Checklist for Site Visits Before Buying Property in Kerala

Buying property is one of the most significant financial decisions in anyone’s life, especially in a vibrant and evolving market like Kerala. From bustling city centers like Kochi and Trivandrum to serene towns like Kottayam, Thrissur, or Kannur, Kerala offers a wide range of options for residential and commercial investment.

But no matter how appealing a property might look online or in brochures, nothing replaces a personal site visit. A physical inspection helps you evaluate whether the property matches its claims and gives you an opportunity to make an informed decision based on real-world observations.

To help you make the most out of your visit, we’ve created a comprehensive checklist for site visits before buying property in Kerala. Whether you're purchasing a plot, apartment, villa, or commercial space, this checklist ensures you leave no stone unturned.

1.   Verify the Location and Connectivity

Location is everything in real estate. During your site visit, assess:

 Accessibility

• Is the property easily reachable via main roads?
• How far is it from the nearest town, highway, or railway station?
• Is there public transport nearby?

 Neighbourhood Infrastructure

• Are there schools, hospitals, banks, and grocery stores in the vicinity?
• Is the area prone to flooding during the monsoon?
• Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects (metro, bypass, flyovers)?

 Noise and Pollution

• Check for nearby factories, railway tracks, or traffic-heavy roads.
• Visit at different times of day (morning, afternoon, evening) to get a realistic sense of the environment.

Tip: In Kerala, areas like Edappally (Kochi), Kazhakkoottam (Trivandrum), and Punkunnam (Thrissur) offer both good connectivity and peaceful surroundings.

2. Inspect the Surrounding Neighbourhood

The neighbourhood sets the tone for your lifestyle. Look for:

 Safety and Security

• Is the area well-lit at night?
• Are there local police stations or security patrols?
• Check the crime rate or reputation of the area.

Community Profile

• Who are the typical residents, families, bachelors, NRIs, students?
• Are there community associations, clubs, or places of worship?

 Development Status

• Is the locality already developed or still under transition?
• Are there too many vacant plots or buildings under construction?

3. Evaluate the Property’s Legal Aspects

While some aspects of legality are paperwork-based, a site visit can give early warning signs:

 Encroachments or Disputes

• Are there signs of land being shared or misused?
• Speak to neighbours about the property's history.

 Display of Approvals

• Are project approval and building permits displayed at the site?
• Check for the RERA registration number if it's a new construction.

Note: In Kerala, all real estate developers must register their under-construction projects with KERALA RERA.

4. Examine the Construction Quality

This is one of the most important aspects, especially for under-construction or recently completed projects. During your visit:

 Structure

• Check the foundation, beams, columns, and slab for cracks or dampness.
• If possible, get an engineer or civil contractor to inspect the site.

 Wall Quality

• Knock gently on the walls, hollow sounds may indicate poor construction.
• Check plastering quality and whether the walls are even.

 Flooring and Finishing

• Look for cracked tiles, uneven flooring, or loose fixtures.
• Walk around to see if the floors creak or feel unstable.

 Plumbing and Sanitation

• Check water pressure from taps.
• Flush toilets and inspect drain outlets.
• Ensure there’s no dampness or seepage in bathrooms and kitchens.

5. Assess the Layout and Design

Even a well-built home can be a poor fit if the layout isn’t suitable. During your site visit:

 Natural Light and Ventilation

• How much sunlight enters each room?
• Are windows cross-ventilated?
• Are there open spaces or other buildings blocking airflow?

 Room Dimensions

• Carry a tape measure to verify actual size versus advertised carpet area.
• Check if furniture can fit comfortably in all rooms.

 Vastu Considerations (optional)

• Many buyers in Kerala consider Vastu Shastra principles. If you’re among them, get a Vastu consultant to inspect.

6. Review Water and Electricity Facilities

Uninterrupted access to water and power is crucial. Inspect:

 Water Source and Storage

• Is there municipal water supply, borewell, or both?
• What’s the quality of the water?
• Are there overhead or underground water tanks?

 Electricity Setup

• Is the power connection live or temporary?
• Are there backup options (generator, inverter)?
• Inspect electrical switchboards and wiring, poorly done wiring can be a fire hazard.

7. Evaluate Amenities and Facilities (for Apartments/Gated Villas)

If you're buying in a gated community or apartment project, check:

 Functional Amenities

• Are the advertised amenities (gym, pool, clubhouse) actually available and functional?
• Visit common areas, staircases, and elevators.

 Parking and Access Roads

• Is your designated parking clearly marked?
• Are internal roads wide and well-maintained?

 Waste Management and Sewage

• How is garbage collected and disposed?
• Is there a proper sewage treatment plant (STP) or municipal connection?

8. Understand Future Development Plans

Ask the builder or property agent about:

 Upcoming Phases or Projects

• Will more towers or phases be constructed nearby?
• Could that affect your privacy or block your view?

Zoning and Land Use

• Is the surrounding land zoned for residential, commercial, or mixed-use?
• Avoid areas next to land zoned for heavy industry or warehouses.

 Appreciation Potential

• Look for indicators of growth like new tech parks, malls, or metro lines.

9. Speak to People On-Site

Sometimes, the best insights come from informal conversations.

 Talk to Existing Residents

• Ask them about water supply, power cuts, association charges, and maintenance responsiveness.

 Talk to Security or Watchmen

• They often have an insider’s perspective on visitor flow, delivery access, and day-to-day issues.

10. Photograph and Document Everything

A site visit can be overwhelming, so document what you see:

• Take photos and videos of rooms, exteriors, staircases, and views.
• Make notes on dimensions, materials, and conversations.

This helps in comparing multiple properties later and in sharing details with your family or consultants.

Bonus: What to Carry for Your Site Visit

Here’s a quick checklist of what to bring along:

Notebook and pen
Smartphone/camera
Tape measure
Flashlight (for poorly lit areas)
Copy of the project brochure or layout plan
Umbrella (if you're visiting during Kerala’s monsoon)
Identity proof (some gated communities may require this)

Final Thoughts

A site visit is your first real interaction with the property, make it count. It gives you clarity beyond glossy brochures, virtual tours, or sales pitches. Whether you're buying a home to live in or an investment property, don’t skip this step.

In Kerala, where landscapes and infrastructure vary widely from region to region, a site visit helps you understand local realities such as topography, water availability, monsoon effects, or even cultural nuances of the neighbourhood.

Make sure you visit more than once, ask the right questions, and if needed, take a professional (architect or civil engineer) with you for an expert opinion. Trust your instincts, but back them up with due diligence.

If you’re planning to explore multiple properties in cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, Calicut, or Thrissur, consider keeping a printable or digital copy of this checklist for each visit. It’ll make your property journey easier, more structured, and much safer.