Stamp duty is a state government tax paid on property transactions. Rates vary by state:

• Maharashtra: 5% (men), 4% (women) + 1% metro cess in Mumbai
• Karnataka: 5.6% (above ₹45L), 2% (below ₹20L)
• Delhi: 6% (men), 4% (women)
• Telangana: 6% flat
• Tamil Nadu: 7% flat
• UP: 7% (men), 6% (women)

Registration charges are typically an additional 1% of property value. Always check the current rate on your state’s official IGRS (Inspector General of Registration & Stamps) website.

Ready-to-move (RTM): No GST, no construction risk, you can see exactly what you’re buying, immediate possession. Generally 10–25% more expensive.

Under-construction (UC): Lower price, payment in tranches, potential appreciation by possession. Subject to 5% GST (1% for affordable housing). Risk of delay — mitigated by buying from RERA-registered projects.

Our recommendation: For end-use with a clear timeline, RTM is safer. For investment with a 3–5 year horizon, a RERA-registered UC project from a reputed builder can offer better returns.

• Title Deed — Confirms seller’s ownership. Check chain of title for minimum 30 years.
• Encumbrance Certificate — Confirms no existing loans or liabilities on the property.
• RERA Registration — Mandatory for all projects above 500 sqm or 8 units.
• Approved Building Plan — Sanctioned by local municipal authority (BBMP, BMC, HMDA, etc.).
• Occupancy Certificate (OC) — Issued after construction completion; required for home loan and possession.
• Khata/Property Tax Receipts — Confirms the property is on municipal records.
• NOC from Society/Builder — For resale flats, get NOC from housing society.

RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority), established under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016, is India’s property regulatory framework. Key benefits for buyers:

• Mandatory registration — Builders must register projects before launch; you can verify at your state RERA portal.
• Carpet area transparency — RERA mandates selling based on carpet area only, not super built-up area.
• Escrow protection — 70% of buyer funds must be held in a dedicated escrow account for construction only.
• Delivery timeline commitment — Builder must complete within stated timeline or pay 10.75% interest penalty on delay.
• Defect liability — 5-year structural defect liability from possession.
• Grievance redressal — Buyers can file complaints online at state RERA authority.

Always verify RERA number at your state RERA portal before booking. Example: MahaRERA for Maharashtra at maharera.mahaonline.gov.in

An Encumbrance Certificate (EC) is an official document confirming that a property is free from legal or financial liabilities (loans, mortgages, litigation) for a specified period.

How to obtain: Apply at the Sub-Registrar’s Office (SRO) of the area where the property is located. In many states (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh), you can get it online via the state’s registration portal. Request for minimum 15 years of EC history.

As of 2025, home loan interest rates in India range between 8.40% to 9.50% p.a. for floating rate loans, depending on the lender and borrower profile.

• SBI: 8.50% onwards (EBR-linked)
• HDFC Bank: 8.75% onwards
• LIC HFL: 8.65% onwards
• ICICI Bank: 8.75% onwards
• PNB Housing: 8.50% onwards

Rates are linked to RBI’s repo rate. Always compare using EMI calculators and check the RLLR (Repo Linked Lending Rate). Check directly with banks for current offers as rates change quarterly.

Banks typically allow EMI up to 40–50% of net monthly income. General formula: Loan eligibility ≈ Net monthly salary × 60 (approximate, varies by lender).

• ₹50,000/month net salary → Eligible for approx. ₹30L–₹35L loan
• ₹1,00,000/month net salary → Eligible for approx. ₹60L–₹70L loan
• ₹2,00,000/month net salary → Eligible for approx. ₹1.2Cr–₹1.4Cr loan

Factors affecting eligibility: CIBIL score (750+ is ideal), age, job stability, existing EMIs, co-applicant income, and property value. Apply jointly with a co-applicant to increase eligibility.

Yes. NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) and PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) can freely purchase residential and commercial property in India under FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) guidelines. No RBI approval is required for purchase.

Restrictions: NRIs cannot purchase agricultural land, plantation property, or farmhouses (except through inheritance or gift from a resident Indian).

Payment: Must be made through NRE/NRO account or inward remittance. Cash payments are not allowed.

Repatriation: NRIs can repatriate proceeds from sale of up to 2 residential properties after paying applicable TDS (20% on LTCG, 30% on STCG).

A legally valid rental agreement in India must include:

• Full names and addresses of landlord and tenant(s)
• Complete property description (address, floor, area)
• Monthly rent amount and due date
• Security deposit amount (typically 2–10 months’ rent depending on city)
• Lease duration (typically 11 months to avoid registration requirement)
• Lock-in period and notice period terms
• Maintenance responsibility (who pays for what)
• Permitted use (residential only, pet policy, subletting restrictions)
• Rent escalation clause (typically 5–10% per year)

Registration: Agreements over 11 months must be registered. Notarised agreements are not the same as registered agreements — register at Sub-Registrar’s office for full legal protection.

Residential rental yields in India typically range from 2% to 5% per annum — lower than most global markets due to high capital values. City-wise averages (2025):

• Bangalore (IT corridors): 3.5–5% — highest in India
• Hyderabad (HITEC City area): 3–4.5%
• Mumbai (suburbs): 2.5–3.5%
• Pune (Hinjewadi, Baner): 3–4%
• Delhi NCR: 2.5–3.5%

Commercial property typically yields 6–9%. Co-working spaces and managed apartments (like branded serviced apartments) yield 7–12% but carry higher management risk.