Checklist Before Booking an Under-Construction Properties
.jpg)
Author Admin
Published Date:
Booking an under-construction property can feel exciting—and understandably so. The idea of choosing your future home, seeing it take shape, and often paying less than a ready-to-move-in unit is appealing. But it’s also a decision that involves long-term commitment, financial planning, and trust in the builder.
To help you make an informed and secure choice, here’s a detailed checklist to go through before booking an under-construction property in India.
1. Check the Builder’s Reputation and Track Record
Before booking, take time to research the builder. Don’t just look at the current project—review their past work too.
- Did they complete earlier projects on time?
Delays in possession are common, but repeated delays are a red flag.
- Are their projects RERA-registered?
This shows they follow legal norms and are accountable.
- What do past buyers say?
Look for honest reviews online. Too many complaints about delays or poor quality is a warning sign.
- Can you visit a past project?
A site visit helps you see construction quality and how well the builder maintains completed projects.
Why it matters: A builder’s history tells you what to expect—from construction quality to timely delivery and customer service. It’s one of the safest ways to avoid future regret.
Don’t worry we have a rich pool of top rated and most reputed builders with great track records both on delivering quality projects and that too on time. Check a list of top builders in India here.
2. Verify RERA Registration
Before booking any under-construction property, make sure the project is registered with RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority). It’s a legal requirement—and your safety net as a buyer.
You can check this on your state’s RERA website. Look for:
- Project registration number
- Promised delivery date
- Approved plans and permissions
- Declared carpet area
- Builder’s past project details
Why it matters:
RERA ensures that the builder is accountable. If there’s any delay or issue, you have the right to take legal action. It brings transparency to the entire process and protects you from fraud or false promises.
Do let us know if you are looking for more details on RERA and want to clarify your doubts and questions here, we have RERA experts with us who can help us from A to Z of RERA guide. Let's know and we can arrange a call for us.
3. Understand the Land Title and Legal Clearances
Before booking, confirm that the land being used for the project is legally owned and free from disputes.
Ask for:
- Land ownership documents
- Encumbrance certificate (proves the land isn’t under a loan or legal case)
- Approved layout and building plans
Why it matters:
Even if the builder seems trustworthy, unclear land titles or missing approvals can lead to major issues later—like construction being stopped or possession delays.
4. Go Through the Construction Timeline and Payment Schedule
When buying an under-construction property, you’re not just paying for the flat—you’re also trusting the builder to complete it as promised. That’s why it’s so important to understand how long the project will take, and how your payments are linked to that progress.
Ask for a Clear Construction Timeline
Builders usually divide the construction into phases—like basement work, structural framework, brickwork, finishing, etc.
- Ask for these phases to be clearly mentioned along with expected completion dates.
- This gives you an idea of what will happen and when.
Understand the Payment Plan
There are different types of payment plans used in real estate:
- Construction-Linked Plan (CLP):
You pay in parts as each stage of construction is completed. This is the most buyer-friendly option, as you only pay when you see actual progress.
- Down Payment Plan:
A large portion (70–90%) of the cost is paid upfront, and the rest in stages. This can be risky if the builder delays construction.
Flexi Plan:
A mix of CLP and down payment, where you pay a significant portion early, and the rest as per milestones.
Ask the builder to explain which plan they are offering and get it in writing.
Check for Delay Penalty Clauses
Ask if the builder includes a clause in the agreement to compensate you if they delay possession beyond the promised timeline.
This clause should mention the per month compensation rate, and when it becomes applicable.
We, at Propkonnect, have curated a list of projects with different payment plans and in fact you can select the project as per your budgets. The filters and hunt for top projects is so easy and quick at our end that you will find multiple projects with their price, payment plan and builder reviews there. Explore some of the great newly launched and ready-to-move-in projects for your residential purpose.
