In real estate, people naturally focus on land, location, design and construction quality. These factors are important, but they are only the beginning of a building’s life.
After more than 25 years in business, I believe a property proves its true quality after possession. The way it is operated and maintained can determine whether it continues to feel valuable—or begins to deteriorate much earlier than it should.
A premium lobby cannot compensate for unreliable lifts. Expensive stone cannot hide seepage. A good address loses part of its advantage when common areas are neglected, fire systems are not tested, water systems fail or complaints remain unresolved.
Maintenance must begin before handover
Good maintenance does not start when something breaks. It begins with proper records, operating manuals, warranties, service contracts, asset lists and a clear transfer of responsibility from the developer to the residents’ or occupants’ association.
India’s Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 recognises this transition. Section 11 makes the promoter responsible for providing and maintaining essential services on reasonable charges until maintenance is taken over by the association of allottees. The Act also requires relevant documents and plans to be transferred as part of the handover process.
In my view, these records are not paperwork to be stored and forgotten. They are the operating memory of the property. Without them, the next team may not know when equipment was installed, how it should be serviced or which warranty remains valid.
Preventive care is less disruptive than emergency repair
Every building contains systems that need regular attention: lifts, pumps, electrical panels, fire equipment, drainage, waterproofing, ventilation and security infrastructure. Waiting for failure usually creates a larger repair, greater inconvenience and sometimes a serious safety risk.
A disciplined maintenance plan should identify each critical asset, its service interval, the responsible person and the record of work completed. Budgets should provide for long-term replacement, not only daily housekeeping and temporary repairs.
The law also creates an important post-possession safeguard. Under Section 14(3) of RERA, specified structural defects and defects in workmanship, quality or services brought to the promoter’s notice within five years of possession must be rectified without charge within thirty days, failing which the affected allottees may be entitled to compensation under the Act. The precise application will depend on the facts, the agreement and the applicable rules, but the principle is clear: responsibility does not necessarily end when the keys are handed over.
Maintenance is also a leadership test
Residents, facility teams, associations and developers all have a role. Complaints should be recorded, responsibilities should be clear and vendors should be measured by performance rather than familiarity. Maintenance funds must be transparent, and essential work should not be postponed merely because it is not visually impressive.
Owners also have responsibilities. Timely payments, respect for common areas and reporting problems before they become larger help the entire property function better.
My personal view is simple: construction creates an asset, but maintenance preserves it. A well-run building protects safety, comfort, reputation and resale confidence. Buyers may initially choose a property for its location and appearance; they often decide whether to stay, recommend it or purchase there again based on how the building performs over time.
The best real estate is not only delivered well. It is cared for well.
This article reflects my personal industry perspective and is not legal or investment advice.
—Tushar Kumar