How to check a Dhaka apartment project before you pay
Before booking a flat in Bangladesh, confirm the project has a valid approval letter from RAJUK or the relevant authority, trace the land title and mutation, see original documents, and make sure the contract states a handover month and a penalty for delay. Have a lawyer review everything before your first payment.
What approvals should I ask to see?
Ask for the project's approval letter from RAJUK or the relevant city development authority. If the land is developed jointly, ask for the registered power of attorney between the landowner and the developer.
How do I check the land title?
Trace the chain of ownership through the CS, SA, RS and BS khatians, confirm that mutation is complete and land tax is paid, and check that the dag and khatian numbers match across every document. Confirm there are no disputes, liens or acquisition notices. Insist on seeing originals, because incomplete paperwork is a warning sign.
What should the contract say?
It should name a specific handover month and year, set compensation for each month of delay, and state the refund terms if the project is abandoned or badly delayed. The deed should specify your designated parking space.
What should I check in person?
Visit a completed project by the same developer and speak to residents. Check the lift and generator, the electricity meter, the water source, the gas plan and the security arrangements.
Do I need a lawyer?
Yes. A checklist helps you ask the right questions, but a qualified lawyer should review the documents and the contract before you pay anything.
Sources: The Daily Star, Quick real estate checklist: 3 must do checks before booking a flat