Things to know before Buying a Flat in Goa: A Complete Guide
Buying a flat in Goa can be a lengthy process that requires careful planning and investment of time. This can overwhelm several new home buyers who want nothing but the best for themselves and their family.
When such is the case, the last thing you would want is to miss out on the important steps and considerations that have to be taken to ensure a smooth process to buy flat in Goa.
Here is a comprehensive guide with all the things you need to know before buying a flat in Goa.
Goa, with its sunny beaches and happening party culture, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is also one of the most expensive real estate markets in the country. The beach state has always been a favoured
What to look for when Buying a Flat in Goa
Everyone has their own list of criteria for shortlisting properties. Whether done through a real estate agent or by yourself, here are some common but important things to look out for by potential buyers of flats in Goa.
1. Make sure to buy flats in Goa from reputed builders
When buying a flat in Goa, the reputation and credibility of the real estate builder is of utmost priority. [Related: 7 Hidden Costs To Be Aware Of When Buying Property In Goa]
This is to ensure that you don’t have to worry about the quality of construction and the timely delivery of your flat.
Make sure to check the developers have a good track record and a consistent success rate.
Most established builders should be members of industry associations such as CREDAI (Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India) and their projects should be registered under RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority).
You should look for the following Information about real estate developers:
- i) Compare past record with commitments
It is important to inquire about the past projects and whether they were done on time or not.
Questions such as how many projects are pending?, Has the builder provided occupancy certificates for all projects? Are also very important.
- ii) Collect information about their financial health
It is important to know about the developers cash flow and debt level. Make sure the developers are not unlisted as it is difficult to gather this information from the developer directly.
iii) Check developer rating
Ratings can help us check the track record of a developer in completing projects as per specifications and standards.
Developers are given a rating on a 5-point scale from DA1 (Excellent) to DA5 (Poor) based on track record and organizational and financial strengths.
iii) Visit their past projects
Make sure you take the time to visit completed projects and also interact with current and past homeowners in order to validate facts from the developers.
2. Consider the Location to buy a Flat in Goa
When choosing to buy a flat in Goa, you should be aware of how much of a difference the location and surroundings can make. Goan flats are mostly situated in the inland area such as busy cities and also along the coastal belt.
The Goan real estate market is subdivided into two mini markets, North and South Goa, where the North is seen as the more popular and tourist friendly area, whereas the South is more for the quiet life.
Buying a flat in Goa, which lies right in between the North and South, is also a great decision as it offers a combination of both the commercial and industrial aspects as well as the peace and quiet which comes from it being a bit farther away from the port town of Vasco.
Another important thing to check is whether you get good connectivity to major city roads and public transportation.
3. Do an Affordability and Price Check
Before you even buy a flat in Goa, you should have a fixed budget in place. You can compare the prices of flats and properties from various sources such as online listing portals (99 acres, MagicBricks, Makaan, etc), brokers of the area, newspaper listings.
You can also compare the price of the selected property with the ones in the surrounding area by other builders to check whether the builder has offered you a genuine quotation or not.
All in all, you should be open to options as choosing an affordable flat should be a mix of cost and quality.
4. Make sure Security & Privacy Measures are in Place
If you’re planning to buy a flat in Goa, it is crucial to check whether all the necessary security arrangements are set in place in your society.
Flats on the ground floor are more vulnerable to break-ins, due to the easier access to doors and windows compared to flats on higher levels.
Basic security features such as CCTV cameras installations and guards should be available, especially if the building is located near the main road or a busy area.
5. Keep a lookout for hidden and additional charges in property documents
It is vital to read and understand all clauses relating to documents, penalties, grace period, etc, in detail before purchase.
Additional expenses to be mindful of are GST, stamp duty, home loan processing fee, registration charges. Don’t forget to do your research on these.
Make sure to consult your lawyer if the technicalities of property documents are difficult for you to understand.
Is it Worth Buying and Investing in a Flat in Goa?
Even though Goa is one of the highly priced real estate sectors in India, it does give great returns when it comes to investments in real estate such as flats and apartments.
Goa’s booming real estate market is becoming a favorite destination for a second home or retirement home for people looking to earn supplemental income by leasing out their properties or finding a home that suits their retirement needs.
If you are looking forward to buying a property in Goa be it north Goa or south Goa , which is close to everyday places such as schools, offices, hospitals, markets and so on, a flat is the best purchase.
Purchasing a flat in Goa is less costly than say a villa in Goa and is suited for nuclear families who would prefer investing in flats.
When it comes to the return on investment (ROI) of your flat, it will largely be based on its location. The demand to sell or rent a flat is also quite high.
There are many reasons to choose South Goa as a place to stay. The area is known for its beautiful beaches, its relaxed atmosphere, and its friendly locals. Additionally, South Goa offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts. Mohidin’s Hamlet By The Bay is a premium residential project located in Dabolim, South Goa which is currently under construction
If you are more of a sociable person then apartment projects can be a good fit for you as they are located in busy and bustling areas, usually along the beach belt, and are close to restaurants, malls, complexes, nightclubs, etc.
