Scam Watch: Beware of Visually Appealing Sample Flats!

“The sample flat which was shown to us looked so posh with spacious rooms and the windows opening to pleasant views. We thought this is the perfect dream home for us and immediately booked the flat. But what we got in the end was in no way similar to the one shown to us before.”

These days, we get to hear about such stories very often. In a market brimming with all kinds of residential and commercial projects, the developers use various marketing tools to entice and lure buyers. Sample flat is one such potent tool.

Here are the four main aspects which as a buyer you should clarify with builders to avoid last minute heart break:

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1) Size- Most of the buyers would find it awkward to measure the size of the sample flat. But this is important because many a times the size of sample flat is bigger than that of the actual one. Ask your builder and make sure that your actual flat will be of the same size.

2) Positioning and orientation- When you enter the sample flat you would find it lit with ample amount of natural light and properly ventilated. The windows would open to parks or green surroundings. You need to recognize the way this flat has been positioned and confirm with your builder that your actual flat will also be positioned in the same manner.

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3) Airy and Spacious Rooms- To make the rooms look spacious, the developers use plywood or gypsum boards instead of brick walls. Doors create optical barriers; hence the sample flats have fewer doors or no doors in the inner rooms. You will also find large mirrors placed on either of the walls to give an impression of a bigger space. On your part, you need to be vigilant enough to observe the way things are placed in order to make the room look bigger. You should keep in mind that your actual flat would be less spacious than the sample one.

4) The rich look- The use of plywood and pre-fabricated walls in the sample flat painted with high-quality emulsions gives it an elegant and unique look. Also, the furniture and fixtures, floor tiles, sanitary fittings and electrical appliances are top of the line and add a rich look to the flat. Question your builder about the type of flooring, the brands of electrical fittings and the type of paint that will be used in your actual flat. If you are buying a furnished flat, ask your agent about the size and quality of the furniture that will be used in your flat.

Photo Credit: Thane Real Estate.com

Sample flats have been designed and decorated in a smart way so that they attract the attention of the buyers and increase their chances of booking a flat in the upcoming project. To save yourself from being carried away, you should thoroughly read and understand the layout and architectural design given in the brochure and compare it with those of the sample flat.

Insist on taking photographs and do not hesitate to ask questions. You can also ask your agent to assure that the actual flat will be similar to the sample flat by giving it in writing. Being observant will save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

Do you think sample flats are important to help the buyers finalize their purchase or they just lure them? Share your views with us by commenting below.