Buying a resale flat? Don't let the society rip you off on transfer charges

The amount they can charge is capped in many cities; you can go legal to avoid payment or even recover your money paid under pressure

Sushil Bahal, a Mumbai-based media professional, bought a house for about Rs 30 lakh some years ago in a suburban society in which the members were mostly journalists. It was a good deal as the society was well maintained and the resale flat was cheaper than something similar in a new project nearby.

Bahal was aghast when he was asked to pay Rs 1 lakh as society transfer charges in order to acquire membership. Bahal knew he was being overcharged, but did not go legal as he did not want any friction with his neighbours. Bahal is not alone. Many