5. Confirm All Approvals and NOCs
Before booking, make sure the builder has received all the necessary approvals from local authorities. Ask for copies of:
- Approved building plans
- Environmental clearance
- Fire safety clearance
- Water and electricity connection approvals
- Airport or railway authority NOC (if the project is near restricted zones)
Why it matters:
Missing or incomplete approvals can lead to legal problems or project delays—even after you’ve paid or taken possession. Verifying these upfront helps you avoid future hassles.
To make the payment and accounting process smooth and handy, we have a separate department with us where you can take help to plan your finances as well they will help you to check the best housing and commercial financing options for your next property. Do check our housing loan section for more details and don’t forget to reach our loan specialist to make it more comfortable for you.
6. Know the Exact Carpet Area and Total Cost
Many builders promote the super built-up area, which includes shared spaces like corridors, lifts, and lobbies—not your actual living space.
Before booking, ask:
What is the carpet area? (This is the actual usable space inside your flat)
What is the total cost? Make sure it includes GST, maintenance charges, clubhouse fees, legal charges, parking, etc.
Why it matters:
Knowing the real carpet area and total cost helps you avoid surprises later and ensures you're comparing properties correctly.
7. Read the Agreement to Sell Carefully
The Agreement to Sell is a legal document that confirms your booking and outlines all key terms. Before signing, make sure it clearly mentions:
- Possession date
- Construction-linked payment terms
- Carpet area (not just super built-up)
- Cancellation and refund conditions
- Penalty clause for possession delays
Why it matters:
Once signed, this agreement is legally binding. A careful review can save you from future disputes or hidden costs.
8. Visit the Site – Don’t Just Rely on Brochures
Before you book a flat, go see the site in person. Don’t just depend on brochures or digital renders—they often show an ideal version, not the reality.
While visiting, check:
- Condition of access roads and nearby infrastructure
- Water supply, drainage, and sanitation
- Whether actual construction has started
- Distance to hospitals, schools, markets, and public transport
Why it matters:
A site visit helps you understand the real progress, surroundings, and connectivity—things that can seriously impact your living experience later.
9. Know the Completion & Occupancy Certificates (CC & OC)
When the construction is done, the builder must get two key documents:
- Completion Certificate (CC): Confirms the building is finished as per approved plans.
- Occupancy Certificate (OC): Issued by local authorities, allowing residents to legally live in the property.
Before booking, ask the builder if they usually deliver these on time in past projects.
Why it matters:
Possession without these certificates is risky. Make sure the builder commits to providing them.
10. Get a Written Commitment on Amenities
Builders often showcase grand 3D visuals of clubhouses, pools, gyms, and gardens—but these may not be fully delivered. To avoid disappointment later, ask the builder to confirm the promised amenities in writing, such as:
- Clubhouse
- Gym
- Swimming pool
- Landscaped gardens
- Children’s play areas
- Parking slots
Why it matters:
If it’s not in the agreement, you may not get it. Verbal promises or flashy brochures aren’t legally binding—only written commitments are.
Booking an under-construction property can be a good decision, but only if you're thorough. Always verify documents, ask questions, and review everything carefully. When it comes to property—it's better to double-check now than regret later.
Planning to book a Properties in India’s top cities? From Mumbai to Bangalore, propkonnect lists only trustworthy builders and under-construction properties you can count on.
Top Projects
TDI LAKE GROVE SONIPAT
₹ 44.89Lakh - ₹ 55.00Lakh
GODREJJARDINIA-NOIDA
₹ 2.7Cr - ₹ 6Cr
M3M-MANSION-GURGAON
₹ 4.56Cr - ₹ 6.1Cr
URBANRISE-JASMINESPRINGS
₹ 18Lakh - ₹ 30Lakh
URBANRISETHEWORLDOFJOY
₹ 21Lakh - ₹ 61Lakh
Top Builders
OZONE BUILDERS & DEVELOPERS
Total Project: 1
URBANRISE BUILDERS CHENNAI
Total Project: 2
RADIANCE REALTY CHENNAI
Total Project: 1
GLS INFRATECH
Total Project: 1
CHINTELS GROUP
Total Project: 0
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
 (1).jpg)
