Home Buying

Construction Linked Payment Plan: To Aid Home Buyers


10, January 2026

A drive across Bangalore's outskirts and the outer ring roads, you can notice the skylines awash with the grey of cement-plastered, open-shell buildings that stand abandoned for the need for funds or, as some buyers call it, "lack of will." This financial deficiency can delay the execution of the projects and ultimately delay the project delivery.

Construction-linked plans offer a structured and gradual payment schedule, allowing buyers to manage their finances more efficiently without sudden financial strain. These plans offer transparency as payments are directly linked to construction progress. Buyers can track the project's development and ensure that payments are made in line with the completed stages.

People delay the decision to buy property because of the high costs involved. The interest rates on home loans converted to EMIs can be scary; as an alternative to overcome this unpleasant situation, developers have introduced buyers friendly scheme, the "Construction-linked payment plan" under this scheme, home buyers can avail of loans to fulfil their dream of buying a home without placing an immediate high EMI burden.

What is a Construction Linked - Payment Plan?

When you purchase an under-construction property, the entire cost of the property is not paid upfront to the developer. Under the Real Estate Regulatory Act (RERA), the developer can charge as per the completion stage of the construction. RERA mandates that developers must unveil precise information regarding the construction progress and timelines, avoiding confusing or unclear payment plans. This regulation aims to protect buyers from unfair practices, ensuring that the payment plans are transparent, reasonable, and aligned with the actual progress of the construction project. Under the "Construction-Linked Payment Plan", the bank disburses instalments to developers on your behalf as per the agreed construction milestones.

The payment plan is structured so the buyer pays as the construction reaches specific predetermined stages, ensuring funds are disbursed as the property development progresses.

Every time the developer completes a certain slab, the bank releases part of the loan amount. The Construction-Linked Payment plan is designed so that 96% of the entire property value will be disbursed to the developers before the final slab is laid. The remaining 5% of buyers [you] are expected to pay the developer once the buyers get 100% possession of the house. The first EMI will start only after the complete control of the property.

How does a Construction-Linked Payment Plan work?

Under this arrangement, the bank disburses the house loan money as per the project's construction progress. It is crucial to remember that the bank is lending the money to the buyer and not the developer. However, the project is still on paper, yet the banks disburse the money as part payments per the project progression. This arrangement allows the bank to release funds to the developer as the construction progresses, aligning the disbursements with the completion stages of the property.

Benefits of Construction-linked Payment Plans

  • Reduces the risk for buyers and bankers.

  • Timely and Uninterrupted money dispersal for the building project.

  • Low-interest rates for builders.

  • Options to book a property at lower rates for buyers.

How is the money disbursed to developers?

As a common practice, developers expect banks to make slab-wise payments of the overall property cost periodically per the project's progress. Developers raise the demand for payment of tranches as the project's construction crosses certain completion milestones. It's a systematic progression where each completion stage demands the corresponding payment.

While booking, buyers are expected to pay 5%-10% of the transaction value. A similar percentage of the property value is paid within the first three months. The Builder-Buyer agreements also specify that an additional 20% of the transaction will be released as the next payment within six months.

This implies within 12 months of booking, the developer is paid up to 40% of the house cost from the bank on your [borrower's] behalf.

Barring 5% of the property cost is disbursed only when the bare shall structure of the building is completed. The remaining 5% is paid to the developers immediately when the buyer receives the possession.

This detailed payment plan ensures that developers get money as the project progresses, protecting buyers and organizing construction funds.

Difference Between "Subvention-Schemes" and "Construction-Linked Payment Plans" :

A massive bundle of doubts persist concerning Construction-Linked Payment Plans. Fundamentally, buyers must be aware that this loan scheme is not akin to the subvention schemes; in this scheme, the buyers pay EMI only when they possess their property. In Construction-Linked Payment Plans, the EMI starts immediately after the bank disburses a certain portion of the property value to the builder. The EMI continues to increase with the increasing disbursement of loans from the bank to the developers.

What is a Subvention-Scheme?

