10 Things to Check Before Buying a Home in 2026

Buying a home is exciting - and stressful. Before you sign anything, run through this checklist.

1. Verify the title documents

Ask for the original sale deed, chain of ownership and encumbrance certificate. A lawyer should verify the title before you pay anything.

2. Check approvals and sanctions

For apartments, confirm the project has approval from the local development authority. For plots, verify land use zoning.

3. Visit at different times

Visit the property on a weekday and a weekend, in daylight and after dark, to understand noise, parking and neighbourhood activity.

4. Hidden costs

Stamp duty, registration, brokerage and society charges can add 8-12% to your budget. Plan for them upfront.

5. Resale value

Even if you plan to live forever, buy something someone else would also want. Location and layout drive resale value.

The remaining points - water supply, power backup, society corpus, RERA status, loan eligibility and legal scrutiny - matter just as much. When in doubt, ask an expert.