Real Estate Mumbai

19,000 Mumbai Buildings Without OC: BMC Amnesty Scheme Explained

By GeoSquare News Desk · Published 2026-10-31

Mumbai has a staggering 19,000 buildings operating without an Occupation Certificate (OC), leaving property owners and housing societies in a legal grey zone. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has rolled out an amnesty scheme to regularise these structures, but experts point to low awareness and high compliance costs as major barriers.

Why OC is Crucial

An OC is the final approval from the civic body confirming that a building is fit for occupancy. Without it, owners face hurdles in property transactions, obtaining loans, and even getting basic civic utilities. For buyers, purchasing a flat in a building without an OC can lead to legal complications and financial losses.

BMC Amnesty Scheme: Relief and Challenges

The amnesty scheme allows building owners to obtain OC by paying a reduced penalty and fulfilling certain conditions. However, the process remains cumbersome. Many societies are unaware of the scheme, while others are deterred by the high regularisation fees and the need to rectify structural deficiencies. Real estate experts urge societies to come forward and take advantage of the scheme before it expires.

What Buyers Should Do

Before buying any property in Mumbai, verify that the building has a valid OC. If it does not, check whether the developer or society has applied for regularisation under the amnesty scheme. Investing in a non-OC building may seem cheaper initially, but the long-term risks far outweigh the savings.