The property booking amount in Gurgaon, also called a token or earnest money, is often the first payment a buyer makes. It signals commitment and reserves the property while documents are checked and the agreement is prepared. Because it is paid early, it is also the moment when buyers are most exposed if something goes wrong, so knowing what to verify first matters.
This guide explains what to verify before paying a booking amount, for both new projects and resales, and how to protect your money.
About to pay a booking amount?
Tell us the property and we will help you check documents and terms first, usually the same working day.
Booking amounts in new projects
For new projects, developers usually collect a booking amount with an application form, followed by the builder-buyer agreement and staged payments. Under RERA rules, developers are generally restricted from taking more than a set percentage of the price as an advance before a written agreement for sale is registered; confirm the current rule before paying.
Token amounts in resales
For resales, buyers usually pay a token when the price is agreed, against a receipt or an agreement to sell, with the balance at registration. The amount and terms are negotiable.
What to verify before paying
| Check | New project | Resale |
|---|---|---|
| RERA registration | Yes | Not applicable for completed resales |
| Title and ownership | Developer’s land title | Seller’s chain of ownership |
| Approvals | Approved plans | Occupation certificate |
| Cost sheet | Full written cost sheet | Agreed price and inclusions |
| Refund terms | Cancellation policy | Terms if the deal falls through |
| Dues and loans | Not usually | Seller’s dues and loan status |
Documents to see first
- For new projects: RERA registration details, approved plans, land title summary and the draft builder-buyer agreement
- For resales: copies of the allotment or previous sale deed, conveyance deed, occupation certificate, no-dues certificates and the seller’s loan letter
Have your lawyer review them before you pay.
Documents before deposits
Ask us which documents you should see before paying any token or booking amount.
Refund and cancellation terms
Before paying, agree in writing what happens to the booking amount if documents are not satisfactory, if a loan is not sanctioned, or if either party withdraws. Without clear terms, recovering a token can be difficult.
Paying safely
Pay by bank transfer or cheque, never in cash, and get a dated receipt that names the property, the amount and its purpose. Avoid paying into personal accounts of anyone other than the seller or developer.
Agreement to sell
For resales, an agreement to sell records the price, token, balance payment, timelines, documents and what happens if either party defaults. Have your lawyer draft or review it.
Red flags
- Pressure to pay a large token immediately
- Reluctance to share documents
- Requests to pay in cash or to a third party
- No written receipt or terms
- Verbal promises not reflected in documents
Loan sanction first
Ideally, get a home loan sanction in principle before paying a booking amount, so you know you can complete the purchase.
Questions to ask
- What documents can I see before paying?
- Is the booking amount refundable, and under what conditions?
- Who should I pay, and how?
- What happens if my loan is not approved?
- When will the agreement be signed?
Who this guide suits
It suits first-time buyers, NRIs paying remotely and anyone about to reserve a property.
Booking from overseas
NRIs paying a booking amount remotely should pay only through banking channels, keep records of every payment and have documents reviewed by a lawyer in India before transferring funds. A video walkthrough of the property and a call with the seller or developer help confirm details.
Booking during launches
New project launches sometimes create a sense of urgency, with limited units or offers. Take time to check RERA details, the cost sheet and refund terms before paying, even if it means missing a launch offer.
Keeping records
Keep copies of every receipt, application form, email and message. These records help if any dispute arises later.
Checking the seller’s identity
For resales, confirm the seller’s identity against the ownership documents. If more than one person owns the flat, all owners should agree to the sale and sign, or a valid power of attorney should be in place.
When to involve your lawyer
Involve your lawyer before paying, not after. A short review of documents and the draft agreement can prevent costly mistakes.
Read more
Explore our guides to verifying Haryana RERA registration, documents to check before buying a resale flat and luxury property price negotiation. Our real estate investment consultation page explains how we can help.
How we help
Tell us the property you plan to book. We will help you gather the documents and terms to verify, coordinate with your lawyer and make sure your booking amount is paid safely with clear written terms.
Check before you book
Share the property you plan to book. We will help you gather the documents and terms to verify before paying any booking amount.
Frequently asked questions
What is a booking amount?
An early payment that reserves a property while documents and agreements are prepared.
How much is a booking amount?
It varies. For new projects, RERA rules generally limit advances before a registered agreement. Confirm current rules.
What should I verify before paying?
RERA details, title, approvals, cost sheet and refund terms for new projects; ownership, OC, dues and loans for resales.
Is a booking amount refundable?
Only as agreed in writing. Agree refund terms before paying.
How should I pay?
By bank transfer or cheque to the seller or developer, with a dated receipt.
What is an agreement to sell?
A document recording the price, token, timelines and default terms in a resale.
What are red flags?
Pressure, reluctance to share documents, cash requests and no written terms.
Should I get a loan sanction first?
Ideally yes, so you know you can complete.
Can NRIs pay a booking amount remotely?
Yes, through banking channels, with documents reviewed first.
Can you help me check before booking?
Yes. We gather documents and terms for your lawyer's review.
Should I rush to book at a launch?
No. Check RERA details, the cost sheet and refund terms before paying, even if it means missing an offer.
What records should I keep?
Every receipt, form, email and message related to the booking.
What if the flat has more than one owner?
All owners should agree and sign, or a valid power of attorney should be in place.
When should my lawyer get involved?
Before you pay any booking amount.
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