Top 9 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a New Home

The majority of the population in India belongs to the middle-class category. These are the kind of people for whom buying a home is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Hence it is crucial and in the best of interest that buying a home is a well-informed decision. Most buyers are thrilled with the idea of being able to buy a property & occasionally, in excitement, they tend to make some major mistakes. Here are a Top 9 mistakes we advise you to avoid when buying a home. 

 

Mistake 1: Ignoring Proper Investigation

 

Many purchasers skip necessary background checks in their eagerness to complete the purchase. Disagreements, an extended period to possession, or even a total loss of investment may arise from this error.

 

Pro Tip:

• Always confirm that the project is RERA approved through the respective State’s official Government RERA Portal.
• Verify that there are no legal debts on the property or unauthorized construction in the project.
• Confirm that the water, electricity, and sewage utilities have appropriate approvals to prevent penalties after the purchase.

 

Mistake 2: Dismissing a Professional Home Inspection

 

Serious problems can frequently be invisible because of the aesthetic appeal of a property. In order to save time or money, skipping a professional inspection can result in costly repairs down the road.

 

Pro Tip: 

Make sure that the contract includes a clause requiring a home inspection. This enables you to back out of the agreement in the unlikely scenarios, including issues with structure, plumbing flaws, or if electrical problems are discovered. Never rely just on pictures or amiable walkthroughs, always trust certified inspectors.

 

Mistake 3: Having a Blindside to the total cost of buying a home 

 

Other than the amount that a builder states for a home there are many other expenses associated with the purchase that no one talks about. The prices quoted or shown upfront are usually the Base Price of the property only. 

Additional charges that are applicable are – Stamp Duty, Registration, GST, Floor Rise, PLC, Municipal Charges & Taxes, Amenities Charges, Utilities Charges, Maintenance Advances etc. Each of these costs can range from 1 to 7% of the property base price. You can read a detailed description of these charges on a separate blog by Vitalspace soon. 

 

Pro Tip: 

There are government subsidiaries that help with lower interest on loans and other ways to save money on tax. So, check with your financial advisor before making your purchase. You can also book a residential property with VitalSpace as we have a Zero-brokerage policy on residential purchases and our expert consultants can advise you on monetary decisions. 

 

Mistake 4: Spending all your savings on the down payment 

 

In the home buying process, the idea of having lesser monthly payments for loan (EMI) in exchange of paying more money upfront might seem tempting but it is not very ideal.  

 

Sooner or later an economical imbalance will arise in your everyday life and it will exhaust you without savings. To be shielded from such a situation following few steps are advised: 

 

• Divide your liquid savings in three equal parts. First is for medical emergencies. Second for expenses of the next 3 to 6 months after moving into a new home and then get the third part out for downpayment. 
• There will be utility and furniture expenses that will occur as soon as you move, ignoring this fact can be more expensive. 
• Ignoring the loan offer comparison can cost you lakhs of money. There is a massive interest rate difference between NBFC, banks, and housing finance companies. A good financial decision would be to explore and make a well-informed decision. Take suggestion from an expert or ask for guidance from your trusted Vitalspace representative. 

 

Mistake 5: Not reading the full fine print 

 

When you are out to buy a home for your future be it a 2, 3, 4 or 5 BHK residential property the paper work is going to remain the same and equally boring. You will run through ‘n’ number of financial as well as legal contracts and agreements. The papers are full with essential details that will have short- & long-term implications. The legal and financial language can be very confusing leading to unpleasant surprises in future.  

 

Pro Tip: 

Hire a trustworthy Real estate agent who has a complete transparency policy like Vitalspace and one who can translate the papers in language you understand and help you make an informed decision so there are no unpleasant surprises in future. We at Vitalspace, offer this guidance and help without any charges. 

 

Mistake 6: Taking Legal Aspects Lightly 

 

There is a minor legal issue but it is nothing big, the builders are in the process of getting it sorted’ is exactly something you might want to avoid when you go to buy a property in India. 

 

There are a few legal issues in the Indian real estate market that have caused a lot of loss to people in the past. Here are the things you need to specially keep an eye for: 

 

• Unclear land titles
• Unauthorized constructions
• Lack of compliance with set floor space index (FSI)
• Legal proceedings involving the referred property
• Not having clearance from local authorities
• Disputes over ancestral property

 

Pro Tip: 

Always go through a trustworthy real estate consultancy firm such as VitalSpace, that makes a full verification check on a property before listing it on the portal. 

