Quick answer: A lender usually needs a registered agreement of sale (or builder-buyer agreement) for an under-construction flat and a registered sale deed for resale. A plain-paper, unregistered agreement is generally not enough. Confirm with your lender before paying any advance.
By Vijay Arjun V (B.Pharm, PGDM), authorised LIC HFL DSA since 2002 and DME (Direct Marketing Executive) appointed by LIC HFL. Written on 8 November 2026. General guidance from lender practice; LIC HFL’s credit and legal teams decide each file.
Agreement of sale, builder-buyer agreement and sale deed
| Document | What it is | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Agreement of sale / builder-buyer agreement | Contract to buy, with price and payment terms | Under-construction purchases |
| Sale deed | Registered transfer of ownership | Resale and ready flats |
| Plain-paper or unregistered agreement | Private understanding only | Generally not enough for a loan |
For an under-construction flat, lenders usually need the registered agreement of sale signed with the builder, and for resale they disburse against the sale deed registration. Exact requirements depend on the lender and the property, so confirm with us before paying any advance.
What to check before you sign
- Registration: is the agreement registered, not only notarised?
- The builder’s approvals and RERA registration.
- Title chain: see link documents for a resale flat.
- Payment schedule matches the construction stage. See tripartite agreement.
Related reading: tripartite agreement · resale home loan · property documents · RERA check · home loan in Hyderabad
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a loan on an unregistered agreement?
Generally no. Ask before paying an advance.
Is an agreement of sale the same as a sale deed?
No. The deed transfers ownership; the agreement is a contract to buy.
Does LIC HFL accept a notarised agreement?
Confirm with its legal team; registration is the safer assumption.
What is the builder-buyer agreement?
The contract signed with the builder for an under-construction flat.
Sources: LIC HFL scheme and rate pages at lichousing.com; LIC HFL rate card dated 31 October 2026 where rates are mentioned; RBI and FEMA rules as noted. Checked 8 November 2026. Final decisions are made by LIC HFL’s credit and legal teams.
Hyderabad Home Loans is run by Elite Financial Services, an authorised Direct Selling Agent (DSA) of LIC Housing Finance Ltd. We process the loan login, documentation, and file presentation and structuring according to the most suitable scheme. We are appointed by LIC HFL, but the final decision lies with the credit appraisal team of LIC HFL.