You’ll also have easy access to public transport and grocery stores, markets, eateries will also be walking distance away from you.
Pros of Flats in Goa:
- Ease of maintenance and convenience:
This one is one of the major points as most of the maintenance hassle of flats is handled by the developer in the beginning and later handed over to the cooperative society. This keeps the overall cost of maintenance low in the long run as it is taken care of by the pooled resources of the residents.
Investing in a 2 BHK flat , 3 BHK flats offers several amenities such as Gymnasiums, Swimming pools and most importantly, security which is a bonus factor you won’t find when buying plots.
- Saleability and Resale Value:
As per industry trends, a 2 bhk apartment & 3 bhk apartments and flats are more in demand than plots and have a higher resale value as long as the land ownership is defined, if not the market value remains flat.
- Bank Assistance for Loans:
Banks make the process of providing loans for flats quite easy compared to independent property. Banks often keep a prepared list of sanctioned projects where a buyer can easily get his loan approved.
Cons of Flats in Goa:
- Lower rate of appreciation
There is no doubt that land appreciates much better than flats and apartments as the availability of land is limited and can’t be increased as per market needs.
For a better resale value, old flats require more maintenance and repairing and this depends heavily on the locality, availability of amenities, infrastructure, connectivity and other external factors.
- Delivery
It can take several months or even years to get the possession of an apartment. If buying an under construction apartment project, there will be several factors that determine the project delivery.
Poor economic and market conditions, rising cost of raw materials and labour, and poor sales sometimes hit developers’ revenues, leading to delays in construction.
What are the Documents Required for Buying Flat in Goa?
If you intend to buy flat in Goa, property registration has the following purpose:
The Property transfer document will be made a permanent record if registered in the Sub-Registrar office.
Registration of property is a signal to the public that transfer of property has taken place from the previous owner to the new owner.
Property registration documents can easily help verify records in the Sub-Registrar office and this helps identify on whose name the transfer deed has been registered.
Here are the required documents you should acquire and verify for getting registration approval from the concerned authorities. Make sure that you engage a reputable lawyer to investigate the documents as well.3
1. Sale Deed
The Sale Deed is a document which acts as the chief proof of ownership for the sale of a property from the builder to the individual. It must be registered in the Registrar’s office after the purchase of the flat.
It is an essential document required for selling the property and is executed before the sale agreement and after complying with its terms and conditions.
2. Title Deed
The Title Deed of the flat signifies the sale and transfer of property ownership from the seller to the buyer. It will contain the seller’s name, details of the loans, if there are any, and other information pertaining to the property.
This verifies that the flat has a marketable title and ensures that the seller has clear ownership of it.
It is the most important document that you have to acquire after the title of the flat is transferred to you by the seller in the form of Title Deed.
3. Title Repor
A Title Search needs to be conducted at the Registrar’s office in order to retrieve the chain of documents that show the history of the flat.
Once done, a written analysis of the flat will be provided in the form of the Title Report containing its description and other information related to its tax rate, title holder’s name, joint encumbrances along with details of property tax and mortgages associated with it.
4. Building Approval Certificate/Plan
An illegal construction will cost you a lot of trouble later. Hence, you should verify whether the flat is built following a building plan approved by the local municipal authority or not.
This plan reflects the blueprint of the flat, its layout, utilities, and other equipment. If any extra unapproved construction has been carried out there is a risk that the flat can be demolished or declared unfit for occupancy in the long run.
5. Completion/Occupancy Certificate
The Completion Certificate is issued by the municipal authorities on the completion of a project and an Occupancy Certificate is issued by a local government agency after the project is declared suitable for occupancy.
This document is required to avail utilities such as water supply, electricity supply and the drainage system.
Make sure to collect both these documents from the previous owner if it’s a resale.
6. Encumbrance Certificate
Encumbrance Certificate (EC) ensures that the property has no dues, the title of the property is clear and marketable, and it is not partially sold to some other person.
All the transactions related to the flat that you are going to purchase will be displayed on this certificate.
7. Possession Certificate
Possession certificate is required while purchasing a privately built resale flat. It is handed over to the buyer after he/she has physical possession of the property.
The builder issues this to the first owner of a flat. So, if you are buying a resale flat it is important that you obtain the possession paper from the seller.
8. Share Certificate
While buying a resale flat in a cooperative group housing society, you need to get it transferred to you by means of a new Share Certificate issued by the society.
It contains all the names of the previous owners. Thus, once you receive the Sale Deed, collect the original Share Certificate from the seller which has to be submitted to the Society along with a transfer form mutually signed by you and the seller.
After submission, a new Share Certificate, indicating new ownership, will be issued to you by the Society.
