Understand costs involved in property investments in India




      What is   4   +   1   ?

      11 Costs You Must Consider for Property Investment in India

      By SQUAREA Knowledge Hub

      Published: January 15, 2024

      Buying a home is probably one of the biggest purchases you will make in your lifetime. But to make sure the cost of the property fits into your budget you must understand the different factors that contribute to the final cost of property investment. You are probably aware of some factors, like construction material, land, and labour charges. But you cannot rely simply on the per-square-foot charges as quoted by the builder to estimate the cost of your property investment.

      Here are some – potentially hidden – components that make up the total cost of property investment in India:

      Preferential Locality Charges (PLC)

      PLCs are usually levied on a ‘per floor, per square foot’ basis, and are the costs you must pay to access “prized locations”. This may simply be the floor rise charges or premium costs for penthouses that come with gardens or lake views. This cost is not fixed and will vary from builder to builder and from time to time.

      Parking Charges

      Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2010, many developers still charge hefty amounts for covered parking spaces. This can range anywhere between 1 to 5 lakh on top of the price of your flat.

      Club Membership

      Clubs in residential societies have become a rising trend and do not come free of cost. You must pay a one-time membership fee – for a predetermined period – to access these clubs. This can turn into a recurring expense after the initial period ends.

      Charges for Civic Amenities

      Builders also tend to charge additional costs for civic amenities like fire safety, electricity backup, and water – adding them to the total cost of the property. Builders often levy charges like External Electrification Charges (EEC) and Fire Fighting Equipment Charges (FFEC) at the time of purchase. And you may also have to bear the costs of getting an electric connection for your home.

      External Development Charges (EDC) and Infrastructure Development Charges (IDC)

      EDC and IDC are the charges developers must pay the state government for infrastructure and amenities – like access roads, parks, or civic infrastructure – development in the surrounding areas. However, builders often pass these costs on to the buyers, adding to the overall cost of property investment.

      Maintenance Deposit

      Residential societies charge maintenance fees for the amenities they provide. Builders often take an upfront maintenance deposit at the time of purchase to cover maintenance for up to 2 years. After this, the residents are responsible for establishing a co-op society and setting a maintenance amount to be collected monthly or annually.

      Brokerage Fees

      Although not hidden, buyers often end up overlooking brokerage fees when working with a real estate broker. They often charge 1-2% of the total house cost as brokerage, which adds to your total cost of property investment.

      Stamp Duty and Registration Fees

      The state government charges anywhere between 5 to 7% of the property value as stamp duty. This is a compulsory fee to get the house registered in your name. Additionally, you will also need to pay 1-2% of property value as registration fees to the court for the full and final agreement indicating the change of ownership.

      Goods and Services Tax (GST)

      Every under-construction property in India is subject to GST – 1% for homes under 45 lakh and 5% for more expensive homes. Ready-to-move properties, however, are exempt from GST.

      Home Loan Processing Fees

      If you are opting for a home loan, you will also need to factor in loan processing fees in your property investment budget. These fees will cover the basic administrative costs, costs to carry out credit checks, and any additional costs for value-added services – like property search, flexible tenor, or online loan application.

      Peripheral Expenses (moving/interiors/furniture)

      Your property investment costs do not end with the purchase and registration of your house. You have to budget for moving expenses, interiors, furniture, electrical appliances, and any other peripheral expenses when deciding to purchase a property. These costs can easily go up to 10 lakh even if you are focusing only on basic necessities.

      There is no way you can avoid these charges when purchasing a property. So be sure to plan for these and keep some room in your budget for any unexpected changes.

      The Squarea team can help you understand all the costs involved in property investment. Get in touch with us today to start your home-buying journey.

      For more details on this subject, please email hello@squarea.io


      Tags
      • Investment

      Other Stories

      25 September 2024
      State Wise Stamp Duty in India 2024

      Introduction to Stamp Duty and Registration in India

      Stamp duty is a tax levied by state governments in India on various real estate transactions, such as property purchases, lease agreements, and mortgage deeds. The primary purpose of stamp duty is to validate and legalize these documents, ensuring their authenticity and enforceability in the eyes of the law. This essential tax plays a crucial role in revenue generation for the state governments and is a significant cost consideration for individuals and businesses involved in property transactions. Understanding the state-wise stamp duty rates and regulations is vital for anyone looking to navigate the complex landscape of real estate transactions in India.

