Mumbai real estate is a high-stakes arena. In a city where property prices can hit ₹40,000 per square foot in suburbs and double that in the core, a single oversight isn’t just a “mistake”; it is a financial catastrophe. This Flat Buying Checklist is designed to help you Buy Your Mumbai Home safely and intelligently saybagroup.com.
You’ve seen the glossy brochures. You’ve heard the sales pitches. However, before you sign that agreement, you need to strip away the marketing fluff and examine the underlying facts. This Flat Buying Checklist ensures you can Buy Your Mumbai Home with complete clarity.
At Sayba Group, we have spent over 21 years delivering homes to more than 5,000 happy families. We know that trust is built on transparency, not just bricks. Whether you are looking at our latest OC-received projects in Kurla or an Ongoing Project in Jogeshwari, this Flat Buying Checklist will help you Buy Your Mumbai Home with confidence.
The "De-Risking" Phase: Is This Property Legal?
The views and beautiful setting are not worth it if the building faces a demolition notice. Legal due diligence is your first and most important shield.
- MahaRERA Verification: This is non-negotiable. Go to the MahaRERA portal and enter the project registration number. Enquire about the date of completion, pending litigations and the track record of the developer. Leave immediately in case the project is not listed.This step alone can decide whether you safely Buy Your Mumbai Home or walk away.
- Chain of Title: It is important to ensure that the developer has a clear and marketable title of the land. Ask a reputed advocate to provide a title certificate. This is a pointer that there has been no history of any conflict or secret owners who will sue.This verification is a core part of any Flat Buying Checklist.
- CC and OC Status:
Commencement Certificate (CC): This allows the builder to start building. No CC? No legal basis.
- Occupancy Certificate (OC): This is the holy grail. It means that the building is safe, that it is built in accordance with all the approved plans, and that it has appropriate power and water connections. Without a solid OC, do not take possession.with an OC ensures you can safely Buy Your Mumbai Home.
- Encumbrance Certificate (EC): This is a document that confirms that the property is not encumbered by any outstanding mortgages or legal dues.
For a deeper understanding of legal checks, costs, and risk-free decisions, read our detailed guide on The Ultimate Checklist For Buying Property In Mumbai In 2025.
The Financial Reality Check: What is the "All-In" Cost?
One of the biggest traps in Mumbai is the “sticker price fallacy”. What you pay on the billboard is never the price.This Flat Buying Checklist protects buyers planning to Buy Your Mumbai Home from hidden expenses.
1. Mandatory Government Fees
- Stamp Duty: In Mumbai, male buyers are charged a budget of 6% (5% Stamp Duty + 1% Metro Cess), and female buyers are charged a budget of 5% on the same.
Registration: 30,000 flat fee on properties above 30 lakh.
For a clear understanding of the online payment process, read our Step-by-Step Guide to Pay Stamp Duty and Registration Fees Online.
2. The GST Burden
Under Construction: 1% on affordable housing (limited to 45 lakh value) or 5% on premium units.
Ready to Move In: 0% GST. This is why smart buyers are flocking to Sayba Group’s OC-received projects. By choosing to purchase a ready home, you will save 5 lakh to 10 lakh in taxation alone.
3. The Hidden Surcharges
- PLC (Preferential Location Charges) : High-rise, garden-view or sea-facing units are charged a premium.
- Parking Fees : A special parking space in Mumbai can cost 2-5 lakh. Is this included in your base price?
- Maintenance Deposit : Builders usually require a year or two of maintenance as an advance.
The Golden Rule: keep your EMI at 30-35% of your net income. Test your finances: would your family still be able to afford the home even if one of you lost his job tomorrow, and you are a dual-income family?
The Engineering Audit: Beyond the Paint
Don’t fall in love with the Italian marble or the smart locks. Focus on the structural fundamentals.
- The Carpet Area Reality: Ignore “Built-up” or “Super Built-up” numbers. RERA mandates that you only pay for the carpet area, the actual space between the inner walls. Measure it yourself or hire a professional.. For a detailed understanding of how carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area are calculated, check out our guide on [Guides on Carpet Area, Built-up Area & Super Built-up Area].
- Layout Efficiency: Does the flat have long, useless corridors? Are the bedrooms placed away from the noisy main road? A smaller flat with a smart, Vastu-compliant layout often feels more spacious than a larger, poorly designed one.
- The “Snag List” Inspection: Before taking possession, conduct a final walkthrough. Check for:
- Walls: Moistness, cracks, or flaking paint.
- Plumbing: Sink leakages and water pressure in the showers.
- Electrical: Make sure the sockets are grounded, and the circuits are not tripping.
Location and Future-Proofing
You are not only purchasing a flat in Mumbai, but you are also purchasing a commute.
- Connectivity Matrix: How close are you to the Metro or the WEH? With the expansion of Metro Line 3 and Metro Line 2B, areas like Kurla and Bandra are seeing massive value spikes.
- The “BKC Advantage”: If you are a working professional, proximity to the Bandra Kurla Complex is the ultimate asset. Projects located in the BKC Annexe or Kurla East/West offer the best ROI because rental demand here is perennial.
- Infrastructure Growth: Check if there are planned flyovers or metro stations nearby. Buying before these are operational is how you capture 15-20% appreciation.
For the latest information on new metro lines and routes, refer to Mumbai Metro – Latest Routes, Lines & Updates 2025.
Conclusion: Don't Rush the Dream
Buying a home is emotional, but the process must be clinical. The most successful homebuyers in Mumbai are the ones who ask the uncomfortable questions: Show me the OC. Give me the cost breakup in writing. What is the actual carpet area?
At Sayba Group, we pride ourselves on having these answers ready. We are a company that is founded on punctuality and integrity. When you enter a project such as Sayba Samriddhi or Sayba Residency, you do not see a building; you see a promise that is being delivered.
Your Next Step: Download your cost sheet, check the RERA number, and visit the site at various times of the day to check on noise and traffic.
Before your calculator overheats, check out our Comprehensive Home Buying Checklist for Investors: Property in Kurla West.
Looking to buy with confidence? Contact Sayba Group today to explore legally compliant, OC-received homes and get expert guidance for a safe Mumbai property investment.
FAQs
1. What is the most important document to check before buying property in Mumbai?
The MahaRERA registration and Occupancy Certificate (OC) are the most critical documents to verify before purchasing any property in Mumbai.
2. Why is a Flat Buying Checklist important for Mumbai homebuyers?
A Flat Buying Checklist helps buyers avoid legal disputes, hidden costs, and project delays in Mumbai’s high-value real estate market.
3. Is buying a ready-to-move flat better than under-construction property?
Yes, ready-to-move flats offer zero GST, immediate possession, and reduced risk compared to under-construction projects.
4. How does RERA protect homebuyers in Maharashtra?
RERA enforces transparency, mandates escrow accounts, penalizes delays, and ensures builders deliver as promised.
5. Why choose Sayba Group for buying a home in Mumbai?
Sayba Group delivers RERA-compliant projects, timely possession, and trusted construction backed by 21+ years of experience.