Investing in China Center: how to evaluate a unit

Start with the cash you will actually commit

On 30% down payment, 24 instalments of 2.5% each (60% in all), and 10% on possession, your cash at booking is 30% of the price. For the cheapest listed shop (LG45) that is Rs 12,00,000; for a 450 sq ft apartment, Rs 20,25,000; for a food-court unit, from Rs 68,40,000. Then budget for each instalment and for the 10% at possession.

Use or rent: decide first

If you will trade from the unit yourself, the questions are frontage, floor, the planned trade focus of that floor and your own customers. If you intend to let it, the questions are who would rent it, at what terms, and what the running costs are. We do not publish rents or yields; speak to traders and agents in the district and form your own view.

The planned trade focus is the owner's plan for each floor. It is not a signed tenant, a lease or a promise of footfall; ask at booking what it means for the trade you have in mind.

What to check before you book

Ask for each of these in writing:

• A dated price quotation for the exact unit, from the developer’s current inventory sheet.
• The instalment schedule with due dates.
• Whether a corner premium applies to the unit.
• Whether the area is gross or net, and the unit marked on the developer’s floor plan.
• The payee for every payment (the commercial payment plan names Creation Developers (Pvt) Ltd).
• The booking form or allotment terms, including transfer and cancellation terms.
• Whatever approval documents the developer holds for the building: ask to see them rather than relying on anyone’s word, including ours.