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Buying a home is often one of the biggest financial decisions in a person’s life — especially in a growing market like Lucknow. Most first-time buyers, understandably, focus on the property’s price tag — the base cost per square foot, the total carpet area, and how it fits into their budget. But what many don’t realise until it’s too late is how much more they’ll end up spending beyond that “advertised” figure.

The truth is, the actual cost of buying a home is rarely what it looks like on a billboard. There are a number of additional charges — some official, some situational, and some simply unspoken — that can push your budget significantly if you aren’t prepared. These aren’t always hidden maliciously, but they’re rarely explained upfront unless you’re working with someone who values transparency.

One of the biggest hidden expenses is government charges, particularly stamp duty and registration fees. In Uttar Pradesh, stamp duty can go up to 6–7% of the total transaction value, and this amount has to be paid before your property is legally yours. For a property worth ?50 lakhs, that’s another ?3.5 lakhs straight away — something not included in the “price” most builders or websites mention.

Another major cost, especially in under-construction projects, is GST (Goods and Services Tax). If you're buying a flat that's still being built, you're liable to pay 5% GST on the property value. For affordable housing (defined by the government), this is slightly lower, but it still adds a notable chunk to your final bill. Often, this is only mentioned during the booking stage, leaving buyers scrambling to arrange additional funds.

Then come the Preferred Location Charges (PLC). This one surprises a lot of people. You liked the corner flat with more sunlight? Or the one facing the park? Or one on the middle floors for convenience? Chances are, you’ll be paying extra — sometimes ?100–?300 per square foot — just for that “preferred” location within the same project. For a 1000 sq. ft. flat, this could add ?1–?3 lakhs without you realising it at first glance.

Parking is another area where buyers are often caught off guard. While many assume that a parking slot comes with the house, the reality is that most developers charge separately for car parking. This can be anywhere between ?1.5 lakhs to ?3 lakhs in Lucknow’s mid-range and premium projects, and it's almost always mandatory if you own a vehicle — whether you use the space or not.

If you’re buying in a gated community or apartment complex, expect maintenance deposits and clubhouse membership fees. Developers typically ask for one to two years’ maintenance charges in advance, covering services like cleaning, security, landscaping, and upkeep of common areas. In larger societies, you might also be asked to pay a one-time clubhouse or amenities usage fee, especially if the project has a pool, gym, or event hall. These costs, though not massive individually, add up to ?50,000–?1 lakh or more.

Then there are legal and documentation charges, often underestimated or completely forgotten. From agreement drafting and sale deed registration to lawyer consultation (which is highly recommended), these tasks require professionals — and they don’t come cheap. Some developers include these in their overall package, but most don’t. If you don’t factor these in, the last leg of your purchase journey can become more stressful than it should be.

Another silent cost is related to home loans. While it might feel like your bank is doing you a favour by sanctioning a loan, remember that there are loan processing fees, legal and valuation charges, and insurance bundles that are subtly added during disbursal. These aren’t enormous individually, but together, they can cross ?50,000 depending on your loan size. And if you choose to prepay the loan later, check the fine print — some banks charge a fee for that too.

And finally, there’s the cost of time and energy — especially if you're not working with the right partner. Chasing site visits, clarifying documents, running between lawyers, banks, and builder offices — these are the intangible costs that can drain your enthusiasm and delay decision-making. A trusted advisor who handles these moving parts for you isn't a luxury, it's a necessity in today's property landscape.

At BRICKKLY, we believe the smartest investment is a well-informed one. Our approach ensures every cost — right from the first visit to the final registry — is explained and accounted for. No shocks. No vague estimates. Just a clear path from your budget to your doorstep.

Because when it comes to buying a home, it’s not just about what you see on paper. It’s about what no one tells you — and what we make sure you’re never caught off guard by.