Get a House in India — Costs, Government Schemes, Eligibility, Forms & Step-by-Step Buying Guide
Planning to buy or build a house in India? This in-depth guide explains end-to-end: how much it costs in major cities, where to find government housing schemes and forms, who is eligible, which documents you need, and the exact steps from search to registration. Use the search bar to explore projects, RERA listings, and bank offers in your city.
Search Projects, RERA, and Bank Offers
Tip: Add your state name (e.g., “RERA Maharashtra projects”, “PMAY Urban application Gujarat”).
City-wise Cost Guide (Illustrative)
Indicative 2025-style ranges to help you frame budgets. Prices change by micro-market, spec, and timing. Always take fresh quotes.
| City | Apartment Price (₹/sq ft) | Construction Cost (₹/sq ft) | Stamp Duty (typical %) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | 18,000–50,000 | 2,800–4,800 | 5–6 |
| Delhi (NCT) | 10,000–28,000 | 2,600–4,400 | 4–6 |
| Bengaluru | 8,500–22,000 | 2,500–4,200 | 5–6 |
| Hyderabad | 7,500–20,000 | 2,400–4,000 | 5–6 |
| Chennai | 8,000–20,000 | 2,500–4,200 | 5–7 |
| Pune | 7,500–20,000 | 2,400–4,200 | 5–6 |
| Ahmedabad | 5,500–14,000 | 2,200–3,800 | 4–5 |
| Kolkata | 6,000–16,000 | 2,300–3,900 | 5–7 |
| Nagpur | 4,000–10,500 | 2,000–3,400 | 5–6 |
Illustrative ranges only. Taxes, floor rise, car parks, club charges, PLC, and registration are extra. Always verify with builders and brokers.
Government Schemes — What to Look For
India offers central and state-level housing initiatives aimed at making a house in India more affordable. Program names, benefits, and dates change—always check the latest notifications on official portals. Common buckets include:
- Urban Housing Missions: Subsidized homes/benefits for Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Low Income Group (LIG), and other categories.
- Gramin/Rural Housing: Assistance for pucca houses in rural areas.
- State Housing Boards: Allotment schemes, lottery systems, and discounted units for targeted groups.
- Concessions: Women’s ownership incentives in some states, stamp duty rebates, property tax rebates on first homes.
- Credit-Linked Support: Periodic interest subventions/subsidies routed via banks & housing finance institutions (availability varies by year).
Income Categories (Typical Benchmarks)
These are commonly referenced buckets; exact cut-offs can vary by scheme and state:
- EWS: up to ~₹3 lakh per annum
- LIG: ~₹3–6 lakh per annum
- MIG-I: ~₹6–12 lakh per annum
- MIG-II: ~₹12–18 lakh per annum
Note: Thresholds and benefits change. Refer to the current government circular for your state/city.
Forms & Templates
Use these editable templates to prepare before filling official forms:
- 📄 Government Housing Scheme – Application Form (Template CSV)
- 🗂️ Document Checklist (ID/Address/Income/Property)
- 🧮 Home Loan Eligibility – Mini Calculator (CSV)
These templates help you organize details; submit only the latest official forms issued by the respective authority/bank.
Eligibility — Who Can Apply?
- Indian citizen, meeting the income category for the chosen scheme (EWS/LIG/MIG etc.).
- No prior pucca house in your or family’s name (for many subsidy programs).
- Property must be part of a RERA-registered project (for many urban schemes).
- Basic KYC: Aadhaar/PAN, address proof, bank statements, and income proof (ITR/Form 16/Salary slips).
- Women ownership/joint ownership may be mandatory/preferred in several affordable-housing schemes.
Important: Exact rules differ by scheme/state and can change—always check the latest circular.
Steps — From Search to Registration
- Define Budget & City/Micro-market: Use the City-wise Cost Guide and your mini calculator to shortlist target areas.
- Check RERA & Builder Credentials: Verify land title, approvals, and RERA status. Prefer staged payments linked to construction milestones.
- Shortlist Projects or a Plot: Compare carpet area, specifications, floor rise, amenities, possession timeline, and all inclusions.
- Explore Government Schemes: Confirm if you qualify under Urban/Gramin or state housing board lotteries/schemes.
- Arrange Home Loan: Talk to 2–3 banks/HFCs; compare interest, processing fees, LTV, prepayment rules. Use the mini calculator CSV.
- Legal & Technical Diligence: Get agreement draft vetted by a real-estate lawyer; review encumbrance certificate and NOCs.
- Token & Allotment: Pay booking amount only against official receipt; maintain a neat paper/email trail.
- Agreement to Sale & Stamping: Execute ATS as per state law; ensure correct stamp duty/category concessions if any.
- Loan Sanction & Disbursement: Provide documents, satisfy bank’s legal/technical clearances, and sign loan papers.
- Registration & Possession: Register the sale deed; complete society formalities; conduct a snag list before taking keys.
Understanding the Cost Break-Up
- Base Price / Land + Construction: The core price quoted by the builder or the construction contractor if you own a plot.
- Government Levies: Stamp duty, registration, GST (if applicable), property tax, development charges.
- Premiums: Floor rise, car parks, view/location premium, PLC, club membership.
- Fit-outs: Kitchen, wardrobes, lights, fans, ACs, grillwork, safety door, curtains/blinds.
- Loan Cost: Processing fee, interest outgo, insurance if availed.
Documents — Keep These Ready
Use our checklist to track submissions:
🗂️ Download Document Checklist (CSV)
- Aadhaar, PAN, address proof
- Income proof: ITR/Form 16/Salary slips
- Bank statements (6–12 months)
- Property papers: Allotment/Agreement to Sale, draft sale deed
- RERA details (if a project)
- Photographs and signatures
Risk Controls — Protect Your Investment
- Never skip RERA verification (project and promoter).
- Use escrowed/stage-linked payments aligned to actual construction progress.
- Insist on written commitments for possession timeline, specifications, and penalty clauses.
- Take legal opinion on title, encumbrances, and approvals.
- Inspect before possession with a snag checklist (doors, windows, plumbing, electrical, finishes).
Support & Help
- Official Portals: For the latest scheme rules, forms, and eligibility, check your State Housing Department, State Housing Board, and State RERA website.
- Bank/HFC Helpdesks: Contact your bank’s home loan helpdesk for current interest rates, processing fees, and subsidy routing (if applicable).
- City-specific Help: Municipal bodies publish helplines and grievance cells—search using the bar above (e.g., “Housing helpline [Your City]”).
- Your Enquiry (WhatsApp): Message: 9860109440
Note: Helplines and program names change. Always confirm details on official portals before paying fees or sharing sensitive data.
FAQ — Buying/Building a House in India
Is it better to buy an apartment or build on a plot?
Buying saves time and offers amenities; building offers design control and potentially lower cost per sq ft. Choose based on timeline, budget flexibility, and location.
How much loan can I get?
Typically 70–90% of property value depending on income, FOIR, obligations, and credit score. Use the mini calculator to estimate.
⬇️ Download Home-Loan Mini Calculator (CSV)
How do I apply for government housing schemes?
Check your city/state portal for live schemes, read eligibility, prepare documents using our templates, then submit the official online/offline form.
⬇️ Download Scheme Application Template
What extra costs should I plan for?
Stamp duty, registration, GST (if applicable), parking, club fees, PLC, brokerage, interiors, shifting, and initial society charges.
Disclaimer
Prices, scheme names, eligibility criteria, and tax/stamp duty rules change frequently and vary by state/city. Treat figures and templates here as illustrative; always confirm the latest information on official government and bank portals, and consult qualified professionals (lawyer, architect, banker) before making decisions.