Buying your first home in Pune is exciting—but it’s also easy to get overwhelmed by brochures,
“limited-period offers,” and site visits that look perfect only on weekends. A smarter way is to use a
step-by-step checklist that covers what actually impacts your daily life and your home’s long-term
value: commute, water, planning, documentation, construction quality, and the builder’s track
record.
Here’s a practical, first-time-buyer-friendly checklist you can use before you pay a token amount or
sign anything.
Step 1: Fix your budget the right way (not just EMI)
Most first-time buyers only calculate the EMI. Your real budget must include:
• Down payment + stamp duty + registration
• GST (if applicable on under-construction properties)
• Society deposits, meter charges, legal fees
• Interiors + appliances + moving costs
• 1-year emergency buffer (job change, medical, unexpected repairs)
Pro tip: If the EMI feels comfortable only when you stretch your loan tenure, reassess. You don’t want a “dream home” that becomes a monthly stress.
Step 2: Choose the micro-market before choosing the flat
Pune is a city of micro-markets. A “great project” in the wrong zone for your lifestyle will feel painful in 6 months.
Ask:
• Where do you commute most often (office, clients, family, school)?
• Do you prefer West Pune (green, established) or East Pune (IT corridor, fast-growing)?
• Do you need highway access (Mumbai–Bengaluru NH-48 / Nagar Road)?
• Is future connectivity improving in this area (new junction upgrades, metro extensions)?
Step 3: Builder credibility + legal safety (non-negotiable)
Before you fall in love with a sample flat, confirm:
• MahaRERA registration (verify project details on the official portal)
• The name and entity that is registered (developer / promoter)
• Past delivery record (timelines, handover quality)
• Clear title + approvals (ask for copies or your lawyer’s review)
Step 4: Site visit checklist (do this in 30 minutes)
When you visit, don’t only look at the flat—inspect the living experience.
Connectivity & approach roads
• Road width near site (bottlenecks?)
• Street lighting, footpaths, walkability
• Public transport access
Water & drainage
• Water source + backup arrangement
• Signs of waterlogging nearby in monsoons (ask locals)
Noise & air
• Highway/railway/large construction around?
• Dust/traffic noise at peak hours
Sunlight & ventilation
• Cross-ventilation, window sizes, harsh west sun, privacy
Step 5: Construction & specification sanity-check
A brochure can say “premium,” but specs show reality. Check:
• Structure type (RCC framed, earthquake-resistant)
• Masonry type (AAC blocks can help thermal comfort)
• Flooring sizes/quality
• Door/window hardware
• Electrical load + backup
• Plumbing + bathroom fittings brand
Step 6: Amenities that actually matter
Avoid paying for gimmicks. Prioritize:
• Security design (layered entry, intercom/CCTV)
• Children play area
• Parking ease
• Water harvesting / backup
• Power backup for common areas
• Lift quality + emergency support
Step 7: Document checklist (ask before token)
Request these (your lawyer can review):
• Allotment letter terms
• Payment schedule + interest/penalty clauses
• Carpet area clarity + floor plan
• Possession timeline + delay clauses
• Cancellation/refund terms
• Maintenance estimate + corpus deposit
Step 8: Resale + rental logic (future-you will thank you)
Even if you plan to live here for 10 years, evaluate:
• Nearby job hubs & education ecosystem
• Social infrastructure (hospitals, groceries, daily commute)
• Road/metro upgrades planned nearby
• Competing supply (too many towers can cap appreciation)
A first home should feel like a lifestyle upgrade—not a paperwork nightmare. Use the checklist
above, verify your project on MahaRERA, and always compare location + specs + credibility (not
only price per sq ft).
