Ghaziabad 3BHK upgrade: Spot discounts feel fake
Spent the whole Sunday checking out 3BHK options in Siddharth Vihar. Honestly, the prices are just shooting up. I'm currently in a 2BHK in Vasundhara and thinking of upgrading, but this jump... it's massive. Visited a Gipl Builders project, and the 'spot discount' they were advertising felt like a joke after they added all the PLC and floor rise charges. For a 4th floor unit, they quoted almost ₹1.1 Cr, and the PLC itself was like ₹5L. Is that even normal? I mean, I'm already on a home loan for my current place, so every extra lakh matters. Are these floor rise premiums even worth it? Feels like they just inflate the base price then "discount" it back. Anyone else feel like you can't get a real deal in Ghaziabad anymore, especially for 3BHKs? What tactics actually work to bring down these costs?
Comments
The per sqft rate they are quoting must be very high then. For 1.1 Cr, what is the super built-up area they are offering? And did they give you a proper, clear breakup of the base price, PLC, floor rise, and other charges in writing, or was it just verbal?
Most builders quote super built-up area, which includes common spaces. The real cost per sqft should always be calculated on the RERA carpet area. For 1.1 Cr, even for a 3BHK, if the carpet area is, say, 1200 sqft, that's already ₹9100/sqft which is quite steep for Siddharth Vihar with all these extra charges. Always ask for the carpet area, then do the math. Many times, the 'discounted' price per carpet area is actually higher than what you might find elsewhere if you compare apples to apples.
Exactly! What was the carpet area for that price? That's what matters.
They never give a clear breakup in writing initially. It's always a 'special offer' verbal quote. Then when you push, they give some vague sheet. This is how they hide the true cost.
Totally agree. Ghaziabad real estate is just a mess right now. Prices are inflated and quality is dropping.
My experience was even worse. Booked a flat in Abhay Khand two years ago, and they kept adding 'miscellaneous' charges after the initial booking amount. Stamp duty, registration, maintenance advance, IFMS, club membership – these things add up to lakhs, which they conveniently 'forget' to mention upfront. The final amount was almost 10% higher than what was verbally committed. Always get everything in writing, down to the last rupee, before signing anything. These builders play dirty.
It's a common trick, unfortunately. They show a lower 'all-inclusive' price and then later hit you with these charges. The best way is to ask for a detailed payment schedule and a break-up of ALL charges, including legal, electricity, water connections, etc. Don't rely on verbal assurances. If they're hesitant, walk away. Sometimes, a legal professional can review the draft agreement before you sign.
10% extra? That's daylight robbery! How can they do that?
Oh god, this is my biggest fear! Did you manage to get a resolution or did you just have to pay up? And did you get possession on time?
Totally understand your frustration. 1.1 Cr for a 4th floor in Siddharth Vihar, that too with 5L PLC? That's insane! I was looking around Ahinsa Khand and even there, the prices are just getting out of hand. What tactics do these builders use to justify such high PLCs and floor rise? And how can we counter them?
The justification is usually vague like 'preferred location' or 'east-facing'. In Ahinsa Khand, some builders even charge PLC for corner flats or flats near the clubhouse. It's all about perception. To counter, always ask for a RERA carpet area price breakdown. If they refuse, it's a red flag. RERA has guidelines, but these builders find loopholes. Check their RERA filings for actual base price vs. what they're quoting.
Countering them is tough, but sometimes pushing for a 'fixed price' deal works, where they consolidate all these charges. You have to be firm and tell them you're ready to walk away. They usually budge a little if they're desperate to close.
Haan yaar, they just say 'premium view' or 'better light' for floor rise. PLC toh location ka hota hai, but 5L for 4th floor is too much.
Bhai, you're not alone! This 'spot discount' drama is pure marketing. They hike the base price by 10-15% and then give you a 'discount' that brings it back to what it should have been. Every builder is doing it, especially in Ghaziabad. I've seen it in Crossings Republik too.