The top 5 most important questions to ask your builder when buying a property that is still under construction.

While making a real estate investment, buyers frequently need help to choose between an under-construction and ready-to-move-in project. Though both are available, people frequently hesitate to invest in under-construction properties because of the lengthy construction periods. Before investing your hard-earned money in a property still under construction, find the answers to the five crucial questions you should have asked the builder by reading on. 

Under-construction properties are highly appealing to investors and end users due to their relatively lower prices when compared to ready-to-move-in units. Purchasing an under-construction unit can also allow you to select the preferred Vastu direction of the unit, the flooring, and, in certain situations, the floor. An under-construction property does, however, come with some drawbacks. Although Godrej Properties Limited, a Grade A developer, completes projects on time, the nation’s real estate market is chock-full of postponed under-construction projects. With that in mind, this piece aims to equip purchasers with a few essential inquiries to ask if purchasing a property that is still under construction. 

Industry experts feel that as long as due diligence occurs, buyers should not let the risk associated with any investment prevent them from purchasing an under-construction property. Furthermore, buyers now find it easier to select reliable developers and projects thanks to the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) 2016. Customers feel more confident about purchasing real estate now that the RERA has emerged. From the project’s current phase to the permissions obtained or pending by the developer, every detail about the project is available on each state’s RERA website. The innovative legislation’s penalty provisions protect purchasers from construction delays and subpar work. 

To what extent has your project gained recognition since its inception? 

There are effects between a real estate project and its surrounding area. For this reason, choosing whether to invest in an appreciating or depreciating project is essential. It also applies to the project’s surrounding area. To put it in perspective, the homebuying values of Godrej Hillside, an unfinished residential project in Mahalunge, Pune, have increased by more than 50% during the past three years. Over the same period, Mahalunge’s real estate prices have increased by more than 20%. Godrej Hillside anticipates raising prices to complete several units beginning in October 2024. Investing in such a project yields a positive Return on Investment (ROI) for the buyer. You have to ask the builder this kind of question to ascertain the performance of your investment. 

How many units in the project have sold out? 

Even though a builder is more likely to provide an exaggerated response, it is still crucial to ask this question. The investigation is necessary since sluggish sales could indicate issues with the specific project. Asking the builder how many inquiries they receive in a week or month can also help you gain a better understanding. A reasonable exception for the conversion should be one or two percent of the quoted amount. Real estate experts caution against adopting a herd mentality when making investments. It is advisable to carefully examine the project, investigate the neighborhood, verify the project’s RERA registration status, and get a sense of the builder’s popularity by speaking with previous purchasers. 

What is the total number of units sold in the project? 

Even though a builder is more likely to provide an exaggerated response, it is still crucial to ask this question. Investigating sluggish sales is essential as it could indicate issues with the specific project. Asking the builder how many inquiries they receive in a week or month can also help you gain a better understanding. A reasonable expectation for the conversion should be one or two percent of the quoted amount. Nevertheless, you should not copy a project because other buyers flock to it. Real estate experts caution against adopting a herd mentality when making investments. 

It is advisable to carefully examine the project, investigate the neighborhood, verify the project’s RERA registration status, and get a sense of the builder’s popularity by speaking with previous purchasers. 

Can you tell us more about your prior projects? 

Verifying a builder’s history is extremely important. If the builder has completed projects on time and with structural integrity, you can expect the pattern to continue. Developers like Godrej Properties can build a solid reputation by meeting the needs of their customers with well-executed projects on schedule. 

Which commercial rights in the project will you keep? 

Developers typically maintain a commercial stake in a project long after it ends and ownership passes on. When buyers learn that the builder has kept some rights, like the clubhouse, and has only shared membership with them, they frequently feel duped and let down. It is best to talk about this with the builder and get it included in the agreement before you sign on the dotted line. 

Even though investing in a project still under construction may seem intimidating, there are benefits, such as being somewhat more affordable initially, offering better returns over time, and offering more customization options. However, it is advisable to invest in a project accredited with the RERA, use a property portal, and consider any future developments in the neighborhood before finalizing the deal–as with any real estate transaction. However, it is advisable to invest in a project accredited with the RERA, use a property portal, and consider any future developments in the neighborhood before finalizing the deal –as with any real estate transaction. 

