Buying a flat this monsoon? Get your feet wet to decide better.

Image Credit: Reuters

The monsoons are here and you have decided to write out the cheque to pick up the flat you have been saving up for. Monsoon is a time when you can get to know exactly what the new flat and the location in general have  in store for you when it comes to floods.

Ideally, wait for a day when the sky has really opened up and the rain has been heavy. Visit the project site that day to get a real feel of things.

Check for water logging, sewerage failures and storm water drainage efficiency in the area. Check out the road conditions leading up to the site. Make a general inquiry about the power situation and about the public transport availability on heavy rainfall days. After all, you are going to be living there next.

Also remember, that if moving to a new city, this check is all the more important. A smart looking neighbourhood may have a nasty water logging history. This also affects your resale values negatively.

Your broker in most cases would not tell you about the monsoon scenario. Go alone if the broker makes her/ himself unavailable to visit the site with you on a wet day. Its your money and your family. Make an informed decision. And yeah, the trip may introduce you to the neighbourhood bhajji/ pakoda wala as well! Down a few.

Cheers!