9. NOC (No Objection Certificate) from Bank
It is vital to check if the flat is mortgaged against a loan. If there is any loan on the flat check its debt status.
In order to ensure that all the pending dues have been paid back to the bank, ask the seller to get a No Dues Certificate from the concerned bank.
This certificate assures that the bank has received all the dues from the seller and there are no more dues related to the flat and you can buy it without any worry.
10. No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Don’t make any payment towards the resale flat before checking the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the competent authorities. NOCs are given out by different establishments such as gas, water board, electricity, safety, sanitation, etc.
A seller can’t legally sell a property without providing NOCs to the buyer. Hence, if the seller is not able to provide you NOCs for the flat, it will be wise not to buy it.
11. No Dues Certificate from Society
If you are buying a flat in a Co-operative Housing Society it is vital to get NOCs or No Dues Certificates from the society.
These documents certify that the seller has abided by all the society rules and is not liable to pay any dues.
You also need to procure letters from the society stating the year of construction of the building, the built-up area, and the number of floors and lifts. The NOC also signifies that the society has no objection to transfer the Share Certificate to the buyer.
12. Utility Bills
Utility bills such as water bills, electricity bills, gas bills, etc. need to be checked and are an important part of property verification.
It tells you if all the bills have been paid on time or if there is anything that is yet to be paid. You should also make sure that the bills that the seller has produced against the flat is in the name of the owner.
13. Latest Tax Paid Receipts
You should check all the latest tax receipts before buying a resale flat to ensure that there are no outstanding dues attached to the property.
This will also ensure that the previous owner had been paying the taxes on time and there is no involvement of any fraudulent activity.
About us:
Mohidin Properties and Holdings is a leading real estate firm that has been operational for nearly two decades. The real estate company has a rich legacy of providing quality housing and commercial spaces to its clients. Mohidin Properties and Holdings believes in giving attention to every detail while creating living spaces, be it the exterior or interior design of the property. They offer 1 bhk flat, 2 bhk flat, 3 bhk flat, and numerous other properties for sale in top localities such as in Dabolim, Vasco-Da-Gama, and in Sancoale to name a few. In addition to quality construction, Mohidin Properties and Holdings also offers a wide range of recreational amenities in their projects such as a swimming pool, clubhouse, kids play area, indoor games, etc. With its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, Mohidin Properties and Holdings has become one of the most trusted name in the real estate industry in Goa.
Here are some of our projects:
Mohidin’s Hamlet By The Bay (premium residential plots for sale in Goa)
Mohidin’s Hamlet By The Bay is a premium residential project located in Dabolim, South Goa which is currently under construction. The project offers premium residential plots with a serene bay view. The gated property features rolling green lawns and open spaces, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. Being a proud member of this community, you will have access to a number of amenities, such as a swimming pool, clubhouse, and gym. The project is an excellent investment opportunity, with plots currently available for sale. If you are looking for a place to purchase and build your dream house in Goa, Mohidin’s Hamlet By The Bay should be at the top of your list.
Mohidin’s Iconia
Mohidin’s Iconia is a luxurious residential project located in Dabolim, South Goa. The project offers 3 bhk premium apartments with stunning ocean views. The property features well-manicured gardens, a swimming pool, and a clubhouse, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun. Being a proud member of this community, you will have access to a number of amenities, such as a gym. The project is an excellent investment opportunity, with apartments currently available for sale. If you are looking for a place to purchase your new home in Goa, Mohidin’s Iconia should be a project on your mind.
PARQUE DOS PRINCIPES (2 & 3 bhk apartment)
PARQUE DOS PRINCIPES is a great place to buy your first house in Goa. It offers double-height shops on the ground floor, which is perfect for businesses. The balconies offer a great view of the road, and the 3 BHK flats are perfect for those who want to be close to the action. The location is perfect for those who want to be close to the beach, and the community is friendly and welcoming. There are plenty of reasons to invest in property in Goa, and Mohidin’s PARQUE DOS PRINCIPES is a great place to start.
Mohidin's Urbanscape (1 & 2 bhk apartment)
Mohidin’s Urbanscape is one of the best places to buy an affordable home in Goa. The new aesthetically designed 1 bhk and 2 bhk apartment homes with top-of-the-class specifications are set in a tranquil space and serene environments. Each apartment is spaciously designed to feel like an independent house embellished with the finest lifestyle amenities. The eye for detailing, quality features and expertise make this a home that will truly redefine luxury living in the city.With a focus on convenience and value creation, Mohidin’s Urbanscape is an ideal choice for buyers and investors looking for real estate in Goa.
Mohidin Properties and Holdings is a leading real estate firm that can help you find the perfect property in Goa. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Phone – +91-9373113145, +91-9049442699
Landline – +91-8322512415, +91-8322512418, +91-8322514755
Email – groupmail@mohidins.com