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15 Must Know Criteria for Purchasing Agricultural Plot in Maharashtra6 Things to look for while buying agricultural land in Maharashtra
Investing in agricultural land in Maharashtra can be a lucrative venture, but it also involves certain complexities and legal considerations. You must be well-informed and diligent to ensure a successful purchase and minimize potential issues. This article will explore six critical factors you should thoroughly assess before buying agricultural land in Maharashtra.
Understanding the Risk of Disputed Land
Purchasing disputed land can lead to lengthy legal battles and financial losses. Before finalizing any deal, conduct a thorough title search and consult legal experts to ensure the land is free from disputes or litigation. Protect yourself from potential headaches by choosing land with a clear and undisputed ownership history.
Know the Different Laws for Buying Agricultural Land in India
India has diverse regulations regarding the purchase of agricultural land, with specific nuances varying from state to state. In Maharashtra and Karnataka, only registered farmers are allowed to buy agricultural land. Non-compliance with this rule can result in severe consequences, including forfeiture of the land. Familiarize yourself with the local laws and eligibility criteria to make a well-informed decision.
Verify the Land's Marketable Title
When buying agricultural land, remember that you are not purchasing it for residential purposes. Marketable title ensures the seller has undisputed ownership rights and can legally transfer the property.
Understand the Conversion Process for Residential Use
If you plan to use agricultural land for residential purposes, be prepared for additional procedures. The conversion process involves obtaining relevant permissions and adhering to specific guidelines set by local authorities. Present a well-structured proposal and state your reasons for the change to expedite the process.
Obtain NOC from the Township to Avoid Legal Trouble
Before making any changes or utilizing agricultural land for different purposes, you must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the township. This certificate ensures that your plans are in accordance with local zoning regulations and that the authorities have no objections to your intended use of the land.
Use Agricultural Property for Agricultural Purposes to avoid legal hassles
The process of converting agricultural land can be time-consuming and filled with bureaucratic hurdles. Verify the seller's credibility and the land's records to minimize potential risks and ensure a smooth transition.
FAQs
- Can I buy agricultural land in Maharashtra for non-agricultural purposes?
No, Maharashtra's laws stipulate that only registered farmers can purchase agricultural land for agricultural purposes. Using the land for non-agricultural purposes can lead to serious consequences, including losing the land.
- How can I verify the marketable title of the land I wish to buy?
To verify the marketable title, engage the services of a title agency or a legal expert who can conduct a thorough title search. Additionally, consider obtaining title insurance for added protection.
- What is the importance of obtaining a NOC from the township?
Obtaining a NOC is crucial as it confirms that your proposed land use complies with local zoning regulations and has no objections from the authorities.
- Can I convert agricultural land to residential use in Maharashtra?
Yes, converting agricultural land to residential use in Maharashtra is possible, but the process involves obtaining the necessary permissions and presenting a compelling proposal.
- What are the potential risks of purchasing disputed land?
Buying disputed land can lead to prolonged legal battles and financial losses.
- Why should I use agricultural land for its intended purpