With an abundance of options available, one of the first decisions prospective home buyers must take is whether they should opt for a ready-to-move-in or an under-construction property. Which is the better choice?
The answer is not always straightforward. Both have their unique advantages and drawbacks. And you must weigh them and decide which option is the best suited for your unique condition. So here are some major pros and cons of ready-to-move-in and under-construction homes to help simplify that decision:
As the name suggests, ready-to-move-in properties are finished residential properties that you can start enjoying immediately. But are they the right choice for you?
Instant Access: One of the major benefits of ready-to-move-in property is virtually zero waiting period. You can immediately move in after making the payment and completing the necessary documentation. This relieves you of the stress of having to pay both rent and EMIs as you wait for possession.
You Get What You See: In ready-possession homes, you get precisely what you see. There is no chance that what you saw during the visit will change once you move in. So you have the opportunity to check for the features you want and choose the home best suited for your vision.
No GST: The Goods and Service Tax does not apply to ready-to-move-in properties. Additionally, you can immediately start collecting tax benefits if you use a home loan to purchase a ready-possession home.
Learn From the Locals: You can interact with the locals to understand their experience living in the area, check the social infrastructure and connectivity, and see if this is the right community for you. You can also understand any potential issues you may face and decide whether the property is worth investing in.
High Costs: Ready-to-move-in properties often sport a costlier price tag, often 20% to 30% higher than under-construction property.
Construction Quality: You have no way of verifying the construction quality, analyzing the project development, and learning about the materials when buying a finished apartment. You will have to rely on visual checks and the word of the seller to gauge construction quality.
Property Age: Buying a ready-to-move-in property does not guarantee you a brand-new home. The apartment may not have been put on sale for a while, it might have been on the market for some time, or previous owners may not have maintained it well. All these factors contribute to the home appearing old.
Lack of RERA Registration: Older properties, with occupancy certificates issued before 1st May 2016, are not covered under the RERA Act. Therefore the responsibility of proper due diligence and access the relevant information from public platforms falls on the buyer.
Compared to ready-to-move-in homes, under-construction properties are in various stages of completion and still have some work to do. If you are ready to wait, are under-construction properties better for you?
Lower Costs: When compared with ready-possession properties, under-construction properties can be anywhere between 10% and 30% cheaper. If you are on a tight budget and are ready to wait, this price difference can be worthwhile.
Higher Appreciation: Property prices go up as the construction progresses. Additionally, improvement in local infrastructure during this time can also increase overall property values. So if you are looking for a higher return on investment, purchasing a property in the early stages of construction makes more sense.
Flexible Payment Options: An under-construction property offers much more flexible payment options than a finished property. For example, you can reserve the property with a small down payment and pay the balance on possession or make partial payments as the construction progresses.
New Construction: If you want to live in a brand-new home with no maintenance issues and a long life, under-construction properties are the way to go. They also give you access to the latest amenities, services, and design trends for a trendy home.
RERA Compliance: Every property with an occupancy certificate issued after 1st May 2017 has to be registered under RERA. Therefore, all under-construction properties fall under RERA authority and are required to abide by its principles and ethical business practices. You can easily get information about new under-construction projects on the
Offers: Since there is a wait to move into under-construction properties, builders often run promotions and offers to attract buyers. So you have to option to not only look for the home design and amenities you want but to find the most attractive offers as well.
Greater Risk:Under-construction properties are higher risk investments as builders may fail to deliver on schedule or – in the worst case scenario – fail to deliver the project due to lack of resources. So researching the builder and choosing a reputed real-estate developer is essential when investing in under-construction properties.
Disparity between Design and Finished Product: With under-construction properties, you run the risk of not receiving the promised amenities, altered layouts, or insufficient usable space at the time of possession.
GST and Tax Implications: Under-construction properties are subject to GST – 1% for homes priced under INR 45 lakh and 5% for properties worth more than 45 lakh – in addition to stamp duty and registration fees. Additionally, you also cannot claim tax benefits for under-construction properties until possession. However, the interest you pay on a home loan is tax-deductible (up to INR 2.5 lakh) if you move in within three years of securing the loan.
Ready-to-move-in or under-construction, both properties have their advantages and drawbacks. You need to assess your unique situation and decide which option suits your needs the best.
Looking for a property to suit your lifestyle? Get in touch with the Squarea team today to find the ideal home for you.
For more details on this subject, please email hello@squarea.io
Luxury real estate today is defined by more than just prime locations and exquisite design, it is about identity, association, and the influence of a globally recognized name. For Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNIs), a home is not just a place to live but a reflection of personal taste, influence, and a carefully curated lifestyle. This evolving mindset is reshaping India’s luxury housing market, driving a clear shift towards signature residences by luxury brands over traditional luxury homes.
