Top 7 Mistakes Gujaratis Make When Buying Their First Home – and How to Avoid Them

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  By Gujju Ticks

  16 May, 2025

Blog Content:

One of the most important financial and emotional turning points in a Gujarati's life is purchasing a home. The dream of home ownership comes with challenges that many first-time buyers aren't ready for, whether you're looking for a quiet place in Vadodara, planning for your ideal home in Surat, or settling down in Ahmedabad.

Regretfully, when making this significant choice, many Gujaratis make the same mistakes. Let's find out the top 7 typical errors Gujaratis make when purchasing their first home, and more importantly, how to steer clear of them.

1. Overstretching the Budget

The Mistake:

Gujarati families frequently have lofty aspirations. But in their haste, many purchasers overspend, either by selecting opulent features they don't actually require or by selecting larger homes purely for prestige.

How to Avoid It:

Create a budget that is reasonable. Add in the cost of the house, as well as any applicable GST, stamp duty, registration fees, interior expenses, and upkeep. Remember to have emergency funds on hand. Spending no more than 40% of your monthly income on EMIs is a good rule.

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2. Not Researching Home Loans Thoroughly

The Mistake:

Because of high interest rates or other hidden fees, depending solely on one bank or heedlessly accepting the first offer from a home loan agent can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run.

How to Avoid It:

Examine the interest rates on home loans offered by various banks and NBFCs. Make use of comparison websites and make sure to always look for EMI flexibility, prepayment penalties, and processing fees.

Pro Tip: Despite being eligible, many Gujarati families do not take advantage of the PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana) subsidies.

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3. Ignoring Legal Due Diligence

The Mistake:

It's dangerous to rely on the developer or word-of-mouth without first confirming the property's legal status. Thousands of Gujaratis are now trapped in contested properties or projects without RERA approval as a result of this error.

How to Avoid It:

Always verify:

• Title deed

• RERA registration

• Land use approvals

• Commencement & Occupancy Certificates

If necessary, hire a real estate attorney. You can save lakhs of rupees by spending a few thousand now.

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4. Focusing Only on Price, Ignoring Location & Connectivity

The Mistake:

Selecting a less expensive home that is far from public transportation, schools, and hospitals can affect both future resale value and quality of life.

How to Avoid It:

Evaluate:

• Distance from workplace

• Proximity to schools, hospitals, markets

• Future infrastructure development (metro, expressways)

Properties in growing neighbourhoods with excellent access tend to appreciate more quickly.

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5. Underestimating Maintenance & Hidden Charges

The Mistake:

A lot of first-time purchasers neglect to enquire about sinking fund contributions, monthly maintenance, club house fees, society fees, and parking costs. These expenses mount up and can put a strain on monthly spending plans.

How to Avoid It:

Request a detailed cost sheet before buying. Clarify:

• Who pays for amenities?

• Is there a fixed escalation on maintenance?

• Are there any annual charges?

Ask for a draft sale agreement and review the fine print.

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6. Skipping Inspection of Construction Quality

The Mistake:

It can backfire to assume that a branded developer equates to quality. High repair costs can result from bad tiling, plumbing problems, or poor waterproofing.

How to Avoid It:

Visit the location. If there are any current residents, ask them about their experiences. Verify:

• Plumbing quality

• Finishing of walls and flooring

• Materials used

• Electrical fittings

If necessary, bring an architect or civil engineer for a third-party evaluation.

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7. Forgetting Future Needs – Like Growing Family or Resale

The Mistake:

It can be regrettable to purchase a home that only meets your needs now, without considering your future children, ageing parents, or possible resale value.

How to Avoid It:

Think long term:

• Is there space to expand?

• Will the neighborhood stay family-friendly?

• Will you be able to resell or rent it easily in 10 years?

Select layouts that provide for flexibility. If at all possible, choose a 2.5 or 3 BHK rather than a small 2 BHK.

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Final Thoughts

Purchasing your first home marks the start of a new chapter in your life and is more than just a financial transaction. Planning ahead and conducting thorough research can help Gujaratis, who are renowned for their astute business sense and financial discipline, avoid costly mistakes.

Go slowly. Avoid being swayed by family members, gaudy brochures, or temporary sales. Think about what's best for the future of you and your family.

Bonus Tip: Consider a Financial Advisor

Consider consulting a certified financial planner if you're unsure about whether to buy or rent, whether to buy or rent, whether to buy or build, or how much loan you should actually take out. You can steer clear of major blunders by paying the small fee.

Call to Action:

Do you intend to purchase your first house in India or Gujarat?

Ask questions in the comments section or get a free Gujarati home-buying checklist!