Buying a house in India is a dream for many people. But in today’s property market, this dream can turn into a stressful journey if you are not careful. Many homebuyers think RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) will solve all their problems. While RERA is a powerful tool, it cannot help if you make careless mistakes when buying property.
Whether buying a flat, villa, or an under-construction apartment, you must stay alert at every step. Builders often use tricky clauses, delay projects, or make fake promises. If you don’t stay informed, even RERA won’t be able to protect your rights. Let’s understand the 6 big mistakes people make while buying property in India—and how to avoid them.
1. Don’t Sign Any Agreement Without Reading the Fine Print
One of the most common mistakes homebuyers make is signing legal documents in a hurry. Builders usually give a huge bundle of papers, including the builder-buyer agreement, no-objection certificates, and affidavits. Many of these documents carry one-sided terms and favour only the builder.
Some agreements include hidden clauses like:
- The builder has the right to change the project layout
- Cancellation of your allotment without any warning
- Extra charges for parking, maintenance, or GST
Once you sign these papers, it becomes difficult to fight against them. Even RERA accepts these signed documents as legal proof, and you may lose your case. Always read every page carefully. Take help from a property lawyer before signing anything.
2. Avoid Cash Transactions at the Time of Booking
Many builders ask for a part of the booking amount in cash. Some buyers agree to this to save on stamp duty or to get discounts. But this can backfire later.
Cash transactions are not recorded officially. If there’s a dispute or the project gets canceled, you cannot prove you paid any money. RERA does not support cash dealings, and you’ll have no legal standing to claim a refund.
Always pay through cheque, bank transfer, or digital payments. Keep the receipts and bank proof safe; you will need them for future complaints or refunds.
3. Don’t Miss Any Payment Due Dates
Paying your EMIs or installments on time is your responsibility. Builders have a payment schedule, and you must stick to it. If you delay your payments, the builder can use this excuse for construction delays or cancel your booking.
Courts and RERA often rule that if the buyer has not paid on time, they cannot claim compensation for project delay. This weakens your case, even if the builder is also at fault.
Before signing any deal, check if the payment plan matches your budget. Avoid offers that have tight or inflexible payment structures.
4. Don’t Accept Revised Possession Dates Without Legal Advice
Sometimes, builders delay the project and offer you a new possession date—either orally or in writing. Many homebuyers accept this without thinking. But if you take the new date, it is legally assumed that you agreed to the delay.
This can ruin your case later if you file a complaint in RERA or court.
If the builder requests a change in delivery timeline, ask for written justification. Take legal advice before accepting it. Always reply to such requests via email or registered post so there is proof of your disagreement if needed.
5. Don’t Delay Filing a Complaint in RERA
There is no strict deadline for filing a complaint under RERA, but that doesn’t mean you should wait forever. If you delay too much, the authorities may dismiss your case, saying you were not serious.
If your builder:
- Misses possession deadlines
- Fails to provide promised amenities
- Does not respond to your refund or complaint requests
Then, file a complaint without delay. You can file your complaint online on the RERA website of your respective state. Provide all documents like payment proofs, agreement copies, and written communication.
6. Don’t Fall for Pre-EMI or Rental Return Offers
Some builders offer attractive schemes like:
- They will pay your home loan EMI till possession (Pre-EMI offer)
- You will get guaranteed rental income from the property
These offers may sound great, but most are private deals between you and the builder. RERA does not consider such schemes to be part of the property agreement.
If the builder stops paying your EMI or fails to provide rent, you cannot file a complaint in RERA. You’ll have to go to a consumer or civil court, which can take years.
These offers are often marketing tricks to attract buyers. Please do not rely on verbal promises or special schemes unless mentioned in your legal documents and approved by your bank or loan provider.
Bonus Tips for Homebuyers in India
- Always check if the project is registered under RERA.
- Visit the RERA website to verify builder details and past projects.
- Don’t believe in sample flats or fake showrooms.
- Demand actual photos and project status reports.
- Verify land ownership and legal clearances through a certified lawyer.
- Avoid under-construction projects without proper approvals.
Buying a house is a significant life decision. Stay alert, ask questions, and get help from legal experts. RERA is a safety net—but it works only if you play your part responsibly.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult a certified legal or real estate advisor before making any property investment or filing complaints under RERA.
Source: Navbharat Times
