Under-Construction vs Ready-to-Move: Which is Cheaper in 2026?
NEW DELHI, June 9: Most buyers pick the cheaper under-construction flat. Big mistake.
Here is the real math.
The 6-Month Cost Difference
| Cost | Under-Construction (₹1 Cr) | Ready-to-Move (₹1.2 Cr) |
|---|---|---|
| Down payment | ₹20 lakh | ₹24 lakh |
| EMI + rent (6 months) | ₹5.4 lakh (EMI ₹69k + rent ₹20k) | ₹0 |
| GST (5%) | ₹5 lakh | ₹0 |
| Stamp duty (6%) | ₹6 lakh | ₹7.2 lakh |
| Total in 6 months | ₹36.4 lakh | ₹31.2 lakh |
Ready-to-move saves you ₹5 lakh in the first 6 months.
Why Under-Construction is a Trap
Double Expense: You pay EMI + rent for 3-4 years. That is ₹10-12 lakh extra every year.
GST: 5% extra – up to ₹5 lakh on a ₹1 crore flat.
Delay Risk: Builder promised 3 years. Most take 5-7 years. You keep paying double.
When to Choose Which
Pick Under-Construction IF:
-
You have extra savings for double expense
-
Builder has perfect delivery record
-
You are getting 15-20% pre-launch discount
Pick Ready-to-Move IF:
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You are a first-time buyer
-
You need immediate possession
-
You don't want double expense stress
The Bottom Line
A ₹1.2 crore ready-to-move flat is cheaper than a ₹1 crore under-construction flat when you add GST, double expense, and delay risk.
Don't just look at the price tag. Do the math.