During the time of possession of the property, you will need to have several key documents to ensure the authenticity of the property you are purchasing. Here is an approved documents list covering all the legal documents and clearances you need to check or have while buying a property. For a broader overview of the process, see our complete buyers guide.
Your Approved Documents List at a Glance
- Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) Certificate
- Land Documents
- Approved Location Plan
- Approved Site Layout Plan
- Building/Structure Plan
- Structural Stability Certificate
- Environment Clearance (EC)
- Other Necessary Clearance Certificates
- Consent to Establish (CTE) Certificate
- Consent to Operate (CTO) Certificate
- Occupancy Certificate
Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) Certificate
Every real estate developer must register with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority in their respective state. Every developer and project receives a unique registration number and certificate upon registration. You must verify the RERA certificate or RERA registration number and obtain a hard or digital copy of it. You can independently verify any project’s registration on the official UP RERA portal.
Land Documents
It is important for buyers to make sure that the project developer has the right land documents which state that they are the legal owners and there is no litigation or court case pending on the possessed land. These documents include Land Allotment Letter from the local authority, Sale deed (If applicable), Possession certificate from the local authority, etc.
Approved Location Plan
The local development authority approves this key document, which legally confirms the property’s correct location in the area. Because the local authority stamps and approves it, the document serves as authentic proof of the project’s location.
Approved Site Layout Plan
This document, commonly called a site plan, includes a diagram of the entire project site. It marks key features such as building locations, road positions, green areas, and parking spaces, plus other structures from existing or proposed project sites.
Buyers should keep in mind that the layout of a building or project has been approved by the city or state’s land authority. The approval for layout must be issued by the local development authority like the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (NOIDA), Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), or Director Town and Country Planning (DTCP).
Building/Structure Plan
The appropriate authority must also approve the structure plan of proposed or constructed buildings, per the Development control rules and regulations.
Structural Stability Certificate
Projects need to be developed in adherence to certain structural safety guidelines to withstand disasters or damages. The structural stability certificate ensures this by certifying that the planned buildings are structurally safe.
Environment Clearance (EC)
This is perhaps the most important clearance. Every project developer must obtain it from either the state environment authority or the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), depending on the project’s size and category under the EIA Notification 2006. Obtaining this clearance is mandatory as stated by the MoEFCC before even starting the construction of the project.
Other Necessary Clearance Certificates
These include key certificates and approvals the builder receives, which legally allow operation of the properties to begin. Once EC is obtained, the project owner must obtain several consents (No Objection Certificates) from the respective state pollution control board (SPCB) to continue the development of the project. Furthermore, the builder requires clearance for the drainage, fire, water supply, sewage, traffic, archaeological survey, etc.
Consent to Establish (CTE) Certificate
As the name clearly suggests. the builder receives this certificate from the respective state pollution control board (SPCB) under the provisions of The Water Act – 1972 and The Air Act – 1981, after obtaining the necessary licenses and sanctions for the project map and laying the groundwork for the boundaries and superstructure Simply put, the certificate authorizes the builder to begin work on the project.
Consent to Operate (CTO) Certificate
The builder needs to obtain this certificate from the respective state pollution control board (SPCB) under the provisions of The Water Act – 1972 and The Air Act – 1981, after the construction work at the project is complete. This is a required document that certifies that the construction project was completed in accordance with the state’s safety standards and building codes, and the Government Buildings Act, 1899.
Occupancy Certificate
This Occupancy Certificate is the last item on the approved documents list. The municipal corporation issues this final legal document after the CTO certificate. It confirms your building complies with all state norms and is fit for occupancy. If you’re financing your purchase, check our home loan documentation requirements as well.
