The number on the price tag is rarely the number you'll actually pay. First-time buyers consistently underestimate the gap — sometimes by 8–10% of the property value — because several costs only surface late in the process. Here's the realistic tally.
Stamp duty and registration
This is usually the single largest add-on cost, varying by state and sometimes by the buyer's gender or category. It's charged on the higher of the agreement value or the government-notified guidance value — always check the guidance value for your locality before assuming your agreement price will be the basis.
Brokerage
Typically a percentage of the transaction value, sometimes split between buyer and seller, sometimes borne entirely by one side depending on local convention. Confirm this upfront — it's a conversation worth having before you view properties, not after you've picked one.
GST on under-construction property
Ready-to-move properties with an occupancy certificate are exempt from GST; under-construction properties are not. This alone can shift the effective cost comparison between two otherwise similar options.
Society and maintenance costs
- One-time society membership or transfer fee
- Advance maintenance deposit, often 1–2 years upfront in new developments
- Corpus fund contribution for larger gated communities
- Legal and documentation charges for drafting or vetting the sale deed
Loan-related costs
Processing fees, valuation charges, and sometimes a technical inspection fee are charged by the lender separately from the EMI itself. These are usually 0.5–1% of the loan amount but vary by lender.
A simple rule of thumb: budget an additional 8–10% over the quoted price for a resale or ready property, and slightly less for under-construction once GST timing is factored in. Ask your advisor for a full cost sheet before you finalise — a good one will hand you this unprompted.
