Booking a flat in an under-construction project means committing money long before you get the keys. A short, organised document check protects that money. This guide lists the documents buyers in Maharashtra usually ask for, what each one tells you and when to ask for it.
Before you pay the booking amount
- MahaRERA registration certificate – confirms the project and phase are registered and shows the promoter and declared completion date. See how to check MahaRERA registration.
- Sanctioned building plan and commencement certificate (CC) – issued by the planning authority; check that the building, floors and wing you are buying in are covered.
- Title documents – the 7/12 extract or property card, and a title report or title certificate from an advocate showing who owns the land and any mortgages.
- Development agreement or power of attorney – if the land owner and the developer are different, this shows the developer’s right to build and sell.
- Non-agricultural (NA) permission or equivalent where applicable.
- Cost sheet – a written break-up of the agreement value, taxes, stamp duty, registration and any other charges.
Before you sign the agreement for sale
- Draft agreement for sale – read the carpet area, payment schedule, possession date, specifications, penalty and cancellation clauses. Compare with the MahaRERA record.
- Allotment letter – should identify the exact unit, its carpet area and the price.
- Payment receipts – keep a receipt for every payment, including the booking amount.
- Bank approval – if you take a home loan, the lender’s legal check is a useful second opinion, but it does not replace your own.
At possession
- Occupancy certificate (OC) – issued by the planning authority once the building is complete; ask for it before taking possession.
- Possession letter and a joint inspection of the flat.
- Society formation documents and details of maintenance charges and deposits.
- Warranties and manuals for fittings and equipment.
A simple way to stay organised
| Stage | Ask for | Check against |
|---|---|---|
| Shortlisting | MahaRERA number, cost sheet | MahaRERA website |
| Booking | CC, title report, plans | Unit, wing and floor |
| Agreement | Draft agreement, allotment letter | Carpet area, dates, payments |
| Possession | OC, possession letter | Inspection list |
Common mistakes
- Paying a large booking amount before seeing the agreement draft.
- Relying on brochure areas instead of RERA carpet area – see carpet vs built-up vs saleable area.
- Not keeping receipts and correspondence in one place.
- Skipping a lawyer’s review to save a small fee on a large purchase.
FAQs
Is a bank-approved project automatically safe?
Bank approval means the lender has done its own checks; it is helpful, but you should still review the documents yourself.
Who should review the title?
An advocate experienced in property transactions in the area.
Can I ask for documents before booking?
Yes. A serious developer will share registration details, plans and a cost sheet before you commit.
New to buying? Start with our first-time home buyer guide.
This article is general information, not legal advice.
Looking at homes in Ravet NX? Onkar Greens by Auti Group offers 1, 2 & 3 BHK homes in Ravet NX (Ravet Annex), near Hinjewadi, Pune. Read the Onkar Greens FAQs or book a site visit from the home page.