Homebuyer's Guide: Essential Documents to Verify Before Buying Your Dream Home
The arrest of a Thane real estate developer for selling flats with fake permits underscores the importance of thorough due diligence in property purchases. Here are the key documents homebuyers should check.
Real EstateProperty PurchaseDue DiligenceReraThaneReal Estate MaharashtraSep 03, 2025
According to legal experts, the Thane incident is a stark reminder that due diligence is critical in property purchases. Homebuyers should insist on original approvals, consult legal experts, and use the RERA portal for verification. Below are the five things homebuyers should keep in mind before booking their apartment.
1. Title Deed and Ownership Records
Legal experts emphasize that the developer must have a clear and marketable title to the land in the form of a conveyance. Homebuyers should ask for this and verify it with the local sub-registrar’s office to ensure there are no disputes or encumbrances.
“Homebuyers must verify the ownership title and get legal due diligence done before committing funds,” CA Aditya Zantye, partner at AKORD & CO, said. Documents like the property card, 7/12 extract, property tax receipts, and water connection bills are key documents to review, experts said.
2. Building Plan Approval
Municipal authorities must approve the project’s layout and construction plan. A fake or altered building plan, as seen in the Thane case, can lead to illegal structures. Homebuyers should cross-check the sanctioned plan with the municipal corporation.
3. Commencement and Completion Certificates
The Commencement Certificate (CC) proves that construction has been legally approved to start, while the Completion Certificate (CC) or Occupancy Certificate (OC) confirms that the project has been built as per sanctioned norms and is fit for possession.
4. RERA Registration
Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, every project must be registered with MahaRERA in Maharashtra. Legal experts say homebuyers can verify the project and developer details on the official RERA portal to check for authenticity and compliance, as well as legal and other encumbrances of the project.
5. No-Objection Certificates (NOCs)
A genuine project requires NOCs from multiple departments, including fire safety, environment, water supply, and electricity. Hence, homebuyers must check for these NOCs as missing or forged NOCs can cause future legal and safety issues.
By ensuring these key documents are in order, homebuyers can minimize the risk of falling victim to fraudulent practices and secure their investment in a safe and legally sound property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check in the title deed and ownership records?
You should verify the developer's clear and marketable title to the land, check for any disputes or encumbrances, and review documents like the property card, 7/12 extract, property tax receipts, and water connection bills.
Why is building plan approval important?
Building plan approval from municipal authorities ensures that the project is constructed according to sanctioned norms. A fake or altered plan can lead to illegal structures, which can cause legal issues for homebuyers.
What are Commencement and Completion Certificates, and why do I need them?
The Commencement Certificate (CC) confirms that construction has been legally approved to start, while the Completion Certificate (CC) or Occupancy Certificate (OC) confirms that the project has been built as per sanctioned norms and is fit for possession.
How can I verify RERA registration?
You can verify the project and developer details on the official RERA portal to check for authenticity and compliance, as well as any legal or other encumbrances of the project.
What are No-Objection Certificates (NOCs), and why are they important?
NOCs are required from multiple departments, including fire safety, environment, water supply, and electricity. Missing or forged NOCs can cause future legal and safety issues for homebuyers.
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