Would you buy a compact apartment today if it meant owning a much larger home a few years later? As redevelopment gathers pace in cities such as Mumbai and Pune, an increasing number of homebuyers are betting on ageing housing societies instead of brand-new projects. The attraction is compelling: buy an older flat at a lower price, receive a larger apartment after redevelopment, and potentially unlock significant value without paying current market prices for a bigger home.

Shirish Tandel (name changed) has a budget of ₹1 crore, but finding a spacious 2 BHK in his preferred locality in Pune has proved difficult. A 750 sq ft apartment there costs around ₹1.40 crore, well beyond his budget.

During his search, Tandel came across an alternative: a 500 sq ft 1 BHK with a 200 sq ft balcony, priced at ₹92 lakh, in a housing society slated for redevelopment next year. The society has already signed a development agreement (DA) with the developer.

Under the redevelopment plan, the existing flat would be upgraded to a 745 sq ft 2 BHK. Tandel also intends to purchase an additional 200 sq ft from the developer at the prevailing rate of ₹10,000–11,000 per sq ft, allowing him to eventually own a nearly 1,000 sq ft 3 BHK.

His other option is a ready-to-move-in 590 sq ft 2 BHK priced at ₹95 lakh. However, he believes the apartment would be too small for his family of four in the long run. Rather than stretching his finances to buy a ₹1.40 crore home today, Tandel is considering the redevelopment property, which could give him a significantly larger apartment for a total investment of about ₹1.2 crore.

The trade-off is time. He is unlikely to receive possession of the redeveloped 3 BHK for another three to five years. During the redevelopment period, once residents vacate the building, the developer will pay monthly rent to homeowners. Tandel plans to use this rental compensation to cover the rent of temporary accommodation until his new home is ready.

Should homebuyers purchase an apartment in an old building?

Property consultants say redevelopment projects can make financial sense, particularly in land-constrained cities such as Mumbai and Pune, where buying a larger apartment in an established locality may otherwise be unaffordable.

However, experts suggest that prospective buyers should thoroughly verify the redevelopment agreement, approvals, the developer’s financial strength and track record, timelines for completion, corpus and rental compensation, and whether the society has obtained the required consent from members.

Developers say opportunity is lucrative, but homebuyers must remain cautious
But the strategy is not without risks. Redevelopment projects are often delayed by approvals, funding constraints, legal disputes and disagreements within housing societies. While some buyers emerge with substantially larger homes and handsome capital appreciation, others can find themselves waiting years beyond the promised completion date. Before buying into a redevelopment project, it is essential to understand the legal, financial and practical considerations that could determine whether the investment pays off.

According to real estate developers, while purchasing an old apartment in a building slated for redevelopment is a lucrative opportunity, homebuyers must remain cautious and do their homework.

“Buying an apartment in the redevelopment-going building is a good investment in the long run, but homebuyers must exercise caution and do their homework before going ahead and not just look at the purchase price,” said Anuj Mehta, Director, Dhuleva Group.

“In some of Mumbai’s mature micro-markets, large-scale redevelopment projects have fetched returns of 20-40% during the project life cycle owing to better infrastructure, facilities, and building features. But the returns depend on certain parameters that need to be checked. Homebuyers must evaluate the builder’s financial strength and experience, the status of approvals from authorities, the project completion timelines, and the redevelopment agreement to finalise their decision,” Mehta said.

According to Ram Raheja, Managing Director, S Raheja, homebuyers should carefully assess two key risks before purchasing an apartment in a building slated for redevelopment.

“First, evaluate the redevelopment timeline, as such projects depend on regulatory approvals and adequate funding. A developer with limited financial strength is more likely to face delays. Buyers should assess the developer’s execution track record rather than relying on projects in the pipeline. Second, scrutinise the society’s paperwork, including the title, members’ consent and the development agreement. Internal disputes within the society are often the biggest hidden risk and the most difficult to resolve,” Raheja said.

Mumbai redevelopment: Numbers tell the story

Mumbai’s redevelopment market continued to gather pace in 2025, with the number of redevelopment agreements rising 16% year-on-year, reflecting growing momentum in the transformation of the city’s ageing housing stock. According to Knight Frank India, 229 development agreements (DAs) for the redevelopment of old buildings were signed in 2025, compared with 196 in 2024.

The trend has continued into 2026. Nearly 70 redevelopment agreements, around 30% of the total signed in 2025, were executed in the first 74 days of the year, up to March 15, according to Knight Frank India. Overall, 1,094 redevelopment agreements were signed between January 2020 and March 15, 2026, unlocking approximately 432 acres of land for redevelopment across Mumbai.

Every year, many homebuyers postpone property visits during the monsoon, assuming it’s better to wait for clear skies. However, experienced buyers and real estate experts often do the opposite—they inspect homes during the rainy season.

Buying a property during the monsoon offers a realistic picture of its quality, construction, and surrounding infrastructure. If a home performs well in heavy rains, it’s more likely to remain comfortable and durable throughout the year.

Why Monsoon is the Smartest Time to Buy a Home

1. Check for Water Leakage and Dampness

The monsoon exposes issues that remain hidden during dry weather.

Look for:

Water seepage on walls and ceilings
Damp patches
Leaking balconies and terraces
Moisture around windows and doors

These signs can save buyers from expensive repairs after possession.

2. Assess Drainage Around the Property

Heavy rainfall is the perfect opportunity to evaluate drainage systems.