In recent years, this segment has moved from niche to mainstream. Branded residences command a 30% price premium globally on average, yet continue to experience strong absorption, particularly in luxury growth markets like India. The demand is no longer just about luxury, it’s about what the brand signifies: status, trust, lifestyle, and investment stability.
Branded Residences: A New Language of Luxury
Unlike conventional high-end homes, a branded residence is created in partnership with an international brand. Collaborations span across fashion, hospitality, design, and automotive brands such as Armani, Versace or Four Seasons, names that already hold strong recognition in the minds of buyers. These partnerships introduce a specific design approach, a high-end service model, and a commitment to quality that differentiates these residences within the high-end real estate market.
While the concept originated in the early 20th century, it has evolved into a strategic asset class, combining high-end living with brand-driven desirability. Today, buyers’ high-net-worth lifestyle choices are acting as a driving force behind the rise of branded residences over traditional luxury homes.
Why UHNIs Gravitate Towards Branded Residences
As seen earlier, for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals, the value of a property is increasingly defined by the lifestyle it offers and the narrative it holds. What truly sets branded residences apart from traditional luxury homes is the ecosystem of access, service, and elevated living that comes with them.
Key differentiators include:
Ultimately, these homes align with evolving high-net-worth lifestyle choices, where emotional resonance, brand identity, and exclusivity carry equal weight as tangible specifications.
Investment Value: Why Branded Real Estate Delivers More
Branded residences offer distinct investment advantages over traditional luxury homes, delivering stronger capital appreciation, higher rental yields, and better resale value. Their exclusivity is maintained through limited inventory and sustained demand, while brand affiliation enhances buyer confidence and market desirability. Additionally, professional asset management ensures consistent upkeep, preserving long-term value and making these properties particularly appealing to high-net-worth tenants and international investors.
As per a recent report on exclusive high-end property market insights, the branded residence segment in India is poised for a 60% growth by 2027, reflecting sustained confidence in this model among both investors and developers. These properties are more than just high-end real estate, they offer a refined living experience while delivering strong investment potential and long-term value.
Pune: An Emerging Market for Branded Residences
Mumbai and Delhi NCR remain key hubs for luxury real estate, but Pune is seeing increased activity in the branded residences segment. Rising income levels, ongoing urban development, and a growing base of high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) are driving demand. With an expanding portfolio of luxury developments, Pune is positioning itself as a viable market for branded residences within India’s luxury real estate landscape.
Signature branded projects in the city include:
Luxury living is evolving, moving beyond grandeur to personal identity and beyond expansive spaces to meaningful design. Ultra-luxury residences today are as much about aspiration as they are about financial performance. Branded residences, in particular, stand at this intersection, offering exclusivity, lasting value, and a sense of belonging. With limited availability and strong demand, they continue to shape the future of India’s high-end real estate market.
At SQUAREA, our team of experts understand that luxury is no longer transactional, it’s transformational. Whether you’re acquiring a legacy asset or investing in your next statement home, we bring you access to the finest branded residences India has to offer. For more details, get in touch with us at hello@squarea.io or contact +91 90 9641 9641
Luxury real estate in India is not just evolving—it’s booming. Luxury housing sales in India, particularly for units priced at ₹4 crore and above, recorded a 37.8% year-on-year growth during the January-September 2024 period, according to CBRE. The surge underscores sustained demand from both end-users and investors. High-end living is no longer a niche, it’s a defining choice for the discerning. Let’s deep dive into what’s causing this shift in buyer behavior.
India’s luxury residential market is evolving, driven by changing buyer preferences and a younger, globally exposed demographic. With nearly 20% of the country’s HNIs now under 40, demand is shifting towards smart, sustainable, and experience-driven living.
Post-pandemic lifestyle changes have further fueled the preference for expansive homes with dedicated wellness zones and workspaces. Branded residences are also gaining traction, offering assured quality and premium amenities. As developers respond to these trends, luxury real estate continues to position itself as both an aspirational choice and a stable investment avenue.
India’s luxury and ultra-luxury housing segments continue to gain momentum, with the total sales value of ultra-luxury homes across the top seven cities reaching approximately ₹4,754 crore in 2024—marking a 17% increase from the previous year (Anarock Research). This surge highlights growing investor confidence in high-end real estate as a resilient and profitable asset class.
