🏠 “Before You Buy: 7 Legal Checks Every Homebuyer Must Do in Mumbai”

Buying a home in Mumbai is a dream for millions — but for many, that dream turns into a legal nightmare when important checks are missed before signing the deal. Whether you’re investing in a new flat or a resale apartment, legal due diligence ensures your money and peace of mind are safe. Here’s a complete checklist every Mumbai homebuyer should follow before making the biggest investment of their life.

1. Check RERA Registration

The first and most important step is to verify if the project is registered under Maharashtra RERA (MahaRERA). Every builder or developer in Mumbai must list their project with MahaRERA, providing details like carpet area, possession date, and approvals.👉 How to check: Visit https://maharera.mahaonline.gov.in and enter the project name or builder name.If the project isn’t registered, that’s a red flag — walk away immediately.

2. Verify the Title Deed

The title deed proves the builder or seller is the rightful owner of the property. Ensure the title is clear, marketable, and free from disputes. In Mumbai, it’s wise to ask for an Encumbrance Certificate from the sub-registrar’s office to confirm no legal dues or pending loans exist on the property.

3. Confirm Building Approvals

Before you invest in any property, check if the project has all mandatory approvals — such as Commencement Certificate (CC), Building Plan Approval, and Environment Clearance.Without these, the structure may be illegal or subject to demolition in the future.Ask your builder or channel partner to show the documents physically or via email —

don’t rely only on verbal promises.

4. Obtain the Occupancy Certificate (OC)

If you’re buying a ready-to-move-in flat, always ensure the builder has received an Occupancy Certificate (OC) from the local municipal authority. The OC confirms that the building is ready for use and complies with all safety norms.❌ No OC = No legal possession, and you may even face trouble getting electricity or water connections

.

5. Cross-Check Society or Land Ownership

In Mumbai, many projects are built on leasehold land or society redevelopment plots. Always check if the builder has legal rights to construct on that land and if the society has given proper NOC (No Objection Certificate). Ignoring this can lead to years of legal trouble later.

6. Verify Property Tax and Utility Bills

For resale flats, ask for latest property tax receipts, water, and electricity bills to ensure there are no pending dues. If unpaid, these dues may transfer to you once the sale is completed.Always ensure the property is registered under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) records.

7. Consult a Property Lawyer

Even if all documents look fine, consulting a real estate lawyer is always a wise move. A small investment in legal fees can save you from fraud, fake documents, or disputed land cases. Choose a lawyer familiar with Mumbai’s real estate regulations and RERA laws.

Real-Life Story: A Buyer’s Costly Lesson

A buyer from Kandivali booked a flat in a pre-launch project that wasn’t RERA registered. After two years, the builder disappeared, and buyers couldn’t file a RERA complaint due to the missing registration.👉 Lesson: Never invest in an unregistered project — no matter how attractive the offer looks.

Final Thoughts

Buying property in Mumbai isn’t just about location or price — it’s about legal safety. Always follow this 7-step checklist before signing your agreement or paying the token amount.

At A Tech Developers, we help buyers make safe and informed property decisions with verified listings, transparent builder tie-ups, and expert legal guidance.

📞 Contact us today at 7517561121

] or visit atechdevelopers.com to verify your dream home before you buy it!