Before purchasing a retirement property, buyers should review the project’s registration, approvals, title documents, agreement terms and the specific rights attached to the unit. The applicable checks depend on the property and transaction structure.
Start with who is selling and what is being sold
Check the developer and land title documents with a qualified property lawyer. Confirm exactly what you are buying: an apartment or villa with ownership rights, a leasehold interest, or a right to occupy under a service arrangement. These carry very different legal consequences for resale, inheritance and exit.
RERA/HARERA registration
Verify RERA registration where applicable and compare the details on the official regulator’s portal with the agreement and marketing material. In Haryana, projects are registered with the Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HARERA). Check that:
- The project name, promoter and registration number match across documents
- The registration is valid and the stated completion date is consistent with the agreement
- The configuration and area you are buying are covered by the registration
Registration is a useful check, but it is not a guarantee of quality or delivery.
Approvals and plans
Review sanctioned plans and, where applicable, completion or occupancy documents. Compare what has been approved with what the brochure promises. If a feature appears in marketing but not in approved plans, ask for an explanation in writing.
The agreement: clauses that deserve attention
| Clause | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Payment milestones | Are payments linked to construction progress? What happens if you miss one? |
| Possession terms | Stated date, grace period and remedies for delay |
| Cancellation and refund | Conditions, deductions and timelines |
| Area and price | Basis of calculation and adjustment on final measurement |
| Maintenance obligations | Charges, deposits, who manages and how increases are decided |
| Transfer and resale | Any age criterion, approval or fee on transfer |
| Services | Which services are promised, who delivers them and on what terms |
Rules specific to retirement and senior living projects
- Is there an age requirement for residents or buyers, and how is it enforced?
- Can the unit be inherited, gifted, leased or sold to someone below the age criterion?
- Is the service operator a separate entity, and who is responsible if services stop?
- What happens to the community’s common facilities if the operator changes?
Plan for succession
Discuss with your lawyer how the property will pass to your family, including nomination, a will and joint ownership. This is especially important in a project with special rules on occupancy or transfer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I verify a project’s RERA registration?
Search for the project or promoter on the official regulator’s portal and compare the registration number, promoter name, project details and validity dates with the agreement and brochure. Ask the seller for the registration certificate.
Should a lawyer review the agreement even for a registered project?
Yes. Registration does not replace a review of title, approvals and the specific terms of your agreement, including possession, cancellation and maintenance clauses.