1. Open Parking

Open parking refers to parking spaces located in the open ground area of the apartment complex, without any roof or enclosure.

Key points:

• Usually the most affordable option
• Exposed to sun, rain, and dust
• Often not deeded separately
• Limited security compared to covered parking

Best suited for:
Low-rise apartments and budget housing projects.

2. Covered Parking

Covered parking provides a roofed structure to protect vehicles from weather conditions.

Key points:

• Better protection than open parking
• May be at ground level or within the building
• More secure and durable
• Frequently charged extra by developers

Best suited for:
Mid-range apartment projects and gated communities.

3. Stilt Parking

Stilt parking is created by leaving the ground floor open on pillars, with parking below and apartments starting from the first floor.

Key points:

• Common in urban apartments
• Improves ventilation and natural light
• Keeps parking easily accessible
• Must comply with local building norms

Best suited for:
Standalone apartment buildings in cities.

4. Basement Parking

Basement parking is located below ground level, fully enclosed within the building structure.

Key points:

• Saves surface space for landscaping
• Protected from weather
• Requires proper drainage and ventilation
• Flood-prone areas need extra safety planning

Best suited for:
Premium apartments and land-scarce city locations.

Difference Between Basement Parking and Stilt Parking

5. Podium Parking

Podium parking involves one or more dedicated parking floors forming the base of the building, with residential towers constructed above.

Key points:

• Allows large-scale parking in compact land parcels
• Amenities like parks or pools may be built above the podium
• Separates parking traffic from living areas
• Common in high-rise and luxury projects

Best suited for:
High-rise apartments and mixed-use developments.

6. Mechanical / Automated Parking

Mechanical parking uses automated lifts or stacking systems to park multiple cars in a small area.

Key points:

• Maximizes parking capacity
• Technology-driven and space-efficient
• Slightly higher maintenance cost
• Requires power backup and regular servicing

Best suited for:
Ultra-compact urban projects with limited land.

Visitor Car Parking

Visitor parking is common parking space reserved exclusively for guests, delivery vehicles, and short-term visitors.

Key features:

• Not allotted to any flat owner
• Usually located near entry gates or driveways
• Clearly marked as “Visitor Parking”
• Managed by the association

Visitor parking cannot be sold or permanently occupied by residents.

Independent / Exclusive Parking

Independent (or exclusive) parking means a clearly identified parking slot allotted to a specific apartment, though ownership usually remains common.

Key features:

• Clearly demarcated and numbered parking slots
• Allotted to individual flats
• Reduces disputes among residents
• Improves resale appeal and buyer confidence

Important note: Independent parking does not mean separate land ownership—it means exclusive usage rights.

Multiple Car Parking (More Than One Parking Slot for a Single Apartment)

Multiple car parking refers to a situation where one apartment is allotted more than one car parking slot, either within the same parking area or across different levels such as stilt, basement, or podium.

Key points buyers should understand:

• Multiple parking slots are usually charged additionally by the developer
• The extra slots are commonly usage rights, not separate ownership
• Locations may vary (one in basement, one in stilt, etc.)
• Allocation must be clearly mentioned in the sale agreement
• Availability depends on approved building plans and local norms

Why it matters:
With many households owning more than one car, multiple parking provides daily convenience and flexibility, but buyers must ensure that the allotment is transparent, documented, and compliant with approval norms to avoid future disputes.

What Homebuyers Should Always Verify

Before booking an apartment, buyers should check:

• Type of parking offered
• Whether parking is exclusive or common
• Location of the parking slot
• Parking mention in the sale agreement
• Compliance with approved building plans
• Verify whether additional parking slots are part of common areas and how they are regulated by the association after handover.

Conclusion

Car parking design plays a major role in livability, safety, and long-term value of apartment homes. Knowing the difference between independent parking, visitor parking, and other parking types helps buyers make informed decisions and avoid future conflicts.

1. What is GST on Flat Purchase?

Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an indirect tax levied on the sale of under-construction properties (apartments or flats) across India. GST applies to properties sold before receiving the completion certificate (CC) or occupancy certificate (OC). Properties with completed construction, or those sold after obtaining CC or OC, are exempt from GST.

Important Note:

• GST is not applicable on completed properties (Ready-to-move-in flats with CC/OC).
• GST is applicable only on under-construction properties.

2. GST Rates on Flats in 2025

The GST Council has standardized the GST rates applicable for flat purchases as follows:

Definition of Affordable Housing (as per GST Council):

• Flats priced up to ₹45 lakhs and measuring up to 60 sq.m. (carpet area) in metro cities or 90 sq.m. in non-metro cities qualify as affordable housing.

3. How is GST Calculated on Flat Purchases?

GST on flats is calculated on the total agreement value. This includes the cost of construction, amenities, facilities, and parking charges.

Example of GST Calculation:

• Suppose you’re purchasing an under-construction flat valued at ₹50 lakhs (non-affordable category).
• GST = ₹50,00,000 × 5% = ₹2,50,000
• Therefore, total cost including GST = ₹52,50,000.

4. When is GST Payable?

GST is payable at the time of installment payments made to the developer, in line with the schedule outlined in your construction agreement. It is collected by the developer and deposited with the government.

Points to Remember:

• GST is collected in stages as per the progress of construction.
• GST must be clearly mentioned in the payment receipts issued by the developer.

5. Properties Exempt from GST

• Completed Properties: Flats sold after obtaining a Completion Certificate or Occupancy Certificate are completely exempt from GST.
• Resale Flats: No GST is applicable on resale properties since they are not considered under-construction or new sales.
• Land Transactions: Pure land sales (without construction) are also exempt from GST.

6. Impact of GST on Property Prices

• Transparency: GST has streamlined the property taxation process, enhancing transparency in property transactions.
• Price Impact: Initially, property prices saw marginal variations, but GST has largely stabilized real estate pricing, simplifying property purchases for buyers.

7. Tips for Homebuyers Regarding GST

• Verify Documentation: Always request proper GST invoices or payment receipts from developers for each installment.
• Check GST Registration: Ensure the developer is GST registered and the GST number is mentioned in the agreement and invoices.
• Professional Advice: For comprehensive advice and a thorough legal review of your property documents and agreements, consider Verified.RealEstate’s Due Diligence service.

8. Common Misconceptions about GST on Flats

• GST on Land Component: GST is applicable only on the construction portion. Although land value is part of the overall property price, GST applies to the overall agreement value as per GST council guidelines, adjusted for standard deductions.
• GST after OC: No GST is payable after the Occupancy Certificate or Completion Certificate is received.

9. Key Documents to Check When Paying GST

• Agreement of Sale (mentioning GST clearly)
• Construction Agreement
• GST Registration Certificate of Developer
• Payment Receipts with GST break-up

10. How to Get Clarity on GST Payments?

For clear guidance and to prevent potential disputes, consider utilizing Verified.RealEstate’s expert Legal Opinion service to review your property agreements, GST compliance, and other legal documentation comprehensively.