Hidden costs in Bengaluru property are driving me crazy
Hidden costs on new property in Bengaluru feel like a complete scam, honestly. I'm checking out a 2BHK in Siddapura, maybe Skylark Mansions. Base price toh theek lagti hai, but then they add PLC, floor rise, parking, aur phir registration/stamp duty. Mera budget ₹1.2 Cr for a 2BHK tha, ab lag raha hai ₹1.5 Cr se bhi upar jaayega. Builder bol raha hai no negotiation on these ‘fixed’ charges. Is this true? Yaar, can't we actually negotiate 5-10% off on the final price? How do you even figure out the *real* all-in cost upfront? Kya koi way hai to avoid surprise charges at possession time? Parents bol rahe hain be very careful, but it's all so confusing. Anyone faced similar issues with Prestige or Godrej projects in Whitefield ya Sarjapur Road?
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This RERA carpet area point is so important! I'm so confused about what's legal and what's not. Builders just throw terms around. Is there a way to verify if these extra charges like 'transformer charges' or 'infrastructure development fees' are actually permissible under RERA?
So, if it's not on RERA, we can refuse to pay? What if they say it's 'optional'?
Absolutely! For any project, go to the Karnataka RERA website and search for the project. The approved Agreement for Sale (AFS) and other documents like the project cost sheet are usually uploaded there. Cross-reference every charge the builder is asking for with what's approved by RERA. If it's not there, question it aggressively. That's your biggest shield against these 'surprise' charges.
Yes, definitely check. RERA mandates transparency. You can look up the project on the RERA website (Karnataka RERA has a portal). They should list all approved charges. Many builders try to sneak in charges not approved by RERA. Be vigilant.
Be very, very careful. My advice is to always get the *final, all-inclusive price* in writing, clearly stating what's included and what's not, before signing anything. Don't trust verbal commitments. The Bengaluru market is hot right now, so builders have the upper hand, but transparency is key. Also, check the RERA carpet area, not just the super built-up. That's where a lot of hidden costs get masked.
So, is there *any* way to negotiate these charges? Or are they really fixed like the builders say?
Depends on demand. If it's a fast-selling project, no chance. But if they have inventory, you might get a few lakhs off the total, not individual components. Try asking for a 'final all-inclusive offer' instead of breaking down components. That's what worked for my cousin in Adigara Kallahalli.
Nah, bhai. Fixed means fixed for most of these. I tried with a project in Whitefield, zero luck.
Honestly, for PLC and floor rise, negotiation is super tough, especially with big builders. They usually don't budge. But sometimes you can get a waiver on club membership or a small discount on parking if you push hard. My friend got a small concession in Aavalahalli by negotiating hard on parking.
Bhai, you're not alone. I faced the exact same thing with a project near Sarjapur Road. They showed me a 2BHK at ₹1.1 Cr, then after all the calculations, it was ₹1.4 Cr! PLC, floor rise, club membership, maintenance advance, even a 'transformer charges' fee. It felt like they were just pulling numbers out of thin air. How can they not be transparent from day one?
Totally relate! I'm also looking for a 2BHK, and the 'all-inclusive' price is a myth. Builders quote one price, and then add so many things. My budget for a flat in Akshayanagar was also around 1.2 Cr, but now it seems impossible to find anything decent without crossing 1.5 Cr easily.