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Home / Legal / Due Diligence / I have paid the booking amount for an under-construction flat, but the builder has slightly changed the floor plan. Can I ask for a refund because of this change?
Q.

I have paid the booking amount for an under-construction flat, but the builder has slightly changed the floor plan. Can I ask for a refund because of this change?

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Scrutiny of Property Documents
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Summary
Yes, you can request a refund if a builder changes your flat’s floor plan after booking. Major changes, such as reducing carpet area, removing rooms, shifting walls, or rearranging the layout, require your written consent under Section 14 of RERA. Minor internal changes generally do not qualify for a refund on their own.
0 2026-08-13T20:38:45+00:00
Yes, you can request a refund if a builder changes your flat's floor plan after booking. Section 14 of RERA requires your consent for major changes to your unit's layout or structure. If changes are made without your approval, you may be able to withdraw from the project and receive a refund. However, first determine how many changes are made to your floor plan.

Is Every Floor Plan Change Refund-Eligible Under RERA?

  • Major (structural) changes
Major or structural modifications include reducing carpet area, eliminating or combining rooms, shifting walls, changing access points, or rearranging the flat plan, such as converting a 3BHK to a 2BHK. According to RERA, these modifications require your written consent in the agreement. A generic clause signed during the booking that allows the builder to make changes does not replace your individual consent.
  • Minor changes
These are internal tweaks, such as repositioning a switchboard or slightly adjusting a partition, that do not significantly change the approved layout. These alterations are normally not eligible for a refund on their own, but builders should notify buyers about them.

How to Recover Booking Amount from Builder?

  • Gather the original booking form, brochure, and updated layout. Save emails or texts in which the builder acknowledges a change.
  • Send a legal notice requesting a full refund. Specifically mention the layout change and Section 14 of the RERA.
  • Following an authorised cancellation request, RERA normally requires the builder to process the refund, including interest, within 45 days.
  • If the builder refuses or delays, you can file a complaint on your state's RERA portal. Use Karnataka RERA to find properties in Bengaluru.
  • If RERA fails to resolve the matter, you may seek additional compensation by contacting a consumer forum.
Apart from all this, do not depend just on forfeiture clauses. A builder may be unable to retain your booking amount just because the booking form contains a forfeiture clause, as RERA normally protects homeowners. I suggest you contact a property lawyer. Consult a NoBroker Property Lawyer to Review Your Specific Floor Plan Change.

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How do I independently verify a property's title before buying instead of just trusting the seller's lawyer?
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