Don’t Buy Blindly — Top Legal Documents to Check Before Buying a Flat in Maharashtra

Buying your dream home is one of life’s biggest milestones — but it can also turn into a nightmare if legal checks are ignored.Many first-time buyers in Mumbai and Maharashtra get trapped in disputed or unapproved projects, simply because they didn’t verify key property documents.

The good news? You don’t need to be a lawyer to protect yourself.You just need to know which documents to check before making a deal.

Here’s a complete guide from A Tech Developers — simplifying property documentation for safe, confident home buying.

🧾 1. Title Deed (Ownership Document)

The Title Deed is the foundation of property ownership.It proves the developer or seller’s legal right to sell the property.

✅ What to check:

• The name on the title deed must match the seller/developer

• It should be clear and marketable (no disputes or mortgages)

• Get it verified by a property lawyer

📝 Pro Tip: Ask for the Mother Deed or Chain of Documents showing past ownership transfers — this ensures no hidden ownership claims.

🏗️ 2. RERA Registration Certificate

Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), every new project in Maharashtra must be registered with MahaRERA.

✅ Why it matters:

• Protects buyers from fraud or project delays

• Ensures full project disclosure (layout, carpet area, possession date, etc.)

• Allows legal action if the builder fails to deliver

🔍 How to verify:Visit https://maharera.mahaonline.gov.in and search the project name or builder.

If the project isn’t listed — walk away. 🚫

📑 3. Sale Agreement

This is the primary contract between buyer and builder.It outlines the terms of sale, total cost, possession date, payment milestones, and penalties for delays.

✅ Before signing:

• Check that GST, parking, maintenance, and stamp duty are mentioned clearly

• Ensure the carpet area is RERA-defined

• Verify delivery schedule and refund clauses

📝 Pro Tip: Always sign a sale agreement only after project RERA registration.

🏢 4. Commencement Certificate (CC)

Issued by the local municipal authority, the Commencement Certificate allows the builder to start construction legally.

Without this document, the building could be illegal or face demolition orders.

✅ Ask your developer:

• For a copy of the CC up to your floor level

• Ensure it covers the exact wing or building your flat is in

🏗️ 5. Occupancy Certificate (OC)

Once construction is completed, the builder must get an Occupancy Certificate (OC) before handing over possession.

✅ Why it’s important:

• Certifies that the building follows approved plans and is safe for living

• Required for water, electricity, and property tax connections

❌ If you move into a building without OC, you risk penalties or even eviction from local authorities.

📜 6. Encumbrance Certificate (EC)

The Encumbrance Certificate confirms that the property is free from any monetary or legal liability, like loans or court cases.

✅ Where to get it:From the Sub-Registrar’s office in your property’s district.

🧠 Smart Tip: Ask for at least the last 15 years of EC records to ensure a clean title history.

🏡 7. Building Plan Approval

The local municipal corporation or gram panchayat must approve the building plan before construction starts.

✅ Check that:

• The sanctioned plan matches the flat layout shown to you

• No illegal floor extensions or structural changes are made

Illegal structures often lead to demolition notices later — a risk you don’t want to take.

💰 8. Payment Receipts & Loan NOC

Every payment made to the builder must be receipted officially.If the developer took a bank loan to construct the project, ensure there’s a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from that bank before you register.

✅ This guarantees the property isn’t mortgaged without your knowledge.

📋 9. Possession Letter & Allotment Letter

Once the project is ready and payment is complete, the builder issues a Possession Letter and Allotment Letter.

These serve as proof that you legally own the specific flat and can apply for electricity and water connections.

⚖️ 10. Registration & Stamp Duty

Finally, register your flat under the Maharashtra Registration Act to make ownership legally binding.

✅ Pay applicable stamp duty (6–7%) and registration fee (1%)✅ Complete registration at the Sub-Registrar’s Office

Keep the registered sale deed safe — it’s your legal proof of ownership for life.

🏢 A Tech Developers’ Commitment to Legal Transparency

At A Tech Developers, every property we list is fully verified, RERA-approved, and document-checked by our in-house legal team.

We ensure:

• 100% transparency with project papers

• Loan-ready documentation for banks

• Guidance through every step — from booking to registration

No hidden clauses. No missing certificates. Just secure, stress-free buying.

💬 Final Thoughts

Legal awareness isn’t just about avoiding fraud — it’s about protecting your lifetime investment.

Before signing any deal, take time to verify every document.Or simply buy through trusted, transparent partners like A Tech Developers, where legality meets reliability.

📞 Contact A Tech Developers for document-verified, RERA-approved projects in Mumbai, Virar, and Panvel.🌐 Visit www.atechdevelopers.com💬 “Verified Homes. Trusted Builders. Complete Peace of Mind.”