It is a popular concept in Mumbai to purchase Investor flats. Mostly, you find them through the builder himself, after the builder has exhausted the stock in his hands.
What is an investor flat?
An investor flat is one in which an investor draws an agreement with the builder to purchase a given flat at a certain future point of time. In return for this promise, he pays a small token money towards the price of the flat. This agreement happens even before the construction begins. So, the price agreed upon for the flat is also quite less.
Benefits of investor flats to all parties
Investors:
The benefit of this agreement to the investor is the fact that he is able to procure it at a very low rate and needs to make payment only much later.
Builder:
The main benefit for the builder is the cash flow that accrues to him even before commencement of the project. This will ensure smooth execution of the project. Also, he is making sales even before the goods are produced.
Consumer:
It is not any problem to a consumer to buy a flat from an investor. As the agreement will be made with the builder itself (in case purchase is before possession) the agreement will be one of first-sale and not of resale. Depending upon the investors needs, prices become negotiable. Recently, I heard of an investor flat being quoted at nearly Rs 1000 per square feet lesser than that of the builder. Isn’t that great?
Therefore, when you search for new flats, don’t rule out investor flats. They are as good as buying from the builder itself.