Buying your first home in Bengaluru is one of the most significant financial decisions you will make. The city's real estate market is large, diverse, and constantly evolving — with hundreds of new launch and under-construction projects across five major residential zones. For a first-time buyer, the process can feel overwhelming.
This checklist is designed to guide you through every important step — from deciding your budget to making a safe booking decision — so you can approach your first property purchase in Bengaluru with clarity and confidence.
Most important rule for first-time buyers: Never rush a property purchase. Take your time to research, visit sites, verify documents, and make a decision based on facts — not sales pressure or fear of missing out.
Phase 1 — Budget and Financial Planning
💰 Financial Readiness Checklist
Determine your total available budget including down payment, registration charges, stamp duty, and GST — not just the base property price
Check your home loan eligibility with at least 2 to 3 banks before shortlisting properties
Understand that stamp duty in Karnataka is typically 5% and registration charges are 1% of the property value
Factor in GST on under-construction properties — currently 5% without ITC for most residential projects
Keep a contingency buffer of 10 to 15% of your budget for additional charges, interiors, and unforeseen costs
Assess your EMI affordability — most financial advisors suggest keeping EMI below 40% of monthly take-home income
Check your CIBIL credit score — a score above 750 typically gets better home loan interest rates
Phase 2 — Zone and Location Research
📍 Location Research Checklist
Identify which Bengaluru zone suits your lifestyle, workplace, and family needs — North, South, East, West, or Central
Visit the shortlisted zone during peak traffic hours to assess actual commute time to your workplace
Check proximity to schools, hospitals, grocery stores, and daily essentials
Research upcoming infrastructure — metro lines, ring roads, flyovers — in your preferred zone
Speak to existing residents in the area if possible to understand day-to-day living quality
Check the area's flood history — some parts of Bengaluru are prone to waterlogging during monsoon
Phase 3 — Project Shortlisting
🏗️ Project Research Checklist
Shortlist at least 3 to 5 projects in your preferred zone and budget range before making a decision
Research the developer's track record — check past projects delivered, actual possession dates vs promised dates, and buyer reviews
Compare carpet area across projects — not just the super built-up area quoted in marketing material
Visit the project site in person — do not buy based only on brochures, renders, or online information
Attend the site visit without making any commitment — use it purely as an information-gathering exercise
Ask the sales team for the draft builder-buyer agreement before booking — a credible developer will share it
Phase 4 — RERA and Legal Verification
✅ RERA and Legal Checklist
Verify the project's RERA registration number on the official Karnataka RERA portal: rera.karnataka.gov.in
Confirm the project has an active RERA registration — not just an acknowledgement number
Note the RERA-registered possession date from the portal — not just from the brochure
Check that the approved unit count, carpet area, and floor plans on the RERA portal match what you are being sold
Engage an independent legal advisor to verify land title, encumbrance certificate, and all project approvals
Have your legal advisor review the draft builder-buyer agreement before signing or paying any amount
Confirm all promised amenities are specifically listed in the builder-buyer agreement — not just in the brochure
Understand the delay compensation clause — what the developer will pay if possession is delayed beyond the RERA date
Phase 5 — Home Loan Process
🏦 Home Loan Checklist
Apply for home loan pre-approval before finalising your property — this gives you clear budget certainty
Compare home loan interest rates from at least 3 banks or NBFCs
Understand the difference between fixed and floating interest rates
Check if the developer has a tie-up with banks — this can speed up loan processing
Keep all required documents ready — salary slips, ITR, bank statements, identity proof, address proof
Understand the construction-linked disbursement schedule — loan amounts are disbursed based on construction milestones
Phase 6 — Booking and Payment
📝 Booking Checklist
Never pay any amount in cash — always pay by cheque or bank transfer
Get a proper receipt for every payment with the developer's official letterhead and seal
Read the allotment letter carefully before accepting it
Understand the complete payment schedule and confirm it is construction-linked
Get a copy of the registered builder-buyer agreement after signing
Keep all documents in a safe place — allotment letter, payment receipts, agreement copy, and RERA registration copy
Register your property with the sub-registrar's office at the time of possession — this is mandatory and protects your ownership
Common Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make
- Making a decision based on fear of missing out or sales pressure
- Not visiting the site in person before booking
- Ignoring RERA verification because the developer "seems credible"
- Not reading the builder-buyer agreement before signing
- Budgeting only for the base property price without stamp duty, registration, GST, and other charges
- Trusting verbal promises from sales staff without getting them in writing
- Comparing only the total price and not the carpet area per rupee
- Not checking the developer's past project delivery history
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Get Free First-Time Buyer Guidance →⚠️ Disclaimer: This checklist is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Property purchases involve significant financial commitment. Always engage an independent legal advisor and financial advisor before making any property payment. Bangalore Realty does not guarantee any investment returns, rental income, or possession timelines.