Owning a home is one of the most important and significant investments for anyone. Purchasing a house is not just a financial commitment but also an emotional one, and if done without caution, it can lead to numerous financial and mental troubles.
Despite the various laws and regulations in the real estate sector aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability, unscrupulous actors continue to exploit buyers’ dreams of owning a home. Pre-launch scams, constructions without approvals, and illegal sales are still occurring.
Recently, a builder near Thane, Mumbai was arrested for constructing a project with fake building permits and selling flats. This left buyers in an extremely precarious situation. The incident highlights how vigilant buyers need to be when investing in property.
So, what should anyone know before buying a house? What are the key aspects to check before booking an apartment? Let’s take a closer look at the important points to consider before making such a major purchase.
1. Title deed and ownership records
According to legal experts, the developer must possess a clear and marketable title to the land, conveyed properly in their name. Homebuyers should request proof of this and verify it themselves. It is advisable to visit the local sub-registrar’s office to ensure that the land is free from disputes or litigation. Additionally, buyers should examine other key documents such as property tax receipts and related ownership records to confirm authenticity.
2. Building plan approvals
The project layout and building construction plans must be approved by the respective municipal authorities. Without these approvals, the construction is considered unauthorised or illegal. Hence, homebuyers should cross-check whether the project has received all necessary permissions before proceeding with any purchase.
3. Commencement and completion certificates
For any housing project, the Commencement Certificate (CC) is crucial as it grants official permission to start construction. Once the project is completed, the Completion Certificate confirms that the building has been constructed in accordance with the approved plans and regulations. Additionally, the Occupancy Certificate (OC) is issued to certify that the project is safe and ready for occupation. Homebuyers should ensure that all these certificates are in place before taking possession.
4. RERA Registration
Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), every project must be registered with the respective state’s RERA authority. Without RERA approval, no builder is permitted to advertise, sell, or begin construction of a project. Therefore, buyers must verify the project’s RERA registration number and details on the official RERA website to ensure authenticity and transparency.
5. No Objection Certificates (NOCs)
Each project requires No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from multiple departments — including fire safety, environmental authorities, water supply, and electricity departments, among others. Homebuyers should ask the developer to produce all these NOCs to confirm that the project has obtained all necessary clearances from the concerned authorities.