Summary of this article
Navratri offers may attract buyers, but property diligence is non-negotiable
Key checks: title deeds, builder reputation, approvals, RERA registration
Discounts should be bonuses, not the primary driver of purchase decisions
Independent legal and financial advice safeguards buyers from costly mistakes
Purchasing a property is fundamentally a long-term, high-value investment demanding immense conviction and clarity. While festive periods like Navratri may see an uptick in offers and incentives, buyers must not let transient excitement, market momentum, or fear of missing out (FOMO) cloud their judgment.
Festive Offers Need Careful Evaluation
“Instead, buyers should maintain rigorous scrutiny - evaluating location for connectivity and planned infrastructure, legal title, builder reputation based on past delivery, and the genuine value of any festive discounts offered. Discounts should be viewed as a bonus, not the motivation,” says Col Sanjeev Govila (retd), certified financial planner, CEO, Hum Fauji Initiatives, a financial advisory firm.
Resist the urge to rush; if unable to clearly shortlist or feel truly convinced about a property’s suitability, it’s prudent to step back, even during festive buzz. Integrity in the decision process protects buyers from later regret and fosters wealth creation rather than merely capital deployment.
Auspicious timing, such as purchasing during Navratri, is culturally significant to many in India, but this should enhance - never override - the foundation of smart investing.
Legal And Financial Checks Are Non-Negotiable
Buyers must not dilute practical essentials like property pricing, builder track record, and locality, which are immune to auspicious dates. “Comprehensive due diligence remains non-negotiable, with attention to property documentation, resale potential, and lifestyle fit. Acquiring at an unfavourable price, or from a builder with a questionable reputation, can erode financial gains irrespective of timing,” says Govila.
If auspiciousness aligns with a sensibly vetted transaction, it may add psychological comfort, but the primary anchor should be financial prudence, transactional transparency, and the strategic fit of the asset.
No festive offer or persuasive marketing should deter buyers from undertaking thorough financial and legal scrutiny prior to commitment.
Key checks include validating the property’s title, ensuring approvals from relevant authorities, and vetting the builder’s financial health. All payments should be made transparently with well-documented receipts, ensuring the property is free from encumbrances, litigations, or outstanding dues.
“Never succumb to behavioural pressures like time-limited discounts, limited inventory, or the ‘auspicious’ rush, as these are often tactics to accelerate decisions unbeneficial to the buyer. Securing advice from an independent legal and financial advisor, not connected to the transaction, is critical,” says Govila.
During festive seasons, before finalising any property, buyers must conduct thorough financial due diligence, including verifying the total cost, hidden charges, and loan eligibility. “Legally, it is essential to check title deeds, Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) registration, approvals from local authorities, and builder compliance certificates. Clear documentation of all agreements and payment schedules protects against future disputes,” says Indrajit Siddhanta, co-founder & principal partner, Square Yards.
Thoughtful diligence here not only safeguards wealth but also ensures peace of mind, fortifying the buyer’s reputation as a discerning and astute investor in the Indian market.
