The dream of owning a home in Bangalore often involves booking an apartment that’s still under construction. But for many buyers, the excitement turns to frustration when they discover that visiting their soon-to-be home during construction is strictly off limits. Here’s an in-depth look at why this happens, the rationale behind it, and what you, as a homebuyer, should know.
The Reality: Site Access Denied Until Registration
In Bangalore, several developers follow a policy of restricting access to under-construction flats until the buyer has completed full payment and registration of the property. This rule has surfaced in prominent projects (such as Brigade El Dorado, TVS Emerald, and Shriram Group developments), leading to widespread buyer complaints, particularly on public forums and social media. Many buyers view being denied entry—after paying large sums—as unfair and risky, since it blocks their ability to verify the status or quality of construction in person
Reasons Cited by Builders and Developers
Builders commonly cite three primary reasons for restricting access to under-construction units:
- Safety Concerns: Construction sites are hazardous. Entry without proper training, authorization, or safety gear exposes visitors—especially untrained buyers—to risks of injury.
- Liability and Legal Issues: Developers fear being held responsible for any accidents that occur during unauthorized site visits. They must enforce safety protocols rigorously to avoid legal repercussions
- Operational Disruption: Unscheduled visits can disrupt construction activities, create confusion, and even lead to delays. Controlled, pre-planned visits minimize interruptions and allow for a more organized, safe inspection
Builders often arrange structured visits (usually accompanied and at specific project milestones, like “topping out” ceremonies or finishing stages). This keeps buyers engaged, but does not allow unrestricted entry.
What the Law Says: Is It Legal?
Legal experts argue that outright denial of access might violate consumer rights if interpreted strictly. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) stresses transparency and the right of buyers to check the quality and progress of their investment. However, RERA doesn’t explicitly mandate open, unsupervised access—it emphasizes periodic updates, typically provided via regular progress reports, photographs, and sample flats
What Should Buyers Expect?
Sample Flats and Progress Updates
- Instead of visiting your own flat, you’ll often be shown a sample unit. This model flat showcases the fit and finish you can expect.
- Developers are also required to keep you updated with progress photographs and construction reports at intervals. For most major builders, this is a part of their customer service commitment
Scheduled, Guided Visits
- Some builders do allow site visits at non-critical construction phases, provided that the buyer is accompanied by authorized personnel and follows necessary safety precautions (helmets, boots, etc.)
The Homebuyer’s Concerns
- Transparency: Not being able to see your property until handover fuels anxiety and trust issues. After all, unlike most purchases, you cannot physically verify what you’re buying until possession.
- Risk of Deviation from Promises: There’s worry that the finished product might not match what was promised on paper or shown in sample flats.
- Legal Recourse: If you suspect structural or quality issues, your options shrink if you never saw the place during construction.
Tips for Home Buyers in Bangalore
- Get Everything Documented: Insist on detailed written agreements regarding specifications, timelines, and site visit policies.
- Request Regular Updates: Ask for photographic and video updates, not just generic progress reports.
- Plan for At Least One Visit: Try to secure a right to at least one site visit before final payment or registration, accompanied by builder staff for safety.
- Know Your Rights Under RERA: Be aware that all project details and approvals should be available to you—even if physical access is not.
The Bottom Line
For most buyers in Bangalore, visiting an under-construction apartment is typically restricted, often until handover or very late construction stages, with the main reasons being safety, liability, and operational control. While this is frustrating, it’s standard practice. However, you are entitled to updates, transparency, and, in some cases, structured visits. Understanding these realities—and insisting that your builder follows customer-friendly procedures—can help make your journey to home ownership smoother and more secure
Key takeaways
- Unsupervised visits are usually not allowed for safety and operational reasons.
- Legal frameworks (RERA) require transparency but not open access.
- Sample flats and regular updates are the norm—demand them, and don’t be afraid to escalate if your builder falls short.
- Document your requests and stay informed to protect your investment.
Buying an under-construction home in Bangalore? Stay vigilant, stay informed, and don’t hesitate to ask questions at every stage of the process.
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