Before you pay booking money in Bangladesh.
Before money moves, three things should already be in place: clear documents, clear questions, and a clear decision. Below is the practical checklist.
Six things to do — before any commitment.
Clarify the property type
Why it matters: Apartment, plot, off-plan booking or secondary sale — each has different documentation and risk.
Confirm the seller / developer identity
Why it matters: Real owner, joint owners, legal representatives — every party must be clearly identified before signatures.
Request a full document list
Why it matters: Completeness of the document set is itself an early signal of risk or readiness.
Understand the payment schedule
Why it matters: Without a written schedule, commitments and liabilities stay vague — and vague usually goes wrong.
Ask about approval status in writing
Why it matters: RAJUK / authority approvals should be referenced in writing, not just in conversation.
Avoid pressure-based decisions
Why it matters: Urgency frequently masks weak documentation; a serious seller will accommodate verification.
The file you should be holding.
Title deed
Why it matters: The primary evidence of ownership.
Bia deed / ownership history
Why it matters: Establishes the full ownership chain across previous transfers.
Mutation (নামজারি)
Why it matters: Records have been updated into the current owner's name.
Khatian / Porcha (খতিয়ান / পর্চা)
Why it matters: Plot positioning and ownership references on land records.
DCR (Duplicate Carbon Receipt)
Why it matters: Evidence of land development tax payment.
Land Development Tax (ভূমি উন্নয়ন কর)
Why it matters: Ongoing land tax dues are settled.
Holding tax (where applicable)
Why it matters: Municipal tax dues are clear.
RAJUK approval (where applicable)
Why it matters: The project or building is approved by the relevant authority.
Approved building plan
Why it matters: A copy of the plan as actually approved.
Occupancy certificate (where applicable)
Why it matters: Authorisation to occupy and use the property.
Utility information
Why it matters: Electricity, gas, water — connections, meters and any arrears.
Developer agreement
Why it matters: Terms, schedule and obligations of all parties.
Handover file
Why it matters: Full handover pack before keys move.
Brand alone is not enough — verify at project level.
Delivery record
Why it matters: Whether prior projects were delivered on schedule.
Project approval
Why it matters: Approval status of this specific project, not the brand in general.
Construction quality
Why it matters: Ongoing site visits and review of materials and finishing.
Payment terms
Why it matters: Schedule, milestones and what happens with delay or default.
Handover history
Why it matters: Actual booking-to-handover time on comparable projects.
Service-charge structure
Why it matters: Forward view of operating costs and association arrangements.
Signs that should pause the deal.
Unclear ownership
Why it matters: Joint owners, siblings, or missing prior deeds.
Recommended action: Do not proceed until a lawyer has traced the full chain.
Inconsistent documents
Why it matters: Plot, mouza, dag — mismatched data points usually mean the file has errors.
Recommended action: Have a surveyor and a lawyer verify on-site and on-record.
Missing approvals
Why it matters: Project or building approval is incomplete.
Recommended action: Request written evidence; if not provided, step back.
Pressure to pay quickly
Why it matters: Urgency itself is a signal in property transactions.
Recommended action: Insist on time for verification — serious sellers accommodate it.
Undocumented promises
Why it matters: Verbal commitments rarely survive into the deed.
Recommended action: Treat anything not in the written agreement as not in the deal.
Vague pricing or fees
Why it matters: Unstructured pricing typically translates into surprise charges later.
Recommended action: Ask for a written breakdown of total cost and all fees.
Requirement to handover — a clear sequence.
- 01
Requirement
Goal, budget, area, timing — clarified up front.
- 02
Shortlist
A short, comparable set rather than scattershot options.
- 03
Document collection
Full file collected — before any payment moves.
- 04
Professional review
Lawyer, surveyor, engineer where the matter calls for it.
- 05
Negotiation
Price, terms and payment schedule — in writing.
- 06
Agreement
All commitments captured on paper, not left to memory.
- 07
Payment discipline
Per schedule, with proof and receipts.
- 08
Handover
Keys plus the full document file in one pack.
- 09
Post-purchase records
Mutation, taxes and utilities transferred into your name.
A short consultation tailors this checklist to your specific situation.
Source note: This guide references publicly available Bangladesh land-service information, planning-related resources, and general market reporting (Ministry of Land, land.gov.bd, ldtax.gov.bd, RAJUK public resources, Banglapedia, REHAB directory, The Daily Star, The Business Standard, Dhaka Tribune, Prothom Alo, Reuters, AP). Requirements, fees and procedures may change. Clients should verify with official authorities and qualified professionals before making decisions.
This page is for general educational guidance only and does not replace legal, tax, engineering, or regulatory advice. Clients should consult qualified professionals before signing, paying, or making property decisions.
Last verified: June 2026