5 Things First-Time Homebuyers in Gurugram Must Know

1. Verify RERA Registration First

Every under-construction project in Haryana must be registered under RERA. Search the project on harerait.org.in before you agree to anything. An unregistered project is an illegal project — no exceptions. Builders have been known to market projects in "pipeline" status as RERA compliant. It is not the same thing.

2. Understand What "Super Built-Up Area" Means

The price per sqft you see advertised is almost always on super built-up area, which inflates the number by 25–40% compared to the carpet area you actually live in. Always ask for the carpet area separately, calculate your effective cost per sqft on carpet, and compare that number across projects.

3. Check the Builder's Delivery Track Record

Gurugram has multiple high-profile builders who have delayed possession by 5–8 years. Check the builder's completed project list on RERA, talk to residents of their previous societies, and look for any pending litigation on consumer forums. Reputation research before signing is non-negotiable.

4. Factor in Stamp Duty and Registration

In Haryana, stamp duty is 5% for men and 3% for women on the property value. Registration charges are 15,000 for properties above 50 lakhs. This adds up significantly on a 1.5 Cr apartment. Budget for it upfront — builders rarely remind you.

5. Know Your Loan Eligibility Before Shortlisting

Most buyers shortlist a property and then check loan eligibility. Do it in reverse. Get a pre-qualification letter from your bank, confirm the project is on their approved list (banks do not lend on all projects), and then shortlist within that budget. This avoids weeks of wasted effort.