Ultimate 2025 Checklist: 15 Crucial Things to Check Before Buying a House

You are ready to buy a house, and the excitement is real, but before you invest your life savings in it, you need to do a few checks. Because you deserve a home that ticks all the boxes, we have got an ultimate 2025 Checklist of 15 Crucial Things to Check Before Buying a House!

Buying a house is a big deal—emotionally, mentally, and financially. This is especially true in India, where real estate is booming and confusion can run as deep as the foundation. This guide is here to break down things to check before buying a house in India​. If you are considering a project like Elegance by Guru Punvaanii, then this article is for you!

The Checklist

• Is the legal paperwork clear?
• RERA registration
• Builder’s reputation check?
• Location
• Construction quality
• Understand what you are paying for
• Amenities
• Water & Electricity
• Is it safe?
• Will it resell or rent well?
• Maintenance charges
• Environmentally conscious?
• Home loan
• Possession timeline and delays

Now, let’s dive deep into each of these to get a better understanding:

• Is The Legal Paperwork Clear?

No one wants to get stuck in the legal hassles, right? Which is why you should always look for:

• A clear title
• Encumbrance certificate
• NOCs from relevant departments

Guru Punvaanii’s Elegance has all the necessary documents, so you can always ask for copies, go through them, or hire a property lawyer if you wish to.  Peace of mind > paperwork panic!

• Rera Registration

RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) is one of the most trusted sources to get information about any property, and that too is true. It is because of a RERA registration:

• Can’t lie about the carpet area
• Can’t delay possession without consequences.
• Is legally bound to follow what was promised.

Elegance is RERA-approved, which checks the “things to check before buying a new house​” box! So, make sure  to always check the RERA number online before you go any further, because every state has a site.

• Builder’s Reputation Check?

Would you buy from a brand you’ve never heard of? No right? So, why risk it when it comes to such a big financial decision?

Do not put a tick on it unless you look into:

• Past projects (Were they completed on time?)
• What do existing residents say?
• Are there reviews online?
• Any ongoing legal issues?

• Location

Everyone says location is important, and there is no doubt about it! When buying a property, you need to ask:

• How far is the nearest hospital, school, or grocery store?
• What’s the traffic like during rush hour?
• Is public transport accessible?
• Is it peaceful? Safe? Walkable?

• Construction Quality

You can paint over cracks, but you can’t hide poor construction. These are some more things to check before buying a house in India​:

• Tap the walls—are they hollow?
• Look for damp patches or seepage.
• Check window and door alignments.
• Open every tap. Test the flush. Switch on all lights.

Although you don’t have to worry about this with Elegance, as it uses high-quality materials for the build!

• Understand What You Are Paying For

If you are new to this, then you should know that there’s carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area. You pay for the super build up area, but how much is actually usable should not be ignored.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Carpet area = actual usable space.
• Built-up area = carpet area + walls and balcony.
• Super built-up = all the above + common spaces like lifts, stairs.

Make sure that when on site, you ask these things and take good note of them!

• Amenities 

A rooftop swimming pool sounds great, but that’s not something your everyday life will depend upon. Which is why you should instead focus on:

• Security systems (CCTV, guards, intercoms)
• Gym (if you’ll use it)
• Reliable lifts
• Kids play area
• Common area cleanliness

• Water & Electricity

Now this might sound pretty obvious and boring, but it is important, and many people assume the water and electricity supply to be good. This assumption can change everything! Which is why you should always be curious to know about:

 

• Where’s the water coming from?
• Are there regular power cuts?
• Is there 24/7 backup?
• Are the pipelines and wiring up to code?

• Is It Safe?

If there is one thing you can never put a price tag on, its safety! No matter how luxurious the place is, but if it is not gated, or secured well internally and from the outside, then you should leave this checkbox unticked!

Here are things that you can look into when analysing the place:

• Are the gates manned 24×7?
• Are the corridors and parking areas well lit?
• Are fire exits easy to access?
• Any past incidents of theft or break-ins?

Elegance by Guru Punvaanii has smart security systems plus round-the-clock human watch. This gives you double security, so you and your family can enjoy a tension-free time.

• Will It Resell Or Rent Well?

Now, if you are someone who is always on the run, or can see themselves on the move years ahead, then you might want to go for renting or reselling. Which is why, think long term by taking a house:

• In a desirable neighbourhood.
• Near commercial or educational hubs.
  
• Well-maintained and modern-looking.
  
• Easy to rent out (in case you move cities).

• Maintenance Charges

Usually, when buyers approve the total costs, but forget about the monthly maintenance charge. Which is why you should always know these things to check before buying a house​: 

• What is the monthly maintenance?
  
• What does it cover?
  
• Are there society rules (no pets, no bachelors, etc.)?
  
• Any sinking fund?
  

• Environmentally Conscious?

If you are someone who is very environmentally conscious and likes their spaces to be green, then these things should be on your priority list to look for:

• Rainwater harvesting
  
• Solar lighting in common areas
  
• Waste segregation
  
• Green landscaping

The Elegance ticks all the boxes for green and lively spaces here. So, you get both the aesthetics and sustainability.

• Home Loan

We understand that it’s your dream loan, and everything just clicks and ticks. But, before you take the big step, do check if your wallet can handle the EMI, if you are going for a long time. At this point, it is good to ask yourself:

• What’s your loan eligibility?
  
• What’s the current home loan interest rate?
  
• Is the builder tied up with any banks (for better deals)?
  

• Possession Timeline And Delays

In real estate, it is very common to not get what you asked for, and if get it, then not at the same timeline it was promised on. These delays can cause frustration, and so to save yourself from it, make sure to ask the developer:

• Exact possession date?
  
• What’s the buffer period?
  
• Any penalty clause if they delay?

• What’s New?

Imagine this: you move into your dream home, and six months later, a mall pops up next door or the government announces a metro line. Both things will directly impact the lifestyle you lead there. The former will increase the traffic around the area, while the latter will spike the property rates. 

Which is why, beforehand, ensure to check:

• What’s planned in the area?
  
• Is it going to get crowded or more connected?
  
• How will this affect your day-to-day life?