Things to Know Before Buying an Apartment in Dhaka (Property Studio Guide)

Buying an apartment is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. In Dhaka—where prices, neighborhoods, and regulations can vary widely—one wrong step can turn a dream home into a long-term headache.

This guide walks you through the most important checkpoints before you pay a booking money or sign an agreement—covering budget, location, legal safety, construction quality, and long-term value.

1) Clarify Your Purpose and Set a Real Budget

Start with one question: Why are you buying this apartment?

• Personal living: comfort, commute, schools, community matter most
• Rental income: demand, tenant profile, and building management matter
• Long-term investment: resale potential, development trends, and liquidity matter

Then build a full budget, not just the “flat price.” Include:

• Registration + taxes/VAT
• Interior finishing and furniture
• Parking, utility connections, service charges
• Moving + setup costs

Tip: Keep an extra 10–15% buffer beyond the listed price for hidden/extra costs.

2) Choose Location Like an Investor

In Dhaka, location drives both lifestyle and future value.

Popular apartment zones include:

• Gulshan / Banani: premium, diplomatic & corporate demand
• Baridhara: high security, elite community
• Bashundhara R/A: fast growth, schools/hospitals, new projects
• Dhanmondi / Mohammadpur: central access, established neighborhoods
• Uttara / Mirpur: wider choices, growing connectivity

Before you decide, check:

• Commute time (not distance)
• Traffic + noise level
• Flood/waterlogging history
• Nearby schools, hospitals, markets
• Public transport and road access

3) Verify the Developer or Seller Properly

A nice brochure doesn’t guarantee a safe purchase. Research:

• Past completed projects
• Handover track record
• Construction quality and material standards
• After-sales support and defect handling
• Buyer reviews (look for patterns, not one-off complaints)

If it’s a resale unit, verify the seller’s ownership chain and past transfer history.

4) Legal Verification Is Non-Negotiable

This is where most buyers get trapped. Confirm the basics before major payments:

• RAJUK approvals (where applicable)
• Verified land ownership documents
• Valid title deed + mutation status
• Approved building plan
• Clear documentation if Power of Attorney is involved

Best move: Hire a property lawyer to review documents before booking money becomes non-refundable.

5) Inspect Layout, Build Quality, and Utilities

If the apartment is ready, visit multiple times (day & evening). If under construction, study layout + specs.

Check for:

• Efficient space use (no weird corners, wasted area)
• Natural light and ventilation
• Balcony direction and privacy
• Flooring/tiles, doors, fittings quality
• Water pressure, drainage, electrical load, generator backup

Also ask about:

• Earthquake resistance approach
• Fire safety (stairs, extinguishers, emergency exits)
• Gas/water/electricity connection type and readiness

6) Confirm Handover Date and Payment Terms

For under-construction apartments:

• Handover date must be written in the agreement
• Payment schedule should be clear (down payment + installments)
• Delayed handover policy should be stated (penalties/compensation)

Avoid vague promises—only written terms matter.

7) Understand Registration and “Real Total Cost”

In Dhaka, the final cost is usually more than the advertised price. Common additions may include:

• Registration-related fees
• Stamp duty
• VAT/tax (varies by case)
• Utility connection charges
• Service charge advance or sinking fund (in some buildings)

Ask for a full cost sheet before committing.

8) Check Facilities and Building Management

Good facilities are great—but only if the building is managed well.

Look for:

• Parking allocation and rules
• Elevator quality + backup plan
• Generator coverage (full or partial load?)
• Security system and staff quality
• Rooftop access policy, community spaces

Ask who manages the building:

• A functioning owners’ association/committee?
• A professional facility management company?
• Clear service charge collection + expense tracking?

9) Think Resale and Rental Value Early

Even if you’re buying to live there, your future self may sell or rent it.

Resale/rental value depends on:

• Location demand and tenant profile
• Developer reputation
• Building age and maintenance condition
• Amenities + parking
• Legal clarity and documentation

Areas with strong rental demand often include expat/professional hubs and well-connected neighborhoods.

10) Don’t Rush—Compare and Cross-Check

This decision is emotional, but you need logic. Do these before signing:

• Compare 3–5 projects side by side
• Talk to current residents (best real feedback)
• Check neighborhood at different times
• Consult legal + financial advisors

Conclusion

Buying an apartment in Dhaka can be an excellent move—if you approach it with discipline. Location, legal safety, developer reliability, construction quality, and management standards decide whether your purchase becomes a secure asset or a long-term burden.

Property Studio helps you stay organized through the entire journey—from document tracking and expense planning to building management after you move in.

Want to buy smarter?
Use Property Studio to keep all property documents, cost breakdowns, and purchase checkpoints in one place—so you can decide with confidence.