How to choose a property consultant in India: 10 questions to ask
By Ambish Singh, Founder · Facts checked October 2026
In shortA good property consultant shows how they are paid before you ask, covers several developers, is transparent about registration and track record, and is comfortable if you say no. Ask the ten questions below, and walk away from anyone who pressures you to book quickly.
What a consultant should actually do for you
- Understand your budget, timeline and use, before naming a project.
- Compare options across more than one developer, on the same cost sheet.
- Explain the legal and regulatory checks for each project.
- Plan site visits and be present, so you are not alone with a sales team.
- Stay involved through the agreement, loan and possession.
Ten questions to ask
- How are you paid, and by whom? On new launches, is anything added to my price?
- Which developers and projects do you cover, and which do you not?
- Are you registered with the real estate regulator where I am buying? What is your registration number?
- How many projects like this have you closed, and can I speak to a past client who agrees to it?
- What will you do if you think a project I like is not right for me?
- Will you give me the cost sheet and the agreement in writing, before I pay a booking amount?
- Who does the legal checks, and is the lawyer working for me?
- What happens after I book: do you help with the loan, the registration and possession?
- Can I speak to the developer directly if I want to?
- What is your policy if I decide not to buy?
Signals to trust
- They tell you how they earn before you ask.
- They name a project's disadvantages without being asked.
- They are comfortable with you checking everything yourself.
- They have a named, reachable person and a business with a track record you can verify.
Signals to leave
- Urgency: only one more unit left, price rises tomorrow.
- Guaranteed returns or buy-back promises.
- A request to pay cash, or to pay into a personal account.
- Reluctance to put things in writing.
- A shortlist of one.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay a property consultant?
It depends on the transaction and the consultant. On many new launches the developer pays the channel partner and the buyer pays nothing extra, while resale and rental deals usually carry commission as per market practice. Ask for the answer in writing.
Should I use a consultant or buy directly from the developer?
Buying directly is perfectly valid. A consultant is worth it when they save you time comparing projects, add checks you would not know to make, and are open about how they earn.
How do I know a consultant is genuine?
Ask for a regulator registration number where one is required, check it on the regulator's website, look for a named person with a verifiable track record, and be wary of guarantees and pressure.
Official sources
Check these yourself. They are the regulators' own sites, not ours.
- MahaRERA (Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority)Look up a project's registration and its promoter before you pay anything.
- Dubai Land DepartmentCheck broker licences and property services; Dubai's property regulator, RERA, is part of the Department.
Want a second opinion on your shortlist?
Message Ambish with your budget and area. You get a short list with prices, payment plans and possession dates side by side. No pressure to book.
Keep reading
This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rates, thresholds and rules change, so confirm them with the relevant authority or a qualified professional before you decide.