10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Any Flat
Don't Sign Without These Answers

1. What Is Your RERA Registration Number?

Non-negotiable. Every legitimate project in Telangana must be RERA registered. Verify it yourself on rera.telangana.gov.in. If a builder hesitates to provide this, walk away immediately.

2. What Is the Exact Carpet Area of This Flat?

Not super built-up area, not saleable area — carpet area. This is the actual usable space you'll live in. Get it in writing and cross-verify with RERA filings. Carpet area is typically 65-72% of the super built-up area quoted in brochures.

3. What Is the Complete Cost Breakdown?

Ask for a written breakdown including:

• Base price per sqft × carpet/SBU area
• GST (5% for under-construction, 0% for ready)
• Registration & stamp duty (~7.5% in Telangana)
• Corpus fund, maintenance deposit
• Car parking charges (can be ₹3-8 Lakhs)
• Club membership, legal charges, documentation fees

The total should be 15-20% above the "starting price" you see in ads.

4. What Is the Committed Possession Date?

Get the RERA-registered possession date in writing. Ask what happens if they miss it — RERA mandates compensation at SBI's highest lending rate, but you need this documented in your agreement.

5. When Will OC/CC Be Issued?

Occupancy Certificate (OC) and Completion Certificate (CC) are essential legal documents. Without OC, you technically cannot move in legally, and banks may not release final loan disbursement. Ask the builder's timeline for obtaining these after construction completion.

6. What Payment Plan Options Are Available?

Construction-linked, time-linked, or down-payment? Understand each option's timeline, discount structure, and what happens if construction is delayed. Choose the plan that protects you, not just the one that seems cheapest.

7. What Is Your Cancellation & Refund Policy?

Life changes — job transfers, financial emergencies. Know upfront: how much do you lose if you cancel? RERA says builders can forfeit only a reasonable amount (typically 10% of booking), but many try to deduct more. Get this in writing.

8. What Are the Monthly Maintenance Charges?

Ask for the expected maintenance charge per sqft per month. In Hyderabad, this ranges from ₹2.5-5/sqft. For a 1,500 sqft flat, that's ₹3,750-7,500/month — a significant recurring expense. Also ask how many months' advance maintenance is required at possession.

9. What Power & Water Backup Is Provided?

Specifically ask: Is it full power backup or only for common areas? How many hours of DG backup per flat? What's the water source — borewell, municipal, tanker? Is there a dedicated water treatment plant? These directly impact your daily living quality.

10. What Is the Builder's Track Record?

Ask them directly: how many projects delivered on time? How many are currently under construction? Can you provide contact details of previous buyers? A confident builder will happily share this. Evasiveness is a red flag.

Golden Rule

Never accept verbal promises. Every answer should be documented in your booking form or agreement of sale. What's not written doesn't exist in real estate. Take 24 hours before signing anything — pressure to "book today" is a sales tactic, not a genuine deadline.