Developers introduced a "Subvention-Scheme" to increase property sales. In this scheme, buyers don't have to make payments until they get their house keys. An impressive plan attracted many buyers, increasing sales. This scheme was quite promising as it appeared to be; it had inherent issues.

I was considering that there was no respite to buyers from the money despite project delays.

Eventually, there was a ban on the Subvention Scheme in 2019 after the National Housing Bank's verdict to housing finance companies to stop offering loans under this scheme.

Due to the ban in the Subvention Scheme, sales volume declined, especially in the under-constructed properties, despite many repeated appeals from developers to elevator the ban, Leading to many failed attempts. However, it was a welcome move, with serious side effects, further drying up funds for project completion.

"The ban has also impacted home buyers, who were unwilling and were unable to bare the burden of paying both rent, and EMI during the construction of the house they have booked", - Says a house buyer after the ban was imposed in July 2019.

Nevertheless, the ban did come retrospectively, implying that buyers who had purchased houses under this scheme will continue to serve their payment concerning the terms and conditions in the builders-buyers agreement.

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Sample of Construction Linked Payment Plan in builder-buyer agreements:

Construction Linked Payment Plan calculator, Let us assume that the value of the property is 30 lakhs

Payment -Particulars (100%)

Number of Months

Amount to be Paid

Total Payment

10% as Booking Payment

0 INR: 3lakhs INR: 3lakhs

20% within the next 45 days of booking

1.5 months

INR: 6 lakhs

INR: 9lakhs

10% on completion of plinth/foundation

NA

INR: 3lakhs INR: 12lakhs

10% on casting the first-floor slab

NA

INR: 3lakhs INR: 15lakhs

10% on casting the second-floor slab

NA

INR: 3lakhs INR: 18lakhs

10% on casting the third-floor slab

NA

INR: 3lakhs INR: 21lakhs

10% on casting the fourth-floor slab

NA

INR: 3lakhs INR: 24lakhs

15% on the casting of the final floor slab

NA

INR: 4.5lakhs INR: 28.5lakhs

5% on the property possession

NA

INR: 1.5lakhs INR: 30lakhs

Disadvantages of Construction-Linked Payment Plan:

Although the Construction-Linked Payment plan appears as a win-win to all the parties involved in the transaction, the past instances have underlined its lacunae. While collaborating with developers, banks many-a-times disburse most of the loan [cost of the house] immediately after the completion of the basic structure, within one or two years of the launch of the project, and it gives developers access to cash. Since payments are linked to construction milestones, buyers might incur additional costs if the project faces delays due to extended loan tenures and associated interest rates. However, in previous cases, many examples show how they fail to use this money to complete the project.

Why is it important for buyers to avail of Construction-Linked Payment plans?

Every builder-buyer agreement is unique and is coined with its own special set of terms and conditions that each party engaged in the contract has to honour. Although instances of the agreements being completely favourable to the developers have reduced since the introduction of the real estate law, buyers must read the fine print of the document carefully.

Various plans are being sold to buyers under the same name, and it is highly recommended to consult professional financial advisers or property advocates before they sign up for such schemes.

Ensure the agreement specifies the scheme's payment terms if the project is delayed unexpectedly. If the buyer needs to be more careful enough, they may end up paying EMI, even if the project is delayed inordinately.

When considering a property that follows a construction-linked payment plan, it's essential to carefully evaluate several factors to protect your investment.

Developer's Reputation

When opting for a construction-linked payment plan, a developer's reputation is crucial. A well-regarded developer with a track record of completing projects on schedule and within budget is more likely to keep their promises.

Conduct extensive research about the developer's past. Examine their previous projects, completion dates, and any feedback or testimonials from former customers. This will provide significant information about their capabilities, dependability, and devotion to quality.

Additionally, evaluate the developer's financial soundness. A financially secure developer is better prepared to deal with potential obstacles and ensure the project's completion. Examine their bank statements, credit ratings, and any present legal conflicts.

Project Timeline

Understanding the projected construction duration is critical when investing in a property using a construction-linked payment plan. The developer should offer a clear and precise calendar indicating the estimated completion dates for each step of construction, including foundation work, structural framing, roofing, and finishing. This timeline lets you monitor the project's progress and anticipate any delays.

