Before deciding to invest in a property, it is advised to study the pros and cons, know the legalities, documentation and other details in this connection.

Scrutinize documents:

• Titles of the property
  
• Sanction plans from the concerned authorities like Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) / Bangalore Development Authority (BDA)
  
• Nil encumbrance for a minimum of 30 years, to ensure that the property is free from all encumbrances.

Understand the additional charges involved:

• Statutory levies like Karnataka Electricity Board (KEB), Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage Board (BWSSB), etc.
  
• Government levies like Stamp Duty and Registration
  
• Car Park (if applicable), depending on whether or not a slot is opted for.
  
• Maintenance Charges.
  

Approval from financial institutions:
Only properties with clear legal titles are approved by leading financial institutions, thereby increasing the credibility of the developer. Ensure that the property you decide to invest in, has approvals from leading financial institutions.

Understanding Real Estate Jargon

Super Built up Area:
This includes the apartment along with the corridors or passages, lift wells, electrical and sanitary ducts, stairways and fire escapes, common areas such as lobbies and the clubhouse. The space considered super built up is in effect, the entire building including the thickness of walls, balconies and all other common amenities, which are divided in proportion to individual apartments. This varies from building to building. If the building has wider corridors and more amenities, the super built up area will be larger.

Plinth Area:
This comprises the apartment including the thickness of all the exterior and interior walls. It includes only the dwelling unit and walls around it and not the common amenities or corridors in the building.

Carpet Area:
This is the actual and physical useable area in the apartment. It is the area within the four walls of the apartment, where you can lay a carpet. It does not include the wall thickness or any of the common amenities in the building.