Check whether:

Water accumulates near entrances
Parking areas flood
Roads outside remain accessible
Society drains function properly

Good drainage is a strong indicator of quality planning.

3. Understand the Local Infrastructure

Rain reveals how well an area is equipped to handle adverse weather.

Observe:

Traffic congestion
Waterlogging on roads
Public transport accessibility
Condition of nearby streets

A location that functions smoothly during heavy rains generally offers better long-term livability.

4. Inspect Construction Quality

Monsoon weather puts a building’s construction standards to the test.

Pay attention to:

Cracks in walls
Roof waterproofing
Basement leakage
Exterior finishing

These issues are much easier to identify during active rainfall.

5. Evaluate Natural Ventilation and Lighting

Cloudy weather helps buyers understand how much natural light enters the home.

Check:

Cross ventilation
Indoor humidity
Room brightness without artificial lighting

Well-designed homes remain airy and comfortable even during the rainy season.

6. Test Society Amenities

Rain can affect common facilities significantly.

Inspect:

Clubhouse roofs
Basement parking
Children’s play area
Walking tracks
Lift lobbies and common passages

A well-maintained society continues to operate efficiently despite heavy rainfall.

7. Better Negotiation Opportunities

The monsoon is traditionally a slower season for property transactions.

Buyers may benefit from:

Better pricing
Flexible payment plans
Festival offers
Additional discounts from developers

This can improve overall value for money.

Monsoon Home Inspection Checklist

Before finalizing your purchase, inspect:

✔️ Roof and ceiling for leaks
✔️ Walls for seepage and dampness
✔️ Balcony drainage
✔️ Window sealing
✔️ Basement parking
✔️ Society drainage system
✔️ Road connectivity during rains
✔️ Waterlogging in surrounding areas
✔️ Power backup availability
✔️ Elevators and common area maintenance

Expert Tip

Visit the property during or immediately after heavy rainfall instead of relying solely on brochures or virtual tours. Real-world conditions reveal the true quality of construction and neighbourhood infrastructure.

Conclusion

The monsoon offers one of the best opportunities to evaluate a property’s structural integrity, location, and long-term livability. While many buyers avoid site visits during the rains, informed homebuyers use the season to uncover hidden issues and negotiate better deals.

In real estate, a home that withstands the monsoon is often a home built to last.

The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has clarified that homebuyers may seek a refund if significant disputes arise regarding changes to a property’s layout and design after booking, particularly if such changes result in the complete breakdown of the contractual relationship between the parties.

MahaRERA determined that the complainants were entitled to a refund of the total sum paid to the developer, plus interest, minus amounts paid for taxes, stamp duty, registration fees, and other statutory charges to government authorities.

The authority ordered the developer to reimburse the sum paid by the homebuyers, plus any interest, within 60 days of the order.

In its order, MahaRERA stated that the parties’ contractual relationship had “irretrievably broken down” and that neither was willing to proceed with the transaction. It stated that constraining either party to continue with the sale agreement would not serve the aims of justice or achieve the objectives of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act. As a result, it determined that the complainants were entitled to seek remedies under Section 18 of the Act.

The case

The MahaRERA verdict involved homeowners who booked a property near Mumbai in July 2021 for more than ₹2 crore. In December 2021, the buyers signed a registered agreement for sale and paid around ₹50 lakh. Possession of the bungalow was expected for June 30, 2023.

However, disagreements emerged between the parties concerning alleged alterations to the bungalow’s layout and design, a reduction in its built-up area, changes to the parking configuration, and assurances given by the developer regarding compensation and restoration of parking access.

“Design changes and other changes were disclosed only shortly before execution of the agreement for sale, and they proceeded with the registration of the agreement solely on the basis of assurances extended by the developer regarding restoration of parallel parking access and compensation for the reduction in area,” the buyers informed MahaRERA.

The homebuyers opted to cancel the purchase in August 2022 due to project-related problems. According to the homeowners, the developer initially agreed to repay the full sum within 90 days, but then proposed a staggered payment schedule, delaying the refund. They further claimed that the developer issued forced demand notices and requested the execution of a cancellation deed, claiming false termination reasons, and that they refused to sign it.

Developer’s defence

In its answer to MahaRERA, the developer claimed that the homebuyer had failed to meet payment commitments under the bungalow purchase agreement. “All changes were duly disclosed, were necessitated by statutory approvals, and the complainants voluntarily executed the agreement with full knowledge of the final specifications,” the developer told MahaRERA.

The developer maintained that the complainants were bound by the provisions of the registered agreement for sale and could not contest the layout or specifications after signing the agreement.

The developer further claimed that the homeowners’ complaint about the reduction in built-up area was invalid because the agreement was based on the carpet area and plot area, with no contractual commitment about the built-up space. According to the developer, the homebuyers were attempting to raise issues outside of the scope of the agreement.

In its submission to MahaRERA, the developer asserted that all alterations to the layout and design were required by statutory requirements and authorization from competent authorities. It claimed that the alterations were legal, properly disclosed, and acceptable under the terms of the sale agreement. As a result, the developer maintained that no case of misrepresentation or breach of the RERA Act had been established.

MahaRERA’s verdict

According to the MahaRERA’s order, the record shows that arguments arose between the parties over the amended layout, parking configuration, and related promises, resulting in the rupture of the contract.

The MahaRERA stated that the respondent had agreed to cancel the transaction and refund the complainants’ funds, but the cancellation could not be completed due to disagreements over the proposed cancellation documents’ terms and recitals.