A sample flat is a boutique representation of a complete housing unit in an ongoing development. When the trend of sample flats had just begun, most developers would create separate model flats on or around the project location. These would then be shown to the potential buyers as sample flats. However, these flats were built differently than the actual flats and were demolished after all units had been sold out.

But, these days, the concept of a sample flat has changed a little. Developers prefer to complete one flat and show that actual flat as a sample flat. This puts the developer as well as the home-buyer at an advantageous position. The developer has a solid basis to convince the buyer. The buyer, too, can benefit in several ways by visiting the sample flat.

• If a developer has put an actual flat on display as a sample flat, it reflects positively upon his credibility. Visiting a sample flat helps home-buyers retain their confidence in the developer. The human psyche is at play here – on seeing the sample flat a buyer would generally think that if the developer is capable of building this, then he is surely capable of building their house, too.
• While it is true that each buyer has access to the floor plan of the housing unit, these floor plans may not always satisfy the buyers completely. In such cases, sample flats help buyers address their concerns over size, layout, the location of different rooms, etc.
• Sometimes, people find it hard to visualise a house while it is still under construction. Home-buyers can visit sample flats to get a better insight into the space, direction and dimensions of the flat. They can visualise the flat with their own furniture in it, and can decide whether their old furniture would mix well or new would be needed.
• Since sample flats are fully furnished, these give buyers some idea about how the empty flat would look when converted into a home. Visiting a sample flat well in advance can help home-buyers take decisions on designing and furnishing their house. This can further help home-buyers in creating a more inclusive and precise budget for their purchase.