First-Time Homebuyer Checklist for Major Cities in India

Introduction

Purchasing your first home is truly a goal achieved, but can also be a daunting task. Every step has to be planned and there are many moving parts—from budgeting, to legal documents.

What makes it trickier is that every city in India has its distinct real estate rules, local trends, and red flags to watch out for.
Here at Invest N Assets, we make the process easier for you with a city-wise homebuyer checklist to help you make informed decisions with confidence.

First-Time Homebuyer Checklist by City:

📍 Bangalore

Bangalore is a popular city for first-time homebuyers because of the extensive IT boom and developing metro.
Check list:

✅ Target East (Whitefield/Sarjapur) and North (Yelahanka and Hebbal) regions for potential
✅ Confirm de-jure (BBMP) approval, RERA registration, and water supply for the project
✅ Keep a lookout for lake encroachments, as well as any disputed forest land.
✅ Check for future metro and ring road developments

📍 Mumbai

The most expensive city in the country presents a unique challenge for first-time homebuyers. However, suburban expansions like Thane and Panvel offer hope.
Checklist:

✅ Explore areas like Thane, Panvel, Kalyan as possibilities that are budget-friendly
✅ Coastal properties confirm CRZ clearance
✅ Redevelopment properties confirm MHADA, SRA buildings rules
✅ Confirm OC (Occupation Certificate) before full payment

📍 Pune

Pune is a startup and IT-gathering ground with excellent potential for rental yield.

Checklist:

✅ IT connectivity check? Look at Hinjewadi, Baner, Wagholi

✅ Are PCMC or PMC approvals in place?

✅ Monitor traffic bottlenecks and availability of water

✅ Check common amenities thoroughly in gated communities

📍 Delhi-NCR (Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad)

Delhi NCR has something for every budget, be cautious about delayed projects.

Checklist:

✅ In Noida: Check status of sector development and Noida Authority approvals

✅ In Gurugram: Check status of DTCP ( Department of Town & Country Planning) licenses

✅ Prefer ready-to-move or near-completion projects

✅ Check builder credibility and RERA number

📍 Hyderabad

Known for affordable luxury with strong IT growth.

Checklist:

✅ Look specifically at Gachibowli, Kukatpally, Kondapur

✅ HMDA and GHMC approval

✅ Check drainage and water supply in the area

✅ Check flooding during the monsoon season

📍 Chennai

A city with strong end-user demand and cultural richness.

Checklist:

✅ Investigating South Chennai (Medavakkam, Pallikaranai) infrastructure
✅ Check for flood-prone areas next to Buckingham Canal.
✅ Check CMDA approval and encumbrance certificate.
✅ Plan for interior work and registration cost.

📍 Ahmedabad

A Smart City that has demand from both NRIs, and local professionals.

Checklist:

✅ Post SG Highway and Gandhinagar are good for appreciation.
✅ Check AMC/AUDA approvals
✅ Confirm for earthquake safety compliance (Zone 3+)
✅ Know the difference between revenue land and NA land.

📍 Kolkata

The city with the best price-value in the metros.

Checklist:

✅ Rajarhat, New Town, and EM Bypass are growth corridors.
✅ Confirm KMDA/KMC approval, mutation, and tax clearance.
✅ Confirm if a developer has a reputation for delayed projects.
✅ Older resale properties? Check for damp walls and weak roofing.

📍 Kochi

Kochi is quickly becoming a prime destination for IT buyers, people from outside of India, and buyers with port connectivity.

Checklist:

✅ Choose areas such as Kakkanad, Edappally or close to InfoPark

✅ Check K-RERA registration and wetland clearance

✅ Don’t buy properties that are on low-lying flood-prone areas

✅ Make sure you have access to NH-66 or Metro station

📍 Tier-2 Cities (Nagpur, Indore, Lucknow, Bhubaneswar)

Cheap, space and future appreciation.

Checklist:

✅ Choose smart city or metro corridor areas

✅ Check basic civic approvals, and electricity/water lines

✅ The reputation of the builder matters. Avoid first-timer builders with no reputation.

✅ If eligible, take advantage of PMAY subsidies.

Common Checklist for All Cities

No matter where they are located, every first-time buyer should:

✅ Make a prudent budget (including registration, fittings)

✅ Know home loan eligibility and the interest rates available

✅ Avoid unregistered / non RERA properties

✅ Undertake due diligence on all legal documents (title deed / deed, EC, OC)

✅ See what construction quality is like physically before booking

✅ Get a sense of costs around maintenance in the society

✅ Undertake to change property tax ownership and properly register the property

Let Invest N Assets Be Your Real Estate Partner

Purchasing your first property doesn’t have to be difficult. At Invest N Assets, we offer:

✅ Property listings by location

✅ RERA compliant project options

✅ Legal and loan advice

✅ Local market knowledge

📲 Speak with our experts today to ensure your first property purchase is seamless, safe, and smart.