Quick answer: The “starting price” or base price/sqft quoted in a brochure typically excludes floor rise charges, preferential location charges (PLC), car parking, clubhouse membership, statutory charges, GST, and registration costs. The true, all-in price per sqft for a specific unit can run meaningfully higher than the advertised base figure. Always ask for a complete cost sheet before comparing “price per sqft” across projects.
Whitefield’s price/sqft figures are quoted constantly in market reports and brochures — but rarely on a like-for-like basis. Two projects quoting the same base rate can have very different true costs once the full add-on structure is factored in. Here’s every line item that typically sits between the advertised number and what you actually pay.
The Base Rate Is Only the Starting Point
The advertised “starting price” or base price/sqft is almost always calculated on the smallest available unit, on a standard (often lower or mid) floor, with no preferential facing — not the unit and floor you’ll likely actually consider. Treat this figure as a floor, not
an estimate of your real cost.
The Add-On Charges to Ask About
Floor Rise Charges
Higher floors typically carry a per-sq-ft premium, increasing incrementally with each floor band. Ask for the specific floor-rise slab structure — this can add a meaningful percentage to the base rate on higher floors.
Preferential Location Charges (PLC)
Units with a specific view (lake-facing, garden-facing, corner unit) typically carry a PLC premium over an identical unit without that feature. Ask for the exact PLC amount for the specific facing you want, not a generic range.
Car Parking
Covered/reserved car parking is frequently sold separately, especially for a second parking slot. Confirm whether one or two parking slots are included in the base price or charged additionally.
Clubhouse and Amenity Membership
Some projects bundle clubhouse access into the base price; others charge a separate one time or annual membership fee. Ask specifically which model applies.
Statutory and Infrastructure Charges
These can include charges for electricity connection, water connection, infrastructure development, and legal/documentation charges — often listed as a lump sum separate from the base price.
GST
Under-construction properties attract GST on the base value (with input tax credit treatment varying by project structure); ready-to-move properties with an Occupancy Certificate generally do not. This is a significant difference and should be factored into any cross-comparison between under-construction and ready-to-move options.
Registration and Stamp Duty
Stamp duty and registration charges in Karnataka are calculated on the higher of the guidance value or the actual transaction value, and are a mandatory cost on top of the property price itself. See our stamp duty guide for the current applicable rates.
Maintenance Deposit
Most projects collect an advance maintenance deposit at possession, covering a set number of months or years upfront — this is a real cash outflow at possession that’s rarely included in the headline price/sqft figure.
How to Build a True Cost Comparison
Ask every project you’re evaluating for a complete cost sheet covering:
| Line Item | Included in Base Price? |
| Base price (specific unit/floor) | – |
| Floor rise charges Ask specifically | Ask specifically |
| PLC (if applicable) | Ask specifically |
| Car parking (1st slot) | Ask specifically |
| Car parking (2nd slot, if needed) | Usually separate |
| Clubhouse membership | Ask specifically |
| Statutory/infrastructure charges | Usually separate |
| GST (if under-construction) | Usually separate |
| Registration + stamp duty | Always separate |
| Maintenance deposit at possession | Always separate |
Once you have this full breakup for each project you’re comparing, divide the total all-in cost by the actual carpet area (not super built-up area) — this gives you the single most comparable, apples-to-apples figure across different projects, developers, and marketing structures.
Why Carpet Area Matters More Than Super Built-Up Area Here
Super built-up area includes a loading factor for common areas (lobbies, staircases, shared walls) that varies significantly between projects — a project with a higher loading factor can
advertise a lower “price per sqft” on paper while delivering less actual usable space than a project with a tighter loading factor and a nominally higher rate. Always ask for the carpet area and loading factor percentage specifically, and calculate your own carpet-area price/sqft for a genuine comparison.
At Tru Aquapolis, full pricing details including floor rise, PLC, and the complete cost structure are shared directly with verified prospective buyers — reach out for the current price sheet rather than relying on any third-party aggregator estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q Why do two projects quoting the same “starting price” sometimes cost very differently in reality?
A: Because add-on charges — floor rise, PLC, parking, clubhouse
fees, statutory charges, and GST treatment — vary significantly between projects and are rarely included in the headline base price. Always request a full cost sheet before comparing.
Q: Does GST apply to all new launch purchases in Whitefield?
A: GST generally applies to under-construction properties. Ready-to-move properties with an Occupancy Certificate already issued are typically not subject to GST on the sale.
Q: Should I compare price per sqft on carpet area or super built-up area?
A: Carpet area, wherever possible. Loading factors (the difference between super built-up and carpet area) vary between projects, so comparing super built-up price/sqft alone can be misleading.