Hidden Costs While Buying a Flat in Mumbai (Complete 2026 Buyer Guide)

Dhanaji Khot
Jan 24
3 min read

Buying a flat in Mumbai is more expensive than it appears on paper. Beyond the base price quoted by the builder or seller, there are multiple hidden costs that can increase your total budget by 8–15%.

This guide explains all hidden charges involved in buying a flat in Mumbai, so you can plan your finances correctly and avoid last-minute surprises.

What Are Hidden Costs in Mumbai Property Buying?

Hidden costs are mandatory or semi-mandatory expenses that are not included in the advertised flat price but must be paid before possession or registration.

These costs apply to:

New launch projects
Under-construction flats
Ready-to-move homes
Resale properties

1. Stamp Duty & Registration Charges (Major Cost)

This is the largest additional cost for Mumbai home buyers.

Mumbai Stamp Duty:

6% of agreement value(5% stamp duty + 1% metro cess)

Registration Charges:

1% of agreement value(Maximum ₹30,000)

Example:

For a ₹80 lakh flat, stamp duty + registration can exceed ₹5 lakh.

2. GST on Under-Construction Flats

GST applies only if the flat is under construction.

1% GST – Affordable housing
5% GST – Non-affordable housing
No GST on ready-to-move or OC-received flats

Many buyers forget to add GST while budgeting.

3. Floor Rise Charges

Builders often charge extra for higher floors.

Typical cost in Mumbai:

₹10–₹30 per sq. ft. per floor (carpet area)

This can add ₹1–3 lakh for higher-floor flats.

4. Car Parking Charges

Parking is not always included in the base price.

Types:

Open parking
Stilt parking
Podium / basement parking

Cost range:

₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh depending on location

Builders must follow RERA rules, but parking is still a major extra cost.

5. Maintenance Deposit & Society Charges

Collected at the time of possession.

Includes:

Sinking fund
Maintenance advance (6–12 months)
Corpus fund

Typical amount:

₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh

6. Clubhouse & Amenity Charges

Luxury and even mid-segment projects may charge separately for amenities.

Examples:

Gym
Swimming pool
Clubhouse
Garden maintenance

This is usually charged per sq. ft. and can add another ₹50,000–₹1.5 lakh.

7. Legal & Documentation Charges

If you hire a property lawyer (strongly recommended):

Agreement vetting
Title verification
Loan coordination

Cost:

₹15,000 to ₹40,000

This is especially important for resale flats in Mumbai.

8. Home Loan–Related Charges

If you’re taking a loan, expect:

Processing fee (0.25%–1%)
Legal & technical valuation charges
MOD charges (Memorandum of Deposit of Title Deeds)

Total loan-related cost:

₹30,000 to ₹80,000

9. Brokerage (Resale & Rental Properties)

Applies mostly to resale flats.

Standard Mumbai brokerage:

1%–2% of property value
OR
1–2 months’ rent (for rentals)

10. Interior & Customization Costs

This is the most underestimated expense.

Includes:

Modular kitchen
Wardrobes
Electrical fittings
False ceiling
Curtains & lights

Minimum interior budget:

₹3–6 lakh for a 2 BHK in Mumbai

Total Hidden Cost Summary (Mumbai)

Flat Price	Approx. Hidden Costs
₹50 lakh	₹4–6 lakh
₹80 lakh	₹6–9 lakh
₹1 crore	₹8–12 lakh

How to Avoid Budget Shocks

✔ Always ask for all-inclusive price

✔ Request cost sheet breakup

✔ Check RERA project details

✔ Budget an extra 10–15% buffer

✔ Prefer OC-received projects to avoid GST

Final Advice for Mumbai Home Buyers

The real cost of buying a flat in Mumbai is never just the base price. Hidden charges can quietly push your budget beyond limits if you’re not prepared.

Understanding these costs early helps you: