Hidden Costs in Property Buying Nobody Tells You About

What You Must Budget Before Booking

Most property buyers plan for:

• Property price
• Down payment
• Home loan EMI

And then reality hits.

Suddenly, the budget stretches.
Not because the property is wrong, but because hidden costs were ignored.

Let’s expose the expenses that buyers in Noida and Gurgaon usually discover too late.

Hidden Cost #1: Stamp Duty & Registration

This is non-negotiable and often underestimated.

What buyers miss:

• Stamp duty varies by state
• Registration charges are separate
• Rates differ for men, women, and joint ownership

This alone can add 6–8% of the property value.

Hidden Cost #2: GST on Under-Construction Properties

Many buyers forget this completely.

• Applicable only on under-construction properties
• Not applicable on ready-to-move homes

This can significantly impact your upfront payment.

Always ask:

“Is GST included in this price or extra?”

Hidden Cost #3: PLC (Preferential Location Charges)

PLC is charged for:

• Park-facing units
• Corner flats
• Higher floors
• Better views

Buyers choose emotionally, then pay financially.

PLC can quietly add several lakhs to the final cost.

Hidden Cost #4: Floor Rise Charges

Many projects charge extra per floor above a certain level.

Higher floor = better view = higher cost.

This is rarely highlighted upfront.

Hidden Cost #5: Car Parking Charges

Parking is not always included.

Charges depend on:

• Basement vs stilt
• Covered vs open
• Number of parking slots

Always confirm:

“How many parkings are included and how many are chargeable?”

Hidden Cost #6: Club Membership & Maintenance Deposits

At possession, buyers often face:

• One-time club charges
• Advance maintenance deposits
• Corpus funds

These can come as a surprise if not discussed earlier.

Hidden Cost #7: Interior & Move-In Expenses

Even a “semi-furnished” flat needs:

• Modular kitchen
• Wardrobes
• Lighting & fans
• Curtains, fittings, minor upgrades

This cost is real and unavoidable.

Hidden Cost #8: Loan Processing & Documentation Charges

Banks charge:

• Processing fees
• Legal & valuation charges
• MODT / documentation costs

Small individually, but meaningful when added together.

The Biggest Buyer Mistake

Focusing only on EMI affordability, not total ownership cost.

A property that looks affordable today can become stressful tomorrow if costs are ignored.

Final Thought

The smartest buyers aren’t those who get the lowest price.
They’re the ones who know the real cost upfront.

Clarity saves money.
Surprises don’t.

Want a transparent cost breakdown?

ValueMax Advisors helps buyers understand complete cost structures before booking, so there are no last-minute shocks.

📞 Speak with our team for a clear, all-inclusive property budget.