December 21, 2023

Hidden Costs You Didn’t Expect When Buying Your Dream Home

Introduction

The prospect of finding a place to call your own, where memories will be made and dreams realized, is undeniably exciting. However, beneath the surface of this thrill lies a critical aspect that every prospective homeowner should acknowledge – the importance of understanding the complete financial landscape associated with buying a home. Join us as we unveil the secrets of the hidden costs when buying your dream home.

1. Stamp Duty for Deed Registration

What is Stamp Duty?

Stamp duty is a tax imposed by the government on property transactions. It's crucial to factor in this cost when planning your budget for a new home. The amount varies based on the property's location and value.

Stamp Duty Rate
Basic Rate of Stamp Duty 3.50%
Surcharge (40% on Basic Rate) 1.40%
Total Stamp Duty 4.90%

2. Registration Fees

In Gujarat, the state imposes a registration fee equivalent to 1% of the transaction value or the market value of the property, whichever is higher. The following registration fees are applicable in Gujarat.

Gender Gujarat Registration Fees
Female No registration fee
Male 1%
Female and Female Joint Buyer No registration fee
Male and Female Joint Buyer 1%

3. Maintenance Deposit

In India, maintenance fees levied by builders typically range from Rs 2 to Rs 25 per square foot, varying based on the city and locality. The maintenance charges are influenced by the range of amenities provided within the housing society.

Builders bear the responsibility of covering maintenance fees until the property is formally handed over to the buyer. Upon possession, builders may request maintenance fee payments spanning a period of 12 to 24 months. Maintenance charges constitute a compulsory component of the agreement between the buyer and the builder. Following the payment of the booking amount, the builder issues an allotment letter detailing the associated maintenance charge.

A recent decision by the Gujarat bench of the Authority for Advance Rulings (AAR) has clarified that goods and services tax (GST) is applicable to maintenance deposits paid by flat buyers. Property owners are subject to an 18% GST if the monthly fees per member exceed Rs 7,500, and the annual aggregate turnover surpasses Rs 20 lakhs.

4. Brokerage Charges

At the forefront of your homebuying journey stands the real estate broker, a key player in connecting buyers with their dream properties. Understanding the pivotal role brokers play is crucial. These professionals bring expertise, market knowledge, and negotiation skills to the table, guiding you through the intricate process of securing your ideal home.

In India, property brokers commonly impose a commission fee of 2% on both the buyer and seller, calculated based on the transaction value. For instance, in a property deal worth Rs 1 crore, the agent would receive Rs 1 lakh from both the buyer and the seller.

When it comes to residential properties for sale, brokers typically levy fees ranging from 1% to 2% of the property's sale value, charged to both the buyer and the seller. For residential properties available for rent, the standard fee is usually equivalent to one month's rent, collected from both the landlord and the tenant.

In India, there are no established norms or legal regulations governing broker fees. In a buyer's market, brokers commonly charge 1% to 2% of the property cost as brokerage fees, though this is negotiable based on the actual property value.

Do you want to buy a home in Vapi without paying brokerage to broker?

Discover a broker-free home-buying experience with Polaris World. Directly connect with our real estate experts, saving you from unnecessary brokerage fees. At Polaris World, we prioritize transparency and personalized service, empowering you to make informed decisions while realizing your dream of homeownership. Break free from extra costs and embrace a brighter, broker-free future with us.

If you want to buy a home in Vapi and want to save brokerage charges then visit our website and go through with our projects with by clicking here. And fill the contact us form and send us. That's it.

5. Interior Design

Beyond the structural aspects of homeownership lies the often underestimated realm of interior design. Converting a house into a personalized haven involves expenses that are frequently overlooked during the initial stages of homebuying. Understanding and accounting for these costs is crucial for a comprehensive and satisfying homeownership experience.

The costs associated with interior design can vary based on the nature of the interiors and the scope of the project. As a general guideline, interior design expenses are recommended to be in the range of 10 - 15% of the property's overall cost. For more expansive residences such as villas, this percentage may increase to 30 - 35%.

The fees charged by interior designers typically fall within the range of 3 lakh to 7 lakh or more, contingent upon factors like the complexity of the design and the project's size. For basic interior design services, the cost may hover around 5 - 6 lakhs. Meanwhile, for projects involving medium to high-level design intricacies, the expenses can range from 15 - 50 lakhs.

Interior stylists and decorators, on the other hand, may apply charges ranging from ₹50 to ₹500 per square foot. If additional services such as furnishing, flooring, and false ceilings are included, the rates might escalate to ₹2000 - ₹4000 per square foot.

Certain interior designers may opt for a lump-sum payment model, determining a fixed amount for the entire project. This lump sum is typically calculated based on the specific requirements of the project and the discretion of the designer.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional for Interior Design

Deciding how to design the interior is a big choice. You can either do it yourself (DIY) or get help from a professional interior designer. Both options have advantages and disadvanatges. Knowing these things is important to make sure your home looks the way you want it to without spending too much money.

Advantages of DIY:

I. Cost Saving
II. Personalization
III. Learning and satisfaction

Disadvantages of DIY:

I. Time consuming
II. Lack of professional knowledge
III. Limited resources

Advantages of Hiring an Interior Designer:

I. Expertise and Vision
II. Time-Effecient
III. Access to Resources

Cons Of Hiring an Interior Designer:

I. Higher Cost
II. Limited personalization
III. Dependency

6. Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Certainly! In India, individuals purchasing under-construction properties, including flats, apartments, bungalows, and developable land, are required to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST). The GST rate is 1% for properties falling within the affordable category. For other properties, the applicable GST rate is 5%. This tax is calculated on the cost of construction and the value of the land, and it's essential for homebuyers to be aware of these rates when considering a property purchase.

GST rate on flat purchase in 2023

Property type GST rate till March 2019 GST rate from April 2019
Affordable housing 8% with input tax credit (ITC) 1% without ITC
Non-affordable housing 12% with ITC 5% without ITC

GST on construction services

Under-construction home bought under the PMAY Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) Under-construction home bought without the subsidy Works contract for affordable housing
8% 12% 12%

7. Memorandum Deposit of Title Deed

What is a Memorandum Deposit of Title Deed?

A Memorandum Deposit of Title Deed is a crucial element in real estate transactions, acting as a formal record of the agreement between the buyer and the seller. This memorandum serves as a provisional confirmation that the property's title will be transferred from the seller to the buyer. It is essentially a commitment from both parties to proceed with the transaction. The MODT fee, alternatively referred to as the MOD deposit, ranges from 0.1% to 0.5% of the loan amount, with a maximum limit of ₹25,000. This fee is subject to variation based on the state and the specific property involved. Transparency is key during a real estate transaction, and the Memorandum Deposit of Title Deed contributes to this transparency. Both parties should have a clear understanding of the terms, including the deposit amount, conditions, and timeline for completing the transaction. Open communication and a thorough review of the memorandum ensure that everyone involved comprehends their responsibilities, fostering a smooth and transparent real estate process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey of buying a home is exciting but requires careful consideration of hidden costs. By addressing these expenses proactively, prospective homebuyers can approach the real estate market with confidence, ensuring a more transparent and stress-free experience.