The Devil Is in the Details: Why Reading Your Agreement Can Save Your Dream Home

Buying a home is one of the biggest and most emotional, decisions you’ll ever make. Most buyers spend weeks comparing locations, shortlisting buildings and picturing their future in a new space.

But there’s one step that often gets rushed through:

Reading the agreement.

In the excitement of booking a home, many people flip past the fine print, trusting that everything is “standard. ”But in real estate, standard doesn’t always mean simple. And those few pages of legal clauses can decide whether your dream home becomes a joy or a headache.

1. The Hidden Costs No One Tells You About

Every property comes with additional charges beyond the basic price. Some are expected, and some…surprise buyers later.

These may include:

• Maintenance charges (one-time or annual, often higher than expected)

• Clubhouse / amenities fees

• Corpus fund contributions

• GST or other applicable taxes

• Parking charges (some buildings charge separately for stilt or tower parking)

A small line in the agreement can add up to lakhs when the final payment schedule arrives.

2. Possession Timelines & Delay Penalties

Builders often give an estimated possession date, but the legally binding timeline is always in the agreement.

Look for:

• The exact possession date

• The grace period

• What happens if the builder delays

• Whether there is compensation or penalty protection

Many buyers assume delays are unavoidable but the agreement determines your rights.

3. Structural Changes & Usage Restrictions

Your home may feel like yours…but developers and societies often have strict rules on:

• Breaking walls

• Extending balconies

• Changing flooring

• Combining flats

• Renting out the property

• Commercial usage

These restrictions may be mentioned quietly, but they impact your future plans. Understanding them early avoids disputes later.

4. Why Legal Guidance Matters

You don't need to become a lawyer to buy a home but you do need to understand what you're signing.

A legal expert can:

• Flag ambiguous terms

• Protect you from unreasonable clauses

• Clarify your rights

• Ensure your agreement follows RERA guidelines

• Give you confidence that your investment is secure

A few hours of review can save months of stress later.

At Primon Properties, we believe the buying process should feel safe, informed and transparent from start to finish. Our role isn’t just to show you homes, it’s to guide you through every detail, including the ones most people overlook.

Because when you understand what you’re signing, you don’t just buy a home - you buy confidence, clarity and peace of mind.