Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make—not just financially, but emotionally as well. In a city like Chennai, where the real estate market is growing rapidly, especially in up-and-coming areas like Pozhichalur, Pammal, and Pallavaram, it’s essential to approach the process with a clear understanding of your rights, responsibilities, and legal protections. An apartment sale agreement is more than just paperwork—it’s the legal foundation of your ownership. Here’s a comprehensive checklist of what to look for before you sign on the dotted line.
1. Verify the Title of the Property
Instead of only checking the flat floor plan, start with the basics: who owns the land and has the legal right to sell it? Insist on seeing the original title deed, parent documents, and encumbrance certificate (ideally for the past 30 years). This confirms that there are no outstanding loans, liens, or legal disputes attached to the property. Inheritances, partitions, or joint ownerships should be disclosed clearly. If the property is part of a larger layout or township, verify the layout approval and land-use classification.
2. Confirm RERA Registration
RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) is a safeguard for homebuyers. In Tamil Nadu, any project with over eight units or a land area exceeding 500 sq m. must be registered under RERA. The builder should have a valid registration number, which you can verify on the Tamil Nadu RERA website. This ensures that the project complies with delivery timelines, financial disclosures, and legal transparency and zoning norms like floor area ratio, reducing your risk as a buyer.
3. Understand the Payment Schedule
Most new construction projects in Chennai offer a construction-linked payment plan, where instalments are paid based on completion milestones (foundation, plinth, slab, etc.). However, some builders ask for bulk payments early in the process, even before physical work begins. Review the payment terms and negotiate if needed. Ensure the plan aligns with your bank loan disbursement and is documented in the agreement. A well-structured plan minimizes financial stress and aligns builder accountability with your investment.
4. Evaluate the Sale Agreement Clauses
Every clause matters. Here are some red flags and essentials to look out for:
- Possession Date and Grace Period: Is there a specific possession date? What is the allowed delay buffer?
- Delay Penalty: Does the agreement mention compensation for delays?
- Carpet Area vs. Super Built-up Area: Many buyers get misled by inflated area figures. Confirm the actual usable space.
- Force Majeure Clauses: Check how the builder defines events like natural calamities or government restrictions that can delay work.
It’s wise to have a real estate lawyer review the agreement. Even minor wordings can carry serious implications.
5. Know the Cancellation and Refund Terms
Circumstances change, and you may need to cancel the booking. The agreement should clearly specify the cancellation policy: whether a percentage is forfeited, if the refund is immediate, or if there’s a processing timeline. Trusted developers will outline this transparently. Avoid house builders who rely on vague or verbal assurances.
6. Confirm Included Amenities and Specifications
Don’t get carried away by glossy brochures or model apartments. The sale agreement must list all specifications in writing: flooring quality, bathroom fittings, electrical points, water supply, elevators, fire safety systems, and so on. If a gym, park, or clubhouse is promised, check for timelines and whether they’ll be functional at the time of handover. This prevents future disputes and ensures your expectations are legally backed.
7. Registration and Legal Charges
In addition to the base property cost, you’ll need to account for:
- Stamp Duty (7%) and Registration Fees (1%) in Tamil Nadu
- Legal and Documentation Charges
- GST, if applicable (for under-construction properties)
Check if these are included in your overall price or need to be paid separately. Knowing this upfront helps you avoid budget overruns.
Also, be cautious of extra charges for car parking, power backup, water connections, or maintenance deposits. Reputed developers usually disclose these upfront, but it’s wise to get everything in writing.
Why Choose Viva Housing
Navigating a property purchase in Chennai involves far more than picking a flat floor plan. From verifying title documents to deciphering legal clauses, it can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. That’s why Viva Housing takes a holistic, transparent approach to every project.
We don’t just design homes with smart layouts and durable construction, but also ensure legal clarity at every stage. Every sale agreement is prepared with full disclosure, vetted by legal experts, and tailored to comply with local laws and RERA guidelines. Our support doesn’t end with a booking: we walk with you until your keys are in hand.
Whether you’re buying a gated community apartment in Chennai South, like Pallavaram, Pozhichalur, or Pammal, Viva Housing helps you make informed, confident decisions that safeguard your investment.
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