Investment in Real Estate in India

A wise investment can transform our lives and give us the assets we require to realize our aspirations. Today, most of us have various investments in our investment portfolios, including stocks, gold, bonds, government programs, etc. However, real estate has been one of the most overlooked and underrated investments in recent years. Given the enormous economic growth in most Indian cities, the average income has increased, giving us more incentives to invest in the future. Real estate may be your ideal choice if you want to invest. 

The importance of real estate 

Over the years, kingdoms have fought over land, using every means possible to win that priceless possession. The demand for land has endured despite the lack of kingdoms, with everyone vying for a piece of the pie. Prime real estate can be a wise choice to invest in. It offers far above traditional investment options because its demand and value never decline. Everyone aspires to own a home because it can lead to financial success and potential fulfillment. Due to the lack of available land in cities nationwide, investing in even a tiny dwelling can yield benefits, such as rental income or the ability to resell it for a profit. 

Factors to Take into Account Before Investing in Real Estate

An investor with no prior real estate experience could become seduced by the promise of profits and make a loss on a piece of the property. Before parting with one’s hard-earned money for real estate investment, a novice should consider the following factors. 

  • Keep Calm- Most legitimate property transactions take a few days to complete, making buying a property time-consuming. Although many real estate companies promise to finish paperwork within a day, patience can help you get a good deal. Jumping the gun may result in you paying more for the property or buying one that exceeds your expectations. Additionally, selling can delay projects, testing your patience if your investment does not yield any returns for a while. 
  • Research the Property: In today’s market, it’s vital to research before leaving to search for a property. Choosing the right real estate can be challenging with so many projects in the works, as sellers are frequently known for charming potential buyers. The amenities provided, the history of the building company, the materials used, and the surrounding area can all affect the returns on your investment. If you do not investigate thoroughly before making a purchase, you might regret it later and lose money. 
  • Check the Papers: Considering how easily a buyer unfamiliar with the real estate market can fall into buying a property with phony papers, the papers of a property are the most essential considerations to make. Purchasing a property with cloudy titles can result in protracted legal disputes or court cases, effectively making the investment worthless. Legal professionals should verify the authenticity of all property papers because failing to do so could result in you buying a property with its title in dispute. People frequently sell homes for less than market value, which should raise a red flag as such homes may be the subject of litigation or have internal problems with the owner. 
  • Verify Market Rates: Most local governments offer a guideline value to assist investors in determining an asset’s rate. By keeping track of neighborhood trends with the help of the market rate, you can avoid paying more for a property than it is worth. You can extrapolate the returns you may expect in the future by studying market rates and figuring out developments. 
  • Talk to your neighbors: While most of us overlook this advice, talking to your neighbors is a good idea. By gaining firsthand knowledge of a community’s conditions, you can identify any issues or regions where a purchase might suffer. Speaking with them can also help you learn about current market prices, the past of the area, and the potential for future growth. One can get a clear picture of the real estate they intend to buy because neighbors are not salespeople trying to sell you the property. 
  • Calculate Your Finances: It is essential to determine your financial situation to ensure that you accomplish specific goals. Although getting a bank loan is straightforward, it is crucial to consider the interest rate and other costs. 
  • Remain Positive: It is critical to maintain optimism while carrying out a real estate transaction because there will inevitably be times when things do not go as planned. When dealing with sellers of homes, keeping your composure can help you gain more advantages. 
  • In the Indian real estate market, negotiating is essential because everyone is looking for a deal that will increase their wealth. Understanding the art of negotiation can help you get additional freebies like parking spots, furniture, etc. 
  • Real estate investments are typically safer than other investments, but that does not mean they are risk-free. Take this into consideration. In India, legal obstacles and property disputes are prevalent, so one should verify that the property they are interested in is free of obstacles and legal issues. 

Given the shifting dynamics of our times, owning a property may be the wisest course of action. A beginner can choose the right course for investing in real estate by considering these guidelines.