Home Loan Guide 5 min read Updated 2026

7 things to check before paying a builder

Before transferring earnest money or booking advances for a home purchase, verify title documents, statutory approvals, and bank loan eligibility to protect against delays and disputes.

Confirm RERA registration and project approvals

Every ongoing and new real estate project must be registered under State RERA. Check the official RERA portal for sanctioned building plans, commencement certificates (CC), and layout approvals before signing.

Review the Agreement for Sale with a legal expert

Scrutinize the Builder-Buyer Agreement for carpet area definition, possession timelines, penalty clauses for delays, and payment milestones. Avoid signing one-sided terms.

Check encumbrance and chain of title documents

Obtain an Encumbrance Certificate (EC) for the past 30 years from the sub-registrar office to ensure the land title is marketable and free from mortgages, court litigation, or family disputes.

Validate the builder's track record and financial health

Research previously delivered projects by the promoter. Verify whether past phases were completed on schedule with valid Occupancy Certificates (OC).

Align payment milestones strictly with construction stages

Do not agree to upfront advance demands or time-linked plans without corresponding physical completion certificates from registered structural engineers.

Get a Legal Title Search via a bank panel advocate

Save&Borrow offers property title verification conducted by scheduled PSU bank panel advocates for ₹999. The fee is fully refunded upon home loan disbursal.

Ensure your loan in-principle sanction is active

Secure a digital pre-sanction letter from a trusted PSU bank to lock in competitive interest rates and know your exact borrowing eligibility before committing cash.