What to Expect During the Apartment Buying Process

Published On: 31 August 2026

During the apartment buying process, expect around ten main stages. These include setting the budget, checking the project, selecting a unit, reviewing legal papers, booking, signing the sale agreement, arranging the loan, making stage-based payments, registering the property and taking possession. Under RERA, a promoter cannot collect more than 10% of the apartment cost without first entering into a written Agreement for Sale.

The advertised apartment price is not the final amount you will pay. A Bengaluru buyer may also pay GST, stamp duty, registration fees, floor-rise charges, parking, maintenance deposits and utility charges. As of August 2026, an urban Karnataka property above ₹45 lakh can attract government registration costs of about 7.6%. A normal under-construction apartment usually attracts 5% GST. GST does not apply when the entire payment is made after the completion certificate or first occupation.

Apartment Buying Process at a Glance

Stage	What the buyer should expect
1. Budget	Down payment, loan limit and extra charges
2. Property search	Location, project and unit comparison
3. RERA check	Registration, approvals and possession date
4. Legal review	Title, land papers and sanctioned plans
5. Unit selection	Floor, facing, view and carpet area
6. Booking	Application form and written refund terms
7. Sale agreement	Price, payment plan and buyer rights
8. Home loan	Approval, valuation and disbursement
9. Inspection	Construction check and defect list
10. Registration and possession	Sale deed, OC, keys and handover papers

A ready apartment may move faster because the finished building can be inspected. An under-construction purchase continues through several payment and building stages.

Set the Complete Budget

Start with the amount you can pay without using a home loan. RBI limits may allow funding of up to 90% for loans up to ₹30 lakh, 80% from above ₹30 lakh to ₹75 lakh and 75% above ₹75 lakh. A lender may approve less after checking your income, credit score, age and existing loans.

Keep separate funds for the down payment and purchase charges. Banks may not fund GST, stamp duty, registration, maintenance deposits or interiors. Ask for a cost sheet showing the base price, parking, floor rise, clubhouse fee, maintenance advance, utilities, GST and registration estimate.

Verify the Project on RERA

Search the project on the official state RERA portal. Match the promoter, project name, registration number, land details and completion date. Check the approved plan, apartment count, tower details and project updates.

RERA uses carpet area as the standard area for sale. It covers the usable floor area inside the flat, including internal partition walls. It excludes external walls, balconies, terraces and common areas. Compare carpet area instead of relying only on the larger saleable area.

Save a copy of the project page and approved plan. Do not rely on a brochure when it conflicts with the RERA record.

Complete Independent Legal Checks

Hire an independent property lawyer before signing the agreement. The lawyer should check the land title, ownership chain, encumbrance record, conversion order, sanctioned plan, development agreement and approvals.

For a resale flat, check the previous sale deed, khata, tax receipts, loan-release papers, association dues and Occupancy Certificate. Confirm that the seller has the right to transfer the home. Complete this review before making a large non-refundable payment.

Visit the Project and Select the Unit

Visit the location during normal and peak traffic. Test the trip to work, school, Metro and hospital. Check access roads, nearby construction, drains, noise and water sources.

Compare carpet area, room sizes, floor, facing, balcony, ventilation and tower gap. Check the distance from lifts, waste rooms, generators and service areas. Ask which model-apartment finishes are included in your agreement and which are display upgrades.

Booking and Agreement for Sale

Read the booking form before paying. It should show the project, unit, amount and cancellation terms. If the payment is called an EOI, get its refund rule and expected refund time in writing.

RERA does not allow a promoter to collect more than 10% without a written Agreement for Sale. The agreement should show the total price, carpet area, unit number, specifications, payment plan, possession date, delay terms and cancellation rules. Ask a lawyer to review it. Add important sales promises in writing.

Home Loan and Payment Stages

A loan sanction letter states the approved amount, interest type, tenure and conditions. It is not the same as disbursement. For an under-construction flat, the bank normally releases funds in stages after receiving a demand letter and checking progress. Match every demand with the agreement and collect a receipt.

Property TDS may apply when the transaction crosses ₹50 lakh. In 2026, property TDS reporting moved from Form 26QB to Schedule B of Form 141. TDS is deducted from the payment made to a resident seller or promoter. It is not an extra cost above the sale price. Confirm the current rate and filing date with a tax professional.

Track Construction and Inspect the Flat

Follow construction updates on the RERA portal. Keep demand letters, bank-release records, invoices and receipts. Report any change in the plan or specification in writing.

Before possession, complete a snag inspection. Check cracks, tiles, doors, windows, plumbing, electrical points and water flow. Test every tap, drain, switch and lock. Record faults with photos and ask for a written repair date.

Registration and Possession

A possession letter is not the same as an Occupancy Certificate. The OC confirms that the building can be occupied under the approved plan. Check the OC, Completion Certificate where required, fire approvals and permanent utility connections before moving in.

For an urban Karnataka property above ₹45 lakh, current registration costs are about 7.6%. This includes 5% stamp duty, cess and surcharge on the duty, plus a 2% registration fee. Confirm the final amount through the official Karnataka registration system because the applicable value and property type can change the calculation.

Collect the registered sale deed, possession letter, OC, payment statement, tax invoices, warranties, parking allotment and key list. Note the utility meter numbers and take a signed handover record.

Apartment Buying Process at Brigade Granada

Brigade Granada is still an upcoming project. Buyers may first see an EOI process instead of final unit booking. Get the EOI amount, refund rule and refund period in writing. Do not treat early plans, prices or tower details as final approvals.

After Karnataka RERA registration, match the land details, towers, carpet areas, specifications and possession date. Compare the final cost sheet with the indicative prices. Book only after checking the exact unit plan, Agreement for Sale and every added charge.