**Comprehensive Home Buying Guide for Standalone Apartments in Hyderabad**

Hi folks! I’m posting this guide to help those looking to buy their dream homes. I’m starting with standalone apartments because this segment often has more inconsistent or disorganized practices compared to gated societies. I’ll make a separate post for gated communities soon. # A Little About Me I’m a small-scale architect-builder. My family has been in the business through partnerships, working on small-scale projects mostly. I’m sharing this guide based on my experience to help you navigate the standalone apartment market. # Step 1: Approvals and Permissions 1. **Check Building Permissions (Under Construction)** * Verify if the project has building permission from the relevant statutory body (GHMC, HMDA, or local municipality). * Ensure the unit you’re buying is within the approved limits. For example, some projects get permission for 4 floors but construct an extra unauthorized floor. 2. **Check Occupancy Certificate (OC) for Completed/Resale Units** * Make sure the property has an OC and your unit is within its limits. Avoid properties with unauthorized extensions, as banks won’t value these during loans or mortgages. 3. **Why This Matters** * Properties with full approvals and OC are easier to finance. Banks won’t count unauthorized structures in valuations for loans, making them a liability during emergencies. # Step 2: Legal Verification 1. **Encumbrance Certificate (EC)** * Obtain a 30-year EC (or 20-year as per bank requirements). This shows property ownership history and highlights any existing loans, court cases, or disputes. 2. **Prohibited List Check** * Verify the property’s survey/house number on the registration department’s website to ensure it’s not under prohibited lists or buffer zones. 3. **Ownership History** * Understanding the property’s ownership history helps uncover potential legal complications. # Step 3: Construction Quality 1. **Materials Used** * Cement brick construction is cheaper, while red brick construction is more expensive but offers better insulation. * Look for seepages, cracks, or poor workmanship. 2. **Fixtures and Finishes** * **Flooring:** Tiles are the standard nowadays, but stone flooring is expensive and considered a premium choice. * **Sanitaryware:** For ceramic fixtures, the brand doesn’t matter much, but for CP fittings, it does. Hindware, Parryware, and Cera are premium makes, while Gessi, Jaguar, and Grohe are considered luxury. # Step 4: Financing 1. **Nationalized Banks** * SBI, PNB, and Union Bank offer competitive rates depending on market conditions. 2. **Private Banks** * They may provide additional benefits like coverage for interiors, registration charges, or longer tenures. 3. **Cash Payments** * Negotiate for discounts during the project’s early stages or if the builder is experienced. Always formalize transactions with an **agreement of sale** and avoid making large payments in cash. # Advantages of Standalone Apartments 1. **Lower Maintenance Costs** * Utility bills and monthly maintenance are much lower than in gated societies. 2. **Better Resource Sharing** * Fewer units mean better access to natural resources like groundwater and a higher undivided share of the land. # Price Guide by Region * **North/Northwest (₹5,300–₹5,700/sq. ft. + ₹4–5L amenities):** *(Alwal, Kompally, Bachupally, Miyapur)* * **East/Northeast/Southeast (₹4,700–₹5,500/sq. ft. + ₹4–5L amenities):** *(Hayathnagar, Vanasthalipuram, Narapally, Nagole, Dammaiguda, Kushaiguda, B.N. Reddy Nagar, Nadergul)* * **Central (₹7,500–₹12,000/sq. ft.):** *(Himayathnagar, Begumpet, Secunderabad, Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Shaikpet, Mehdipatnam, Moosapet, Borabanda, S.R. Nagar)* * **West (₹6,500–₹8,000/sq. ft. + ₹4–5L amenities):** *(Chandanagar, Nallagandla, Kondapur, Madhapur, Manikonda, Narsingi, Kokapet)* * **South/Southwest (₹5,300–₹6,800/sq. ft. + ₹4–5L amenities):** *(TSPA Junction, Bandlaguda, Kismatpur, Budvel, Attapur, Shivrampally, Shamshabad)* # Final Note I hope this guide helps you in your home-buying journey. If you’re looking for standalone units in the ₹75–80L range, I have a project in the southwest and know of two others in the east within a similar budget. Feel free to DM me for inquiries or if you have any questions about home buying. I’m offering this help because I see many posts about real estate frustration. I believe a guide like this can provide clarity and empower buyers to make informed decisions. Plus, as a small-scale builder, it helps me build a network of future clients. 😊