Where to Build

Steps for choosing land and location

• First, broadly identify localities in the city/town where you want to build. Look at real estate classifieds, maybe even the Internet. Visit the areas you are interested in and talk to a few local real estate agents. Ideally buy a map, put down the prices on the map according to the area.
  
  
• Once you've shortlisted your options,check out the civic amenities. Drainage, sewerage, garbage disposal systems. Street lighting. Roads and transport links. Proximity to market, post offices, banks, schools, ration shops, police stations, medical facilities. Power availability. Atmospheric pollution and even traffic noise.
  
  
• Based on initial quotes, make your budget estimates (refer to HomeBuilding Decisions). Now decide which area fits your budget.
  
  
• There may be a choice of plots available within the area you've identified. Talk to at least two or three brokers to get the best bargain.

Thumb rule on land prices

• Land along a main road would cost more than plots on side roads.
  
  
• Land on certain prime locations in a city would cost more than elsewhere.
  
  
• Similarly, land prices would decrease as you go away from the city centre and from main markets.
  
  
• Because of rapid urbanisation, land prices rise much faster than inflation. Hence, buy the land for your home at the earliest while you plan the other steps of homebuilding.

The all important legalities

Before you actually invest in a plot...

• Establish how the intended seller acquired the property in the first place.
  
  
• Check the address and reputation of the broker as well as the landowner.
  
  
• Get your information first hand. Visit the site. Ask the seller and local inhabitants about it. Have it measured ?
  
  
• Go through the legal documents. It might be wise to hire a lawyer to conduct a search at the municipal land records office, and the courts of registration/mutation to see if all the papers are in order:
  
  
• Landowner's title deed (at least a true copy) and the latest tax receipt from the land revenue department.
• Confirmation (through the Registrar of Assurance) that the plot is free of mortgage, legal disputes and other such isues.
• Ask for a copy of the master plan as approved by the Town and Country Planning Board or similar authorities and make sure the land in the area you've identified is earmarked for residential use.
  
  
• Ensure you pay stamp duty while registering the Sale Deed as this will prove the validity of your ownership.