TIPS ON BUYING AN APARTMENT
Living in an apartment offers the advantages of community living. A swimming pool, club house and landscaped gardens come for a small price. One doesn't need to go far to workout in a gym or to play a game. Security is a major factor in apartment complexes apart from the conveniences in terms of maintenance and civic amenities that it offers.It has the distinct advantage of water and power being available for sure. Help is on hand and life is a lot easier.
The apartment culture is all about a community bonding and breaks barriers.With the growing trend of nuclear families where both spouses travel, an apartment may be easier to lock up and leave for long periods of time.
Location, budget, the need and lifestyle go into decision making while buying an apartment.Read on for a few tips to guide you in making the right choice.
Define your requirements for a home

Do you want to buy an apartment for self occupation or for invetment.
The preferred size of the apartment. How many bedrooms do you require.
What should be the optimum size of each room?
Does it meet your present and possible future requirements?
This check should simultaneously be made for sizes of living room, dining room, kitchen, balconies and servant room.
What is your budget & accordingly look for something suitable. You also have the option to avail of a housing loan.
The location you would prefer. Close proximity to schools, colleges,hospitals, supermarkets, etc.
What about parking? Do you require an open or covered parking?
What about water and power supply?
Is it sufficient to meet all your needs and demands?
How good is the ventilation and direction?
What are the specifications offered i.e. the kind of floorings being offered, the tiles in all the rooms, the quality of woodwork for doors, windows etc.
What are the amenities offered like club house, swimming pool, gym,.supermarket, landscaping, etc.
Security and maintenance.

Things to take care before you buy a house from a builder/developer Legal Aspects
Check whether the title of the property is clear
Carefully scrutinize the contract, and consider legal review before signing.
Ensure that the builder has entered into proper development agreements.
Check if the builder has the authority to sell. Scrutinize draft of agreements to be executed for sale by the builder.
The sanctioned building plan should be verified and then one has to seek confirmation from the municipal authorities that if it adheres to building bylaws.
Be sure that the builder/developer has acquired approvals from the Municipal Corporation, Area Development Authorities, Electricity Boards, Water Supply & Sewage Boards.
Check, if the builder has title and possession, including the right to convey transfer. Check if the transfer of property approvals have been obtained from the statutory land development or planning authority or competent authority constituted under the Urban Land Ceiling and Regulation Act and the Income-Tax Act. If so, have the approvals been obtained?
Ask for completion and occupation certificates.

Other Aspects
Where is the building located? Check the approach roads
What is the distance from other facilities like schools, colleges, transport facilities, markets, hospitals, etc?
What is the general profile of occupants in the building and surrounding areas
Visit the developer's earlier projects to check out the quality of the construction, landscaping, and other amenities. Who are the architects & the contractors. Is your home earthquake-proof?
Ask residents if the developer has delivered what was promised.
Check for the specifications offered by the builder - flooring, sanitary / kitchen fittings, etc.
Check on amenities provided in the building and if any additional cost is involved for the use of these amenities.
Check on the availability of uninterrupted supply of utilities like water & power, a good drainage system.
What is the approximate stamp duty & registration cost involved.
If the building is under construction, confirm tentative time for completion - enforce suitable penalty in case of delay.
Check your financial situation. How much of loans will banks, financial institutions or your company can provide.

Real Estate Jargon
Super Built up Area :
This includes the apartment along with the corridors and passages, lift wells, electrical and sanitary ducts, stairways and fire escapes, common areas such as lobbies and club houses. The space considered super built up is in effect the entire building including the thickness of walls, balconies and all other common amenities which are divided in proportion to individual apartments. This varies from building to building. If the building has wider corridors and more amenities, the super built up area will be larger.

Plinth Area :
This comprises the apartment including the thickness of all the exterior and interior walls. It includes only the dwelling unit and walls around it and not the common amenities or corridors in the building.