 

Mistake 7: Neglecting Future Planning 

 

When we are making decisions like buying a property or a gold, which has a continuously appreciating value, considering the future profit is always a wise decision. 

 

• Each property is valued differently based on the location, convenience, distances from schools, hospitals, public transport, social and shopping hubs 
• The future-proof homes will comparatively get a better value in future. The modern and smart lifestyle amenities such as Gym, swimming pools, Library, play area courts, kids’ nursery and fun zones are good add on points. 
•  The working policies and environment in our surroundings is changing. People are looking for places that can have a home office set-up. And in future this might even be a necessity. 
• When checking for prime locations of a city in the present, it is wise to look for locations that will be of prime importance in future. Like in Ahmedabad 10 years ago Bopal was a developing area, today it is a prime location. Similarly, the upcoming areas like WAPA or Shela or Shilaj will grow further in the near future. 

 

Taking all the above points seriously can get you much higher return value in future. 

 

Mistake 8: Missing Tax Benefits 

 

So many home buyers are unaware of the tax benefits that can be claimed on buying a home under Section 24 and 80C. Under such circumstances it is wise to explore these. 

 

Pro Tip: 

One can claim tax deduction on home loan interest of up to ₹2 Lakhs under Section 24. Other than this there is further deduction of up to ₹1.5 Lakhs on home loan principal repayment under Section 80C. Do check these sections in details for the detailed terms and conditions applicable. If you are co-owning then split the deduction between you and your partner for double benefits. 

 

Mistake 9: Not Getting a Professional Advice 

For a decision as huge and as important as buying a home, which is going to largely impact your future, it is recommended to get professional advice from an experienced real estate consultant, lawyer and financial planner before making the investment.

The Professionals know the market and analyze a great deal for you while making sure there is not even a slight bit of chance of being fooled. 

With Vitalspace’s 10+ years of experience in the market of Ahmedabad and beyond, and our team of expert real estate consultants you can access knowledge no one else can provide with. Our consultants will help you get in touch with best financial plans and keep the legal procedures smooth. If you are looking forward to buying a home in Ahmedabad, visit Vitalspace.in and unlock 1000+ verified properties. We assure you the entire procedure of buying a home with us will be as smooth as our user interface at vitalspace.in 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is it important to investigate the property before buying a home?
Investigating a property helps you avoid legal issues, delayed possession, or potential scams. Always verify RERA registration, legal clearances, and utility approvals before purchase.

2. Is a professional home inspection necessary when buying a house?
Yes, a professional inspection can uncover hidden structural, plumbing, or electrical issues that are not visible during site visits or in images.

3. What are the hidden costs associated with buying a home?
Apart from the base price, additional charges like Stamp Duty, GST, Registration Fees, Maintenance, Floor Rise Charges, and Utility Fees can add 5–10% more to your total cost.

4. Should I use all my savings for the down payment?
No. It’s advised to split your savings into emergency, transitional, and down payment funds to avoid financial strain after moving in.

5. Why is it risky to ignore the fine print in property agreements?
Legal and financial documents contain crucial details about ownership, clauses, and future responsibilities. Ignoring these can lead to unexpected liabilities.

 

6. How do legal issues impact home buyers?
Unclear land titles, unauthorized construction, or ongoing disputes can delay possession, restrict loan approvals, or lead to legal trouble.

 

7. Why is future planning important in real estate investment?
Considering factors like location development, infrastructure, and upcoming amenities ensures that your property appreciates in value over time.

 

8. Are there any tax benefits available when buying a home?
Yes. Under Section 24, you can claim up to ₹2 Lakhs on home loan interest and up to ₹1.5 Lakhs under Section 80C for principal repayment.

 

9. How can a real estate consultant help with home buying?
Experienced consultants guide you with property comparisons, financial planning, paperwork, and legal due diligence—saving you time and costly mistakes.

 

10. Why should I choose Vitalspace for buying property in Ahmedabad?
Vitalspace offers 1000+ verified listings, zero brokerage on residential properties, expert financial and legal assistance, and transparent, personalized support throughout the home-buying journey.