A Detailed Checklist for Buying a Plot in Chennai

If you are thinking of buying a plot in Chennai, you should think well about the decision you are going to make. As the decision involves a large investment, you must be careful about buying the plot. You should go through a checklist, so that you know that you have made an informed choice when you finalize on one of the Chennai properties available for sale. Here is a list of things that you should keep in mind while buying plots in Chennai:

1. Check Out the Floor Space Index (FSI) of the Plot

Before you start the construction of your house in the area of land that you buy in Chennai, you must know about the FSI. By knowing the FSI, you would come to know about how much area you can actually use for the construction of your house. If the FSI is less for the land you have bought, you won’t be able to construct on a larger area of the plot and will end up wasting a lot of money on a land that you don’t get to construct fully on. No one wants this to happen and hence, you must inquire about the FSI of the plot beforehand to utilize your hard earned money to the fullest.

2. Know the History of the Land

Some states have made it mandatory to check land ownership in the last decade. There should not be any gaps in the ownership and it should have been passed via proper channels. This step makes sure that no disputes occur in the future in relation to the land.

3. Ask about the Time When You Would Get the Sales Deed

Even if you get the ‘agreement of sale’ document, it is not enough. This document just states that the seller and buyer have agreed to the terms and conditions set forth for the deal. So as to get a legal proof of sale, you need the sales deed. So, in order to get the sales deed, you need to do the registration of the sale at the sub-registrar’s office. After this process is completed, you become your plot’s legal owner.

4. Estimate the Plot’s Annual Maintenance Charges

Before you buy one of the plots in Chennai, you must calculate the charges that you would have to pay for the maintenance of the building or plot. So, apart from confirming the time when you would receive the sales deed, you must inquire about how much you would have to pay for maintaining different facilities like the garden, security, water, etc., so as to know the amount that you would be paying to maintain your investment in Chennai.

5. The Plot’s Location

One of the prime factors to consider when you are deciding on which plot to buy is its location. The plot should be well located, with all the basic amenities and facilities located nearby. Make sure that amenities like electricity, roads, water, fencing, and security features are well in place. Everyone wants an uninterrupted power and water supply with good connectivity to important areas in close proximity. So you see, the location of the plot should be well-considered beforehand.

6. Inquire About the Non-Agricultural (NA) Orders

Our country is an agricultural land if we go by the default; so, you must find out if the government has listed another purpose for the land you are planning to buy. You need to ask if the land you are interested in buying is non-agricultural or not. Also, you must also know that non-agricultural land has other sub-categories, like IT parks, resorts, commercial use, warehouse, and residential purposes. So, you must ask if you can use the land for a residential purpose. This step is important because you don’t want to occupy a land that is illegal and does not fall under the specified laws.

7. Examine if the Plot is Built on Flat Land or a Slope

You must not make the assumption that the plot that you have decided to purchase is flat land. Make sure that the plot does not have slopes or uneven areas. If the plot is on a decent amount of slope, then the land would need to be filled or cut. Or, another option could be that you could build the house taking advantage of the slope. But, you must know that this may cost you more. Also, the presence of a slope can reduce your chances of getting enough sunlight. Hence, examine the land before you buy it.

8. Other Useful Tips

Apart from the tips mentioned above, there are certain other things that you should keep in mind:

1. Don’t Hurry

Buying a land is a big decision and hence, you should take your time with it. Consider the factors mentioned above very carefully and do not rush into anything.

2. Visit the Plot Many Times

Do not book the land by just seeing it once or without even seeing it. Make sure that you visit the plot at least 3 to 4 times. Go for surprise visits and inquire about the land and surrounding areas, so as to gather vital information about the land which you otherwise would not have known.

3. Converse with the People Nearby

You can talk to the people nearby, especially the people in the nearby homes and shops. Make random visits to clear any doubts that you may have.

4. Check the developments in the nearby areas

Find out about the nearby developments you have been told about and check them out by yourself.

Use these pointers for a good land buying experience in Chennai and even in other states. With the help of this checklist, you can make an informed decision.