Several factors contribute to the strength of this segment:
Developers are expanding their ultra-luxury portfolios to meet this demand. Notably, DLF’s latest ₹4,000 crore project near Delhi saw all 173 units sell out within weeks, reinforcing the market’s strong appetite for high-end living. With evolving buyer preferences, rising disposable incomes, and increasing institutional investments, luxury real estate remains a key driver of India’s residential market.(Reuters).
While Mumbai and Delhi have traditionally dominated India’s luxury housing market, Pune is fast emerging as a prime destination for high-end real estate investment. With a rising base of high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), a thriving IT and business ecosystem, and improving infrastructure, the city is witnessing a surge in demand for premium residences.
Key micro-markets such as Koregaon Park, Kalyani Nagar, and Baner have become hubs for luxury living, offering world-class amenities, contemporary architecture, and exclusive lifestyle experiences. Branded residences, expansive penthouses, and tech-enabled smart homes are increasingly shaping Pune’s high-end residential landscape.
Unlike Mumbai, where luxury real estate comes at a steep premium, Pune still offers a relatively attractive entry point for investors. The combination of strong rental yields, capital appreciation potential, and a growing affluent buyer base makes Pune a compelling market for both end-users and long-term investors looking to diversify their real estate portfolios.
Over 80% of developers anticipate an increase in housing demand from NRIs, driven by India's attractive investment landscape and favorable regulatory environment (Colliers). While emotional ties remain a factor, NRI investors are increasingly drawn to premium properties for their global-standard amenities, strong rental yields, and long-term wealth preservation.
Favorable exchange rates, simplified digital buying processes, and improved transparency in real estate regulations have made investing in India more seamless than ever. Among emerging investment hubs, Pune stands out due to its robust infrastructure, cosmopolitan lifestyle, and high-quality educational and healthcare institutions. Areas like Kalyani Nagar, Koregaon Park, and Baner offer luxury residences that cater to global living standards, making Pune a strategic choice for NRIs looking to invest in high-end real estate with both lifestyle and financial returns in mind.
The road ahead is promising. As per a joint report by Knight Frank and the National Real Estate Development Council (Naredeco), India’s real estate sector is projected to reach $5.8 trillion by 2047, with its contribution to GDP expected to double from 7.3% to 15.5%.
As aspirations continue to rise and wealth creation deepens, luxury real estate in India will remain a powerful asset class, blending emotional fulfillment with robust financial returns. And in that narrative, Pune luxury real estate will continue to be a frontrunner, driven by sound fundamentals, long-term growth potential, and an evolving urban lifestyle
Additionally, regulatory reforms, enhanced transparency, and a maturing real estate ecosystem are making luxury housing a more attractive and secure investment. With India’s HNI population expected to grow at a double-digit rate in the coming years, the appetite for luxury real estate will likely remain strong. Looking ahead, the sector is set to expand beyond just homes—integrating mixed-use luxury developments, curated experiences, and global partnerships to redefine high-end living in India.
In a market where timing, insight, and access make all the difference, SQUAREA brings you closer to India’s most elite addresses. Whether you’re expanding your high-end real estate portfolio, exploring investment opportunities as an NRI, or acquiring your first ultra-luxury residence in Pune, we offer expert curation and discreet advisory tailored to your needs. For more details, get in touch with us at hello@squarea.io or contact +91 90 9641 9641
PUNE, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA, February 13, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- This Sunday, 16th February, SQUAREA presents GIME 2025, Pune’s first-of-its-kind Global Investments, Mobility & Education Roadshow, in partnership with Henley & Partners at Hyatt Pune, Kalyani Nagar. This exclusive event is designed for investors, entrepreneurs, and families looking to secure global residency and citizenship through investment-led routes. As economic landscapes evolve and international mobility becomes increasingly valuable, GIME 2025 will host global experts and offer strategic guidance into International Golden Visa, Permanent Residency, and Citizenship Programs, through cross-border wealth planning, investment, and business expansion routes.
The event will host programs and country experts from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Greece, Portugal, and Latvia. Key programs up for discussion will include the U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa, which offers an expedited route to the U.S. Green Card; Portugal’s Golden Residence Permit, a preferred option for those looking to secure Schengen residency through investment; and Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program, designed for tech entrepreneurs aiming to establish and scale businesses in North America. The event will also offer Greece’s Golden Visa, the United Kingdom’s Business Investment and Citizenship Program, and Latvia’s Residency by Investment Program. Alongside, UAE’s Golden Visa Program will also be present.
In an era where investment migration is increasingly becoming a critical component of growth and lifestyle planning, GIME 2025 aims to bridge the gap between investors and global opportunities.