They bought the flat at the height of the economic slowdown and still found

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that most builders quoted a ridiculously expensive price. After a long search of almost every new project in Pune, they zeroed in on this house.

“Since I am an architect, I was choosy about the quality of my home. The biggest hurdle I found in buying a flat was the cost. Something that was built with good quality material was beyond my pocket,” said Divya Ramagopal, an architect based in Pune.

“Sometimes, I even found buil-ders lying about the amenities. We had almost decided on buying a flat before this one, when we were close to giving the token amount, we realised that the builder had lied about municipal water supply,” said N G Jayasimha, an employee with a non-government organisation (NGO) in Pune.

Jayasimha and his wife Divya had short-listed three houses before buying their present home. “The first one we could not buy because the home loan valuation did not come on time. The owner of second house, which we finalised, asked for black money, which I did not have. In the case of the third one, there was no municipal water supply,” added Jayasimha.

The home cost the couple around Rs 25.5 lakh and the interiors came at an additional cost of Rs 2.5 lakh. They moved into the flat around six to eight months ago. “Since then I understand there has been an appreciation of Rs 100 a sq ft,” added Jayasimha.

Their house is located within a half-kilometre of a bus stop, a market, grocery shop and a school — a conscious effort made by them while zeroing in on the home. “It is not a rich locality. It’s middle class, so we find services affordable,” said Jayasimha.

“Do not go by what a broker or a builder says. Do your own groundwork or homework and market research while finalising a house.” The builders and developer will quote a ridiculous price, Divya said. “Know what the price is in the locality and also understand what amenities you get for the price being quoted,” she said.

Jayasimha said one should buy a house as early as possible in life because prices are bound to appreciate with every passing day. “Though we bought it at the height of the slowdown, today the markets have begun looking up. Also, don’t buy a house, if you don’t get the calling,” added Jayasimha. By calling he meant, “When you see the house, you should feel like staying and owning it.”

Jayasimha’s home interior designing came free. “My wife is an architect you see,” he said. “Don’t overdo your interiors. Keep it simple and elegant,” added his wife.

Home advantage helps.

(The writer is a freelancer)