Hidden tax savings for Mohali home buyers?

Spent the whole Sunday checking out options in Sector 82 for a 3BHK. My wife's priority is a good school for the kids, so we're looking at DLF or Godrej projects, budgeting around ₹1.8 Cr. Honestly, the EMI calculations are massive. Someone mentioned maximizing Section 24 for interest and 80C for principal, but also looking into 54EC bonds if we sell our old place for capital gains. Not sure how many people actually use these aggressively. Is it really that straightforward to claim these benefits? Or are there catches? Just trying to manage cash flow better for the kids' future.