First-Time Homebuyer Checklist: 7 Critical RERA Checks Before Booking

7 Crucial Steps Before Paying Your Property Booking Amount

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial milestones in a person's life. Ensuring your hard-earned capital is secure requires rigorous legal due diligence under RERA guidelines.

1. Verify Official RERA Registration Number: Ensure the project is registered on state portals (e.g. HARERA, UP-RERA, MahaRERA) and check approved building sanction plans.
2. Check Developer Escrow Account Details: Confirm that 70% of project funds are deposited into a dedicated RERA escrow bank account.
3. Inspect Encumbrance & Title Search Certificate: Request a 30-year title search certificate to verify the land is free from lawsuits or legal encumbrances.
4. Verify Bank APF (Approved Project Financials): Check if major banks like HDFC, SBI, and ICICI have issued APF codes for home loans.
5. Carpet Area vs Super Built-up Area: Ensure pricing is quoted strictly on RERA Carpet Area rather than ambiguous super built-up multipliers.
6. Review Builder-Buyer Agreement Clauses: Examine penalty rates for project delays and ensure symmetrical default clauses.
7. Verify RERA Possession Schedule: Check the committed possession date recorded on the official RERA portal.