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      11 Costs You Must Consider for Property Investment in India

      By SQUAREA Knowledge Hub

      Published: January 15, 2024

      Buying a home is probably one of the biggest purchases you will make in your lifetime. But to make sure the cost of the property fits into your budget you must understand the different factors that contribute to the final cost of property investment. You are probably aware of some factors, like construction material, land, and labour charges. But you cannot rely simply on the per-square-foot charges as quoted by the builder to estimate the cost of your property investment.

      Here are some – potentially hidden – components that make up the total cost of property investment in India:

      Preferential Locality Charges (PLC)

      PLCs are usually levied on a ‘per floor, per square foot’ basis, and are the costs you must pay to access “prized locations”. This may simply be the floor rise charges or premium costs for penthouses that come with gardens or lake views. This cost is not fixed and will vary from builder to builder and from time to time.

      Parking Charges

      Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2010, many developers still charge hefty amounts for covered parking spaces. This can range anywhere between 1 to 5 lakh on top of the price of your flat.

      Club Membership

      Clubs in residential societies have become a rising trend and do not come free of cost. You must pay a one-time membership fee – for a predetermined period – to access these clubs. This can turn into a recurring expense after the initial period ends.

      Charges for Civic Amenities

      Builders also tend to charge additional costs for civic amenities like fire safety, electricity backup, and water – adding them to the total cost of the property. Builders often levy charges like External Electrification Charges (EEC) and Fire Fighting Equipment Charges (FFEC) at the time of purchase. And you may also have to bear the costs of getting an electric connection for your home.

      External Development Charges (EDC) and Infrastructure Development Charges (IDC)

      EDC and IDC are the charges developers must pay the state government for infrastructure and amenities – like access roads, parks, or civic infrastructure – development in the surrounding areas. However, builders often pass these costs on to the buyers, adding to the overall cost of property investment.

      Maintenance Deposit

      Residential societies charge maintenance fees for the amenities they provide. Builders often take an upfront maintenance deposit at the time of purchase to cover maintenance for up to 2 years. After this, the residents are responsible for establishing a co-op society and setting a maintenance amount to be collected monthly or annually.

      Brokerage Fees

      Although not hidden, buyers often end up overlooking brokerage fees when working with a real estate broker. They often charge 1-2% of the total house cost as brokerage, which adds to your total cost of property investment.

      Stamp Duty and Registration Fees

      The state government charges anywhere between 5 to 7% of the property value as stamp duty. This is a compulsory fee to get the house registered in your name. Additionally, you will also need to pay 1-2% of property value as registration fees to the court for the full and final agreement indicating the change of ownership.

      Goods and Services Tax (GST)

      Every under-construction property in India is subject to GST – 1% for homes under 45 lakh and 5% for more expensive homes. Ready-to-move properties, however, are exempt from GST.

      Home Loan Processing Fees

      If you are opting for a home loan, you will also need to factor in loan processing fees in your property investment budget. These fees will cover the basic administrative costs, costs to carry out credit checks, and any additional costs for value-added services – like property search, flexible tenor, or online loan application.

      Peripheral Expenses (moving/interiors/furniture)

      Your property investment costs do not end with the purchase and registration of your house. You have to budget for moving expenses, interiors, furniture, electrical appliances, and any other peripheral expenses when deciding to purchase a property. These costs can easily go up to 10 lakh even if you are focusing only on basic necessities.

      There is no way you can avoid these charges when purchasing a property. So be sure to plan for these and keep some room in your budget for any unexpected changes.

      The Squarea team can help you understand all the costs involved in property investment. Get in touch with us today to start your home-buying journey.

      For more details on this subject, please email hello@squarea.io


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      15 February 2025
      The first-ever Global Investments, Mobility & Education Roadshow 2025 at Hyatt Pune by SQUAREA and Henley Global

      PUNE, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA, February 13, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- This Sunday, 16th February, SQUAREA presents GIME 2025, Pune’s first-of-its-kind Global Investments, Mobility & Education Roadshow, in partnership with Henley & Partners at Hyatt Pune, Kalyani Nagar. This exclusive event is designed for investors, entrepreneurs, and families looking to secure global residency and citizenship through investment-led routes. As economic landscapes evolve and international mobility becomes increasingly valuable, GIME 2025 will host global experts and offer strategic guidance into International Golden Visa, Permanent Residency, and Citizenship Programs, through cross-border wealth planning, investment, and business expansion routes.