         

      Definition and Purpose of Stamp Duty

      Stamp duty serves as a legal instrument to make documents legally valid and enforceable. Essentially, it acts as a revenue-generating mechanism for the government and ensures the authenticity of transactions. When discussing what are stamp duty and registration charges, remember that they are crucial for validating property transactions. Stamp duty is like the official notary of the paperwork world.

      Overview of State-wise Stamp Duty Rates in 2024

      Stamp duty rates vary across different states in India and can significantly impact the cost of property transactions. Understanding these rates is crucial for anyone entering the real estate market, as they can make or break a deal. Knowing registration fee and stamp duty is equally important for calculating the overall cost.

      Key Factors Affecting Stamp Duty Rates

      Several factors influence stamp duty rates, including the property type, transaction value, and even the economic conditions prevailing in a particular state. For example, non-residential property stamp duty might differ significantly from residential property. It's essential to be aware of these varying stamp duty levels for different kinds of real estate deals.

      Comparison of Stamp Duty Rates Among Major States

      Comparing stamp duty rates across major states can provide valuable insights into the cost of property transactions. This is akin to window shopping for property registration charges you get to see the price tags in different states without actually having to pay upfront.

      Factors Influencing Stamp Duty Charges

      When it comes to stamp duty charges, it's not just about the property type and transaction value. Government policies and economic conditions also play a significant role in determining how much you'll have to pay. Being familiar with duty stamp fees in different states helps in making informed decisions.

      Property Type and Transaction Value

      Whether you're buying a cozy apartment or a sprawling villa, the type of property and its transaction value can have a direct impact on the stamp duty charges. For instance, registration fee for house purchases may vary depending on the location and size of the property.

      Government Policies and Economic Conditions

      Government policies and economic conditions can shape stamp duty charges, making them fluctuate. Monitoring these factors helps in understanding what is stamp duty in India and how it may affect your real estate investment.

      Comparison of Stamp Duty Rates Across States

      Delving into the nitty-gritty of stamp duty rates across states can reveal valuable insights for property buyers and sellers. For example, states like Maharashtra and Delhi may have different property registration charges, impacting your transaction costs significantly.

      Impact of Stamp Duty Variations on Property Transactions

      Stamp duty variations can have a significant impact on property transactions, influencing buyer behavior and market dynamics. Higher rates of non-residential property stamp duty may deter investment in certain states, while lower rates can stimulate demand.

      Impact of Stamp Duty Changes on Real Estate Market

      Stamp duty changes have a profound impact on the real estate market in India. Buyers and sellers closely monitor these adjustments, as they directly influence registration fee and stamp duty.

      Historical Trends in Stamp Duty Modifications

      Over the years, India has seen various modifications in stamp duty rates and regulations. Understanding stamp duty levels helps in anticipating how these changes can shape property transactions.

      Recent Developments and Trends in Stamp Duty Regulations

      Staying updated on the latest stamp duty and registration charges is essential for smooth property transactions. Emerging trends show that the government may soon introduce digital methods for paying duty stamp fees

      Strategies to Mitigate Stamp Duty Costs

      Mitigating stamp duty costs is a priority for many individuals involved in property transactions. Exploring legal methods to minimize property registration charges can help reduce financial burdens.

      Legal Methods to Minimize Stamp Duty Payments

      Understanding the legal avenues to minimize registration fee for house and non-residential property stamp duty can result in significant cost savings.

      Practical Tips for Negotiating Stamp Duty Fees

      Practical tips such as conducting thorough research and exploring potential exemptions can aid in negotiating favorable stamp duty and registration charges.

      Conclusion 

      In conclusion, analyzing the state-wise stamp duty landscape in India provides valuable insights for stakeholders in the real estate market. By understanding and adapting to trends in stamp duty levels and property registration charges, individuals and businesses can better navigate the complexities of stamp duty regulations and optimize their financial strategies in the real estate sector.

      17 July 2024
      DN Homes and YOO Worldwide Unveil Bhubaneswar’s First Branded Residences

      Since 2003, DN Homes has been a key player in Odisha's luxury real estate sector. Collaborating with YOO Worldwide London, they are set to launch Odisha’s first branded residences, further elevating Bhubaneswar's modern skyline with the DN YOO Odisha project.

      14 July 2024
      DN Homes & YOO Worldwide: Transforming Bhubaneswar with Odisha’s First Branded Residences

      DN Homes, a prominent name in Odisha's real estate since 2003, has partnered with YOO Worldwide London to introduce the state’s first branded residences. Known for its luxury developments, DN Homes is poised to redefine Bhubaneswar’s skyline with DN YOO Odisha.