It is essential to verify that the payment plan is consistent with the building timeline. This means that payments should be delivered in stages based on the accomplishment of particular milestones. For example, you may be expected to pay a portion of the total cost upon completion of the foundation, another at the completion of the structural frame, etc. This strategy helps to reduce the risk of paying for unfinished work.

Legal Documentation

When choosing a construction-linked payment plan, legal documentation is the foundation of your investment. Examine every detail of the sale agreement, payment schedule, and any accompanying contracts. These documents describe your rights, obligations, and the terms of the transaction.

Ensure that the agreement properly describes the project's timeline, payment schedule, penalty provisions, and dispute resolution procedures. Understand the particular terms under which the developer is required to deliver the property, as well as the implications of any delays or nonperformance.

RERA Registration

When considering a property investment, especially one with a construction-linked payment plan, RERA registration is critical. The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) is a government entity intended to protect homebuyers' interests and maintain openness in the real estate sector.

RERA registration is more than just a formality; it demonstrates a developer's commitment to following a set of norms and standards. By registering with RERA, developers agree to reveal project specifics such as the projected completion date, project plan, and payment schedules. This transparency allows homebuyers to make more informed selections and avoid potential pitfalls.

Risk Mitigation

Prevention of risk is an important part of investing in a construction-linked payment plan. Construction delays, economic downturns, and changes in government policy can have a substantial impact on the project's timing, cost, and total value.

Construction delays can occur for a variety of reasons, including labor shortages, material supply concerns, or unexpected challenges. These delays might result in greater prices, longer payment terms, and modifications to project plans. Economic downturns have an impact on property prices, rental yields, and general demand for real estate. A downturn in the economy may lead to lower property values and problems selling or renting the home. Changes in government policies, such as zoning rules, tax incentives, or infrastructure development plans, can all have an impact on the project's feasibility and value. It is important to thoroughly assess these risks and determine how they may impact your investment.

Also Read: Risks in Real Estate Investments

FAQs,

Q. What is a Construction-Linked Payment Plan?

A. Constract-Linked Payment Plan is a scheme in which buyers, developers and Financial Institutes come to terms to turn the project into a profitable venture.

Q. What are the advantages of Construction-Linked Payment Plans?

A. Lowering risks for banks, Uninterrupted and timely financial disbursal for the developers, and Lower load interest rates for buyers.

Q. What is Subvention Scheme?

A. Subvention Scheme, introduced by the developers to help buyers easily manage their EMI. In this scheme, the buyers must start paying the house loans only after they receive the house keys from the developer.

Q. Who pays the interest during construction?

While the full home loan EMI begins once you acquire possession under a CLPP, you are still liable for some interest throughout construction. This is usually handled using pre-EMI (pre-Equated Monthly Installment) payments. These pre-EMIs are smaller than the full EMI, which helps to minimize the financial load throughout the construction phase.

Q. What are the typical milestones for payment releases?

The release of the money you paid is contingent on certain construction milestones. Common milestones include the foundation, plinth (the base that elevates the structure from the ground), and framing (the building's skeleton). You may also receive stage-by-stage payments for each finished floor, ensuring that your funds coincide with the building's growth.

Q. What documents do I need for a CLPP?

To apply for a CLPP (Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme), you will normally require a selling agreement, construction schedule, and evidence of income. While these documents are typical, the particular criteria may differ based on the bank or financial institution and developer involved in the scheme.

Q. Is a CLPP always the best choice?

CLPPs aren't one-size-fits-all solutions. Assess your financial status, risk tolerance, and project timeframe. If you have a sizable cash cushion and seek speedy ownership, a CLPP may not be essential. However, if managing upfront expenditures is an issue and peace of mind with progress-linked payments is important, a CLPP may be a good option.

Q. What are the alternatives to CLPPs?

Traditional home loan alternatives to CLPPs include payments made upfront or staged according to a predetermined building plan, regardless of how far the development has progressed.

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