Buyers
A first-time buyer's guide to Bangalore
Everything we wish someone had told us before our first purchase.
Buying your first home in Bangalore is part real-estate decision, part financial decision, and part identity decision. Here is the version of the process we wish someone had walked us through.
Decide what you are actually buying
A first home is not an investment. Repeat that to yourself before you tour anything. Investment math forces you to chase yield; a first home is a place to live in for at least 5–7 years.
Run the affordability math first
Don't fall in love with a project, then back-calculate the EMI. Run the affordability calculator before the first site visit. Keep EMI ≤ 40% of net income.
Treat the down payment seriously
Plan for 28–30% of property value out of pocket: 20% down payment + 8% for stamp duty + registration + legal + furnishing buffer.
Pick your three musts and your three nopes
Three must-haves you will not compromise on. Three deal-breakers. Everything else is negotiable. Without this list, every shortlist becomes infinite.
Read the Sale Agreement, not just the brochure
The Sale Agreement is the legal document. The brochure is marketing. The two differ on carpet area, possession date, and refund terms more often than you'd expect.
Walk through the actual unit, not the sample flat
Sample flats are designed to make small units feel large. The actual unit you will own has a column, a duct, and a window position you need to see.
Plan for an 18-month wait
Even Ready inventory takes 6–12 weeks to register, fit out, and move into. Under-construction takes 18–36 months. Don't sign a 12-month lease on a rental thinking you'll move in 6.
Hire an advisor (or don't — but make the choice consciously)
An advisor is paid by the developer, so you don't carry the cost. But the value is in the writing — checklists, document reviews, and an extra pair of eyes at the registration.