💸 Hidden Costs to Watch While Buying a Flat in 2026 (Don’t Get Surprised!)
When buyers look at a flat in 2026, the first thing they check is the base price.
But here’s the truth: the real cost of a flat is often 10–20% higher than what builders advertise.
These extra charges—often not mentioned upfront—can affect your budget and loan eligibility.
Here are the hidden costs every flat buyer must check before booking.
⭐ 1. GST on Under-Construction Flats
If you’re buying an under-construction flat, GST applies:
5% GST (without ITC) for regular projects
1% GST for affordable housing
Ready-to-move flats have no GST.
⭐ 2. Stamp Duty & Registration Charges
This varies by state.
Most buyers forget to include this mandatory cost.
Typical charges:
Stamp duty: 5–7%
Registration fee: 1%
⭐ 3. Maintenance & Corpus Fund
Builders take a one-time maintenance deposit for 1–2 years.
This can be ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 depending on amenities.
Corpus fund is for long-term repairs and can be a big amount.
⭐ 4. Parking Charges
Many builders charge extra for parking even if it’s “included” in the brochure.
Typical rates:
Open parking: ₹1–3 lakh
Covered parking: ₹3–6 lakh
Basement parking: ₹5–10 lakh
Always clarify in writing.
⭐ 5. Floor Rise Charges
Higher floors = Higher price.
Usually ₹20–₹100 per sq. ft. depending on the city.
⭐ 6. PLC – Preferred Location Charges
Extra charges for:
Park facing
Corner units
Pool view
Garden side
East-facing units
PLC can add ₹50,000 to ₹3 lakh to your total price.
⭐ 7. Clubhouse & Amenity Charges
Gym, clubhouse, swimming pool, community hall — all come at a cost.
Ranges between ₹1–₹3 lakh, sometimes more.
⭐ 8. Legal & Documentation Charges
You may need to pay for:
Lawyer verification
Agreement drafting
Stamp paper
Misc. documents
Usually ₹10,000 – ₹25,000.
⭐ 9. Home Loan Processing Fees
Banks often charge:
Processing fees
Legal verification cost
Valuation charges
Total can be ₹10,000 – ₹30,000.
⭐ 10. Possession & Society Formation Charges
Before handover, builders may charge for:
Electricity meter setup
Water connection
Society formation
Maintenance handover
This may total ₹20,000 – ₹50,000.
⭐ 11. Brokerage (If Applicable)
If you book through a broker, you may need to pay 1–2% of flat cost.
⭐ 12. Interior & Fit-Out Expenses
Most new flats require:
Wardrobes
Modular kitchen
Lights, fans, fittings
Curtains
Basic furniture
Budget ₹2–7 lakh extra depending on your design.
🟢 Final Advice: Always Ask for the ‘All-Inclusive Price’
Before booking any flat in 2026, ask the builder:
👉 “What is the final all-inclusive price I need to pay?”
And request a price breakup in writing.
This helps you avoid surprises and plan your finances with confidence.
