You'll see "HMDA approved" and "DTCP approved" on almost every plot ad. Both are government layout approvals. The difference is location.
HMDA
The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority approves layouts inside the Hyderabad metropolitan region. Most of the city's growth corridors, such as Kokapet, Tellapur and Shamshabad, fall here.
DTCP
The Directorate of Town and Country Planning approves layouts outside HMDA limits, in other urban and rural areas of Telangana.
What matters for you
Either approval is valid for its area. One is not "better" than the other.
Ask for the approval number and the approved layout plan.
Check that your plot number exists on that plan and isn't marked as a park, road or open space.
Avoid "farm plots" or unapproved layouts sold as approved. Banks usually won't lend on them.
Not sure about a layout? Send us the approval number and we'll check it with you.
How to Check a Project's RERA Registration in Telangana
Under RERA, most new residential projects and layouts above a certain size must be registered before they are marketed. Registration makes the builder accountable for timelines and specifications.
How to check
Ask the developer for the project's RERA registration number. It should appear on every brochure and ad.
Open the official Telangana RERA website and search registered projects by that number or the project name.
Match the promoter name, project address and number of units with what you've been told.
Check the declared completion date and any quarterly progress updates.
Look for complaints or orders listed against the project or promoter.
Also ask for
The approved building plan and permission.
The agent's RERA registration, if you're buying through an agent.
No RERA number on a project that needs one is a reason to walk away.
Many buyers budget for the property price and get surprised later. Plan for the full amount from day one.
Costs to budget for
Stamp duty, transfer duty and registration fees: paid to the government at registration, as a percentage of the property value. Check current Telangana rates before you finalise.
GST: applies to under-construction apartments and villas. Ready-to-move property with an occupancy certificate is not charged GST.
Amenity, club and corpus charges: common in gated communities. Ask for them in writing.
Maintenance deposit: often one to two years collected upfront.
Utility connections: electricity and water connection charges.
Home loan costs: processing fee, legal and valuation charges from the bank.
Legal verification: your lawyer's fee for document checks.
Our rule
Get a written, itemised cost breakup before you pay a booking amount. If a seller won't give one, ask why.
There's no single right answer. It depends on why you're buying and when you need it.
Choose a plot if you…
Want long-term appreciation and can hold for years.
Plan to build your own home later, your way.
Prefer low upkeep: no maintenance charges or building wear.
Choose an apartment if you…
Need to move in soon, close to your office.
Want security, amenities and a community.
Want easier home-loan approval and rental income.
A simple test
Ask yourself: "Is this for living or for growing money?" Living points to an apartment or villa. Growing money often points to a plot in a developing corridor.
Still torn? Tell us your budget and timeline. We'll show you both options side by side.