Buying a property, house or flat is one of the most important decisions one makes in their lives. Whatever might be the purpose, be it for living, for rental, or long-term investment, real estate transactions involve high capital and long-term legal and bank-related commitments. Despite regulatory reforms, the sector continues to present risks because of several reasons, including hidden costs, and legal complexities that most people don’t understand. Buying property in India requires patience, careful planning and professional/legal/financial guidance. Do check if the project is registered under the Real Estate Regulatory framework (RERA). Legal clarity is a must. Never rush into taking decisions. Always choose a cautious and document-driven approach because in real estate, informed caution is not a delay, it is a necessity.Legal title and ownership verificationFirst thing first. You need to clarify all the legalities. Make sure the title of the property is clear, legal, and marketable. A clear title confirms that the seller has the right to sell the property and that property is not disputed. Before signing any document, verify ownership details.Get an Encumbrance Certificate. It confirms that the property is free from legal liabilities. Which means the property is free of loans and mortgages. Buyers should also check for any pending litigation in local civil courts.Regulatory approvals and complianceFor under-construction or newly developed properties, it is important to have regulatory approvals. Make sure that the property has all permissions, including Occupation Certificate (OC) and Clearance Certificate (CC), for ready-to-move properties. And also verify the registration number, approved layout plans, and completion schedule.Location and Infrastructure

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Location is the main factor which determines a property’s long-term value. Buyers should assess future growth prospects of the region where they are buying the property. Some prime factors include connectivity to office, proximity to public transport, educational hubs and hospitals. Also check for zoning regulations and environmental restrictions. Also, the transaction value should be aligned with officially notified circle rates. Very important to know.Costing and PlanningA number of buyers focus on the quoted property price. They ignore the full cost of acquisition. This can lead to financial strain after buying the property. Know the cost of additional expenses such as stamp duty, registration charges, other tax on under-construction properties. Some legal fees and loan processing charges are also included, along with other prices. Buyers relying on home loans should also understand interest rate and long-term repayment plannings.Physical Inspection/Construction Quality

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Always check the construction quality before saying a Yes. Physical inspection is important, regardless of whether the property is new or not. Structural quality, ventilation, natural light, water supply, drainage systems, and overall construction matter. In under-construction projects, buyers should assess the quality of materials used. It is advisable to engage a qualified civil engineer who can check and approve these features.So, if you are someone planning to buy a property in 2026, here are five critical things you need to be careful of before.