plan: construction-linked or time-linked, and the stage-wise schedule.
• Bank approval of the project for home loans.
• Possession penalty clauses for both sides.

The neighbourhood

• Peak-hour commute to work and school.
• Water supply, flooding history, and upcoming construction around.
• Distance to metro stations once they open, not just the line on a map.

Applying it to Godrej Downtown Avenue

Godrej Downtown Avenue is in its EOI window, before RERA registration. The first two sections apply now; the rest apply when the registration and unit plans are released. See the RERA status page and the price list.