      The event will host programs and country experts from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Greece, Portugal, and Latvia. Key programs up for discussion will include the U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa, which offers an expedited route to the U.S. Green Card; Portugal’s Golden Residence Permit, a preferred option for those looking to secure Schengen residency through investment; and Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program, designed for tech entrepreneurs aiming to establish and scale businesses in North America. The event will also offer Greece’s Golden Visa, the United Kingdom’s Business Investment and Citizenship Program, and Latvia’s Residency by Investment Program. Alongside, UAE’s Golden Visa Program will also be present.

      In an era where investment migration is increasingly becoming a critical component of growth and lifestyle planning, GIME 2025 aims to bridge the gap between investors and global opportunities.

      7 December 2024
      Best Real Estate Investment Areas in India: City or Suburb?

      Investing in real estate is a pivotal decision, one that hinges significantly on the choice of location. Whether you are buying property for the first time or adding to your investment portfolio, the question often comes down to this: Should you invest in the vibrant heart of the city or explore the expansive suburban regions? In 2024, India's real estate landscape continues to evolve, with significant developments in both urban and suburban areas. In such a scenario, understanding the best real estate investment areas has become essential for both investors and homebuyers.

      The Indian real estate sector is projected to reach an estimated value of $1.5 trillion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 9.2% from 2023 to 2028. The first half of 2024 saw a continued surge in residential sales, reaching 173,241 units, an impressive 11% year-on-year growth. This positive trend indicates a strong demand for housing in the market.

      This blog delves into the key considerations, the pros and cons of each option, and the latest market insights to help you make a well-informed decision.

      Basic Differences Between City and Suburb Investments

      Before diving into detailed insights, it’s essential to understand the key factors that distinguish urban and suburban real estate investment areas:

      • Location
      • Cost of Living
      • Atmosphere
      • Infrastructure
      • Population Density

      Alt text: A comparative glance at the key differences between city and suburban real estate investments.

      Real Estate Investments in Cities

      Urban centers across India remain hotspots for real estate investment due to high demand, robust infrastructure, and proximity to key amenities. Cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Delhi are well-known for their vibrant job markets and advanced infrastructure, making them some of the best real estate investment areas.

      Advantages of Investing in Cities:

      1. High Demand and Fast Appreciation : Urban properties often see quicker appreciation. Mumbai's prime localities like Bandra and Powai saw an average price increase of 7-9% in 2023-2024 (Knight Frank India's Prime Residential Index). While in Pune, Koregaon Park has seen consistent appreciation of 6-8% annually, making them ideal for short-term investments in the best real estate investment areas.

      2. Proximity to Amenities : Cities offer a wealth of amenities such as hospitals, schools, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Pune is renowned for its educational hubs, adding to its appeal as one of the best real estate investment areas in India.

      3.Job Opportunities: Major cities house industries across sectors like IT, finance, and manufacturing. For instance, Pune’s IT hubs and tech parks attract a large workforce, making it a strong contender for real estate investment areas in India.

      Public Transportation : Urban transport systems, like Mumbai’s local trains or Delhi’s metro, including Pune’s ongoing metro project, boost property values around transport hubs, solidifying their status as the best real estate investment areas.

      Challenges of Suburban Investments:

      Longer Commutes: Suburbs can be farther from major job centers, increasing travel time. However, with improved transport networks such as the Pune Metro Extension, connectivity to suburban areas is gradually improving.

      Limited Social Infrastructure: While development is ongoing, many suburban areas still lack the robust social infrastructure found in cities. This can be a drawback for those who value proximity to shopping malls, entertainment centers, and restaurants.

      Final Considerations: Best Places to Invest

      In 2024, both urban and suburban markets in India are poised for growth, driven by government initiatives, economic recovery, and rising demand. Programs like PMAY and RERA have improved transparency, making suburban regions particularly appealing. The ARHC scheme also enhances suburban areas by providing affordable housing near industrial hubs. Meanwhile, smart city projects are revitalizing urban centers, boosting livability and sustainability.

      Urban investments offer faster appreciation and proximity to job markets, while suburban areas provide affordability and space. Your choice depends on your financial goals and lifestyle preferences.

      If you still find it difficult to decide, contacting a real estate expert like Squarea can help you navigate the complexities of property buying and investment in India.

