A Guide for Single Women on Purchasing a Home in India

Data suggests that single women, rather than their married counterparts, show a greater inclination towards India’s housing market. On this International Women’s Day, let's examine the factors involved in home purchase that a single woman would encounter when she decides to become a homeowner.

Planning a property purchase

Thanks to technological advancements and their impact on the Indian real estate sector, a plethora of information is readily available at your fingertips. With the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating the digitization of the industry, it's now possible to book a home using virtual platforms without ever leaving your residence.

For gathering information, you can utilize apps from various property brokerage firms. These apps not only assist in purchasing a home but also provide valuable knowledge sharing resources. However, with access to such a vast amount of information, it's easy to become overwhelmed. Therefore, it's crucial to carefully select the sources from which you obtain knowledge and ensure that the information aligns with your preferences and, most importantly, your priorities.

This brings us to the key questions that single women home buyers should ask themselves at the outset of their home purchase journey:

1. What kind of locality are you looking for?
2. Have you considered the level of that security this locality offers?
3. Would you feel safe to travel to this location if you were to come late from work?
4. Is the housing project well connected with local transportation networks?
5. What is the size of the house you want?
6. Are you looking for a ready-to-move-in house or an under-construction home?
7. Do you have a preference, in terms of the builder’s brand?
8. What kind of budget do you have?
9. Do you need a home loan to make the purchase?
10. If yes, how much loan can you get from a bank?
11. Is there any specific bank you want to take the money from or are you okay with taking a loan from any bank that is willing to lend you the amount you want?
12. Will you be able to pay your monthly expenses, as well as the home loan EMIs (equated monthly installments)?
13. What tenure should you pick, to repay your home loan?
14. Have you compared the rate of interest that various banks are offering to women home buyers?
15. Are you aware of the various fringe costs associated with home purchases?
16. Are you aware of the various benefits women buyers are entitled to in India? (You could know all about it through our guide on this)
17. Are you aware of the various jargons that brokers, builders and banks use, in the course of property transactions?
18. Are you aware of the stamp duty and registration charges to get the property transferred in your name?
19. Are you aware of the circle rate in the area where you have selected the property?
20. Are you aware of the various protocols that a buyer has to follow during property registration?

Despite the significant financial implications, home purchases are often guided by emotions. While sentimental value holds weight, it's advisable to approach the decision with logic and seek rational answers to the questions posed above before progressing to the next stage.

Site visits: Factors that women buyers must consider

Real estate is a tangible asset, and regardless of technological advancements, prospective buyers will inevitably need to visit the property site to gain a comprehensive understanding of their potential future homes. If you've narrowed down your options and are preparing for site visits, here are some helpful tips for you:

Take a friend or family member along

Nowadays, many builders provide cab services to pick you up and drop you off at your doorstep after showcasing the property. It's advisable to bring along a friend or family member for two reasons. Firstly, having an additional set of eyes will enable a more critical evaluation of the property. Secondly, since you and your broker may need to visit unfamiliar localities, having someone accompany you is beneficial.

Also Read: Latest RBI Guidelines for Home Loans 2024

Check the model house, if it is an under-construction property

Request to view a model flat to gain insight into the appearance of a finished apartment. While a model apartment is intended to present the property in an appealing manner, it may not necessarily reflect how you will utilize the space. Nonetheless, it can assist you in envisioning the placement of closets and determining the suitable size of beds, aiding in assessing if the apartment aligns with your preferences.

Check out the neighbourhood

Explore the neighborhood by driving around and engaging with current residents to assess the availability of daily necessities. Inquire about the safety of the area, particularly during nighttime. If you don't have personal transportation, verify the availability of safe transport options throughout the day.

Bargain

Many builders typically set higher per-square-foot rates compared to the circle rates. Don't hesitate to negotiate for a more favorable price. When conversing with the marketing representative, make sure to request a breakdown of the different charges included in the final cost.

Also Read: Home Loan Benefits for Women in India

The purchasing stage: Check the paperwork

On the day of purchase, prioritize the paperwork as it establishes your ownership of the asset. Ensure that you have possession of all necessary documents, including the sale deed (also referred to as title deed or conveyance deed), occupancy certificate, share certificates, etc., after the property is registered. If you've taken a home loan, your bank will retain copies of these documents, and you'll receive copies for reference. It's essential to securely store all home loan-related documents. Additionally, keep information about all parties involved in the transaction easily accessible, as you may need to contact them for future purposes.

Dos and don’ts for women property buyers after moving in

While there may be various plans you wish to pursue with your newly acquired asset, it's advisable to hold off on significant expenditures for a while and work with what you already possess. Considering the addition of new bills, it's prudent to assess their impact on your monthly income before making further investments.

As a property owner, you'll now be responsible for paying annual property taxes, along with an annual EMI for home loan insurance if you've opted for it. Your housing society will also levy a monthly maintenance fee, and you may incur a monthly parking charge for your vehicle.

Therefore, consider embarking on home decoration endeavors only after a few months, once you feel financially comfortable to make additional purchases without straining your monthly budget. Even then, prioritize essentials over luxuries, as unexpected expenses related to your home may arise, necessitating financial readiness.

Also Read: International Women’s Day: PM cuts in LPG cylinder price by Rs 100