An under-construction booking carries more uncertainty than a ready property by definition — you're buying a promise, not a finished product. These seven questions separate builders worth trusting with that promise from those worth walking away from.
1. Is the project RERA-registered, and is the registration current?
Check the RERA number directly on the state RERA portal rather than taking the builder's word for it. Confirm the registration hasn't lapsed and that the declared possession date on RERA matches what you've been told verbally.
2. Is the project's escrow account being maintained as required?
RERA mandates that a defined percentage of funds collected from buyers be kept in a separate escrow account, used only for that project's construction and land costs. Ask how this is being managed — a builder confident in their compliance will answer this readily.
3. What's the builder's track record on past project delivery?
Look up the builder's previous 2–3 projects and their actual delivery dates against what was originally promised. A pattern of delays across multiple projects is a far stronger signal than any single project's marketing material.
4. What exactly does the price include?
Base price, floor rise charges, preferential location charges, car parking, club membership, GST — get an itemised cost sheet rather than a single headline figure.
5. What happens if possession is delayed?
Confirm the compensation clause for delayed possession is written into the agreement, not just promised verbally, and understand the grace period after which it applies.
6. What approvals are already in place?
Environmental clearance, building plan sanction, and commencement certificate should already exist before booking opens for most legitimate projects. Ask to see these, not just hear that they're "in process."
7. Who handles the handover and what does it include?
Clarify what's covered at possession — fittings, finishes, common area completion status — and whether a formal snag inspection is offered before you take possession and sign the completion certificate.
A builder with nothing to hide will answer all seven of these without hesitation. Hesitation, vagueness, or pressure to "decide today" on any of them is itself useful information.