      7 December 2024
      Factors Affecting Property Prices in India: Insights for Homebuyers

      Primary Keyword: Factors Affecting Property Prices in India

      Secondary Keywords: Real Estate Market in India, Property Price Trends

      Investing in real estate is a significant decision for homebuyers in India. Real estate constitutes an appreciable percentage of most people’s wealth. The real estate market in India is influenced by various dynamic factors that drive property price fluctuations. All these factors affecting property prices in India are very important for home buyers and investors to understand to navigate this complex scenario and make the right decisions. It attracts as well as creates huge opportunities for investors because of the size and scale of this real estate market.

      In this article, we will discuss and analyze the main factors affecting property prices in India.

      Market Outlook FY 2024-25

      Experts predict moderate growth for the Indian real estate market. ICRA and Colliers suggest a shift from last year's rapid expansion to steadier progress. ICRA anticipates price stabilization, while Colliers highlights infrastructure projects and economic recovery as key drivers of resilience.

      The seven major metros—Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Kerala—are set to experience varied growth:

      Mumbai: 5-8% rise, driven by metro expansion and coastal projects.

      Bangalore & Hyderabad: Increases of 6-9% and 7-10%, respectively, due to the IT boom.

      Chennai & Pune: Expected gains of 5-7% and 6-8%, aided by residential demand and metro expansions.

      Kerala: 3-5% growth from NRI investments and tourism.

      (Sources: CBRE India, JLL India, Colliers).

      Factors Driving Property Prices In India

      1. PEconomic Growth

      The nexus between economic growth and property prices is well-established. India's real GDP expanded by 7.2% in FY23, the highest among major economies, fueling real estate demand. Q1 2024 saw record residential sales with 74,486 units sold, driven by large-scale projects, smart city initiatives, and urban renewal programs

      Interest Rates

      Interest rates are a key determinant of property prices. Lower rates reduce borrowing costs, boosting demand, while higher rates may curb it. RBI's 2024-25 monetary policy aims to balance inflation and growth, shaping housing market trends accordingly.

      Government Policies and Incentives

      Government policies directly impact the supply-demand curve of the real estate market in India. Policies like the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), 2016 have increased transparency, boosting buyer confidence. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and GST reductions on under-construction properties enhance affordability, stimulating investments in new developments.

      Urbanization and Population Growth

      With 600 million people expected to live in cities by 2030 (40% of India’s population), housing demand is on a continuous rise. Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune are key beneficiaries, driven by industrial growth and skilled professional inflows.

      Location and Infrastructure Development

      The quality of infrastructure is another factor that determines values in properties. Areas well connected with transport, educational institutions, and health facilities attract a premium. Infrastructure projects like the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link and Bangalore's Namma Metro are expected to raise property prices by 20-30% in adjacent areas, highlighting the importance of connectivity for real estate appreciation.

      Supply and Demand Dynamics

      The balance between housing supply and demand significantly impacts prices. In markets with high demand but limited supply, prices rise due to scarcity. Conversely, areas with abundant supply may experience stable or declining prices. For instance, the luxury housing segment in cities like Delhi NCR is seeing higher demand, driving prices up. In contrast, markets with substantial affordable housing inventory show more consistent rates.

      Construction Costs

      Building material costs (steel, cement, labor) influence property prices. Developers often pass these increases to buyers, especially in high-cost cities like Mumbai, where land acquisition also inflates prices.

      Employment Opportunities and New Job Creation

      Job growth in IT and finance sectors, especially in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune, increases housing demand. The Indian IT market is expected to reach $19.93 billion by 2025, further boosting residential real estate.

      Development of Industry

      Industrial corridors like the Delhi-Mumbai and Chennai-Bangalore are enhancing property values in surrounding areas, supported by job creation and infrastructure improvements

      Regional Real Estate Trends

      Property price trends vary significantly across different regions, influenced by factors such as local economic activity, infrastructure development, and regulatory environment. Pune’s residential market claimed a substantial 16% of new residential launches across India’s top cities in Q2 2024 – adding around 18,900 units and marking a steady 1% quarterly increase.

      Understanding the several factors affecting property prices in India is very important for home buyers and investors planning to invest in the real estate market in India. Staying informed about these factors is key to capitalizing on opportunities and navigating potential challenges.

      For those looking to deepen their understanding and make informed decisions in this dynamic environment, consulting with experts in the field can be invaluable. SQUAREA offers insights that can help you navigate these complexities and align your investments with market trends.