M
Meera Khanna
posted on 7 MayBangalore builders hide costs brilliantly
Is anyone actually getting a straight answer on all-in costs in Bangalore? I'm so fed up of renting, landlord raised rent again, so finally looking at buying, maybe a 2BHK in Hadosiddapura. DSR Infrastructure has a project but the base price feels like a trap. What's the real deal with hidden charges like PLC, OC, and parking? Builders quote ₹90L, but then it becomes ₹1.1Cr. Can you even negotiate much off that, or is it just 'take it or leave it' now? Seriously need tips to avoid getting fleeced.
#hadosiddapura#dsr-infrastructure#hidden-costs#negotiation#first-time-buyer
Comments
It feels like buying a house is less about finding a home and more about surviving a financial obstacle course. The transparency issue is just insane. So, what's the general consensus then? Just accept the 20-25% extra on top of the 'base price' as the new normal for Bangalore?
Oh man, I can share a personal horror story. I was looking at a project near Aavalahalli, builder quoted ₹85 lakhs for a 2.5BHK. Sounded good. After 3 meetings, the final quote was ₹1.05 Cr. PLC was for 'garden facing' (it was literally a small patch of grass), floor rise was insane, and then they had 'legal fees' that were just outrageous. I tried negotiating, but they just said, 'Sir, demand bahut hai, you take it or the next person will.' The market is so hot right now, especially for ready-to-move or near-possession flats, that builders feel they don't need to budge much. My only tip: ask for an ALL-INCLUSIVE cost breakdown on day one, in writing, before you even consider paying booking amount. Don't fall for 'approximate' figures.
To U7's point, direct price negotiation is hard, but sometimes you can push for other benefits. Like, ask for a free modular kitchen package, or a waiver on two years of maintenance, or even a lower stamp duty charge if they have some scheme. It's about value addition rather than direct price cut. I managed to get my car parking charges waived in my Aishwarya Crystal Layout flat by playing hardball, so try for that instead of base price.
Exactly! I faced a similar situation in a project in Agrahara Layout. They showed me one flat, then later said it's 'sold' and pushed me towards a more expensive one with 'better views' (read: higher PLC). It's a classic bait-and-switch. And yes, negotiation is tough, but not impossible on *some* charges. You can sometimes get them to waive off a floor rise or reduce club house fees if you're persistent and they need to close sales by month-end. But the core hidden charges like OC/CC or basic parking are usually fixed. Always check the RERA project details for all approved charges, that's your best bet.
Wow, that's a huge jump! So, you're saying negotiation is almost impossible these days, even for that 20 lakh difference? What if someone really likes the property?
Absolutely, it's a nightmare. My friend booked a place in Akshayanagar last year, and the base price seemed reasonable, but by the time they added PLC (Preferred Location Charges for corner unit), floor rise, car parking, club house membership, maintenance deposit, and this new 'infrastructure development charge' they pulled out of thin air, it shot up by almost 25%. OC and CC charges are also separate, and GST on top of everything. They don't even tell you the exact super built-up area vs carpet area until you're deep into the paperwork. How are first-time buyers supposed to budget for this?
That infrastructure charge is often a builder's way to pass on costs for connecting utilities or local area development which they should ideally factor into the base price. Happens a lot, especially in developing areas like Adigara Kallahalli too. It's not standard, so definitely question it hard. My lawyer said it's often negotiable or can be challenged if not clearly disclosed upfront.
Akshayanagar mein bhi same scene hai? That's worrying. But wait, what's this 'infrastructure development charge' you mentioned? Is that a new thing or just a fancy name for something else?
Bhai, you've hit the nail on the head! Same boat here. Bangalore builders are masters of the hidden cost game. It's like they have a secret dictionary for 'all-inclusive' that no one else knows. Hadosiddapura sounds promising but yeah, DSR ka naam toh suna hai. Careful with them.
Is anyone actually getting a straight answer on all-in costs in Bangalore? I'm so fed up of renting, landlord raised rent again, so finally looking at buying, maybe a 2BHK in Hadosiddapura. DSR Infrastructure has a project but the base price feels like a trap. What's the real deal with hidden charges like PLC, OC, and parking? Builders quote ₹90L, but then it becomes ₹1.1Cr. Can you even negotiate much off that, or is it just 'take it or leave it' now? Seriously need tips to avoid getting fleeced.