Booking Under-Construction Projects in 2025 – Is It Still Worth It?

Introduction

The one question that surfaces in today’s ever-evolving real estate landscape among serious homebuyers and property investor is-:
Is booking an under-construction property in 2025 still a smart idea?

Over the past ten years, the way people approach property buying has changed dramatically. Buyers today are far more aware, more cautious, and definitely more selective with where and how they invest. And it’s no surprise. We’ve all heard stories or maybe even lived through them of delayed handovers, builders backing out midway, or the final product looking nothing like the glossy brochure.

Because of these hard lessons, a lot of buyers now lean toward ready-to-move-in homes. There’s comfort in walking into a space you can physically see and touch, knowing exactly what you’re getting.

But here’s the interesting part: even with all the wariness, under-construction projects are still drawing plenty of attention. In fact, they continue to make up a large part of the market.

So why is that? And more importantly if you're looking to buy in 2025, should you still consider going down that road?Let’s understand this-

Despite the risks that come with under-construction homes, many buyers still find themselves leaning toward them and for good reason. When done right, booking a home during the construction phase can offer some pretty meaningful advantages.

1. You Pay Less Sometimes a Lot Less
Let’s be real about price matters. One of the biggest reasons people go for under-construction homes is the cost. These places usually come in 10% to 30% cheaper than similar ready-to-move-in properties in the same neighborhood. That price gap can be a game-changer. For first time buyers or young families, these kinds of savings make a big difference and suddenly, you’re looking at better localities, more space, or even a home in a gated community that might’ve felt out of reach otherwise.

2. Payment Plans That Actually Work for You
Another big bonus? The payment structure. Instead of coughing up a huge chunk of money upfront, most builders let you pay in stages usually tied to construction milestones. Some even offer plans where you just pay a small booking amount to start. This kind of flexibility takes a lot of the pressure off, especially if you’re working with a monthly salary and need to budget things out. It just makes the whole process more manageable.

3. Solid Potential for Property Value Growth
Thinking long-term? Under-construction homes can be a smart move. If you buy early in a project or in an up-and-coming area, there’s a good chance your property’s value will go up by the time it’s ready. That appreciation can be pretty significant sometimes enough to make it feel like you’ve made money before you’ve even moved in. It’s one of those “get in early and watch it grow” situations.

4. You Can Add Your Personal Touch
One of the coolest perks of buying a home before it's built? You often get a say in the details. Some builders let you choose finishes, change tiles, or make small layout tweaks things you’d never get to do with a ready-to-move-in place. No, it’s not a fully custom design, but it’s enough to make the space feel more like yours. And for people who don’t want their home to feel like just another unit in a sea of clones, that kind of personalization is a big win.

But Let’s Be Honest The Risks Are Real

As tempting as under-construction homes can be, it’s only fair to look at the other side of the coin. Like any big decision, there are risks and if you’re not paying attention, they can trip you up. Being aware is half the battle.

1. Possession Dates Still Aren’t Set in Stone
Even with all the progress the real estate sector has made, delays haven’t disappeared completely. RERA has definitely helped — there’s more transparency now, and a lot of developers are sticking to their promised timelines. But let’s not pretend it’s foolproof.
Delays can still happen — maybe a project gets stuck waiting on approvals, or there’s a labor shortage, or funding slows down. Sometimes, it’s just bad luck. If you’ve got a hard move-in deadline, it’s smart to keep a buffer in mind and stay a bit flexible, just in case things don’t go exactly as planned.

2. The Builder Can Make or Break the Deal
This one’s huge — the builder you choose matters a lot. Not all developers operate at the same level. Some have a solid history of delivering on time, keeping promises, and maintaining quality. Others… not so much.
If you’re going the under-construction route, take some time to dig into the builder’s track record. Have they completed other projects? Were buyers happy? Did they deliver what they promised? Online reviews help, but talking to people who’ve bought from them before is even better. Think of it like checking ratings before booking a hotel — only this one’s a lot more permanent.

3. Watch Out for That Extra 5% (GST Sneaks In)
Here’s something that tends to surprise first-time buyers: under-construction properties come with a 5% GST. Doesn’t sound like much on paper, but when you’re buying a home, even a small percentage can add up fast.
The thing is, this tax doesn’t apply to ready-to-move-in homes. So if you're comparing two options — one that’s still being built and one that’s move-in ready — make sure you're including that extra cost in your calculations. It might not be a deal-breaker, but it’s definitely not something you want to find out after you’ve made a commitment.

So, How Do You Keep the Risks in Check?

Buying an under-construction home isn’t just about dreaming big  it’s also about doing your homework. The good news? With the right steps, you can seriously reduce the chances of things going sideways. Here’s what smart buyers do:

 Check If the Project Is RERA Registered
First things first always see if the project is listed on your state’s RERA portal. It’s not just a box to tick. You’ll find all kinds of useful info there: approved plans, construction timelines, legal documents, and even any complaints filed by other buyers. If something feels off, it probably is.
Dig Into the Developer’s Past Work
Not all builders are created equal. Some have a long list of completed projects with happy homeowners; others… not so much. Spend a little time checking their track record. Were their previous projects finished on time? Do the buildings still look good a few years down the line? Online reviews help, but if you can, talk to people who’ve bought from them before — real feedback is gold.

 Don’t Skip the Legal Paperwork
This part might feel boring, but it’s so important. Make sure the land title is clean  meaning the builder actually owns the land and there are no disputes. Check if all the municipal and environmental clearances are in place. If you’re not sure what to look for, get a legal expert involved. A few thousand rupees spent on a property lawyer can save you lakhs later.

 Choose Projects with Escrow Protection
A lot of trusted builders now use escrow accounts  and that’s a good thing. It means your money doesn’t just disappear into a general pool. Instead, it’s released in stages, as construction milestones are met. This reduces the risk of your funds being diverted or misused. If the builder doesn’t use one, that’s worth asking why.

Taking these steps won’t guarantee perfection, but they definitely stack the odds in your favor. A little caution early on can make the rest of your home-buying journey way smoother and give you real peace of mind.

Let’s be honest, buying a home that’s still being built isn’t for everyone, and that’s totally fine. Some people need to move in right away. Others want to see what they’re buying, not imagine it. But for the right kind of buyer, under-construction properties can be a smart, forward-looking move. If you see yourself in any of these groups, it might just be worth considering.

Young Professionals Who’ve Got Time to Wait
If you’re early in your career and not under pressure to move out tomorrow, this can be a solid long-term play. You get in at a lower price point, stretch your payments over time, and give yourself a few years to sort out your finances. Meanwhile, the property quietly appreciates in value — so by the time it’s ready, you’re in a much better position, both financially and emotionally.

People Who Want to Build Their ‘Forever Home’ Slowly
Maybe you’re not in a rush. Maybe you’re living with family, or renting a place that works just fine for now. If that’s you, an under-construction home gives you the time and space to plan to think about layouts, interiors, how you want the kitchen to feel, or what kind of tiles belong in your dream bathroom. It’s a slower journey, yes, but for many, that’s part of the joy. You’re not just buying a home, you're building one that feels truly yours.

 Investors with an Eye on the Long Game
For investors, timing is everything  and this is where under-construction homes can shine. Getting in early often means a lower buy-in, and by the time the project nears completion, demand and prices tend to rise. Whether you’re planning to flip, rent, or just hold onto it for a few years, the potential returns can be very real especially if the area is on the rise.

 Budget-Conscious Buyers Who Need Breathing Room
Let’s be real, buying a home upfront, in full or with a big loan, isn’t something everyone can manage right away. And that’s okay. With under-construction properties, you often only need to pay in stages. The initial amount is usually smaller, and payments are spread out over time, often tied to construction progress. For someone managing a tight budget, this flexibility can make homeownership feel possible maybe for the first time.

At the end of the day, it’s all about timing, mindset, and priorities. If you’ve got patience, a clear plan, and the right builder, buying a home under construction in 2025 could be more than just a smart financial move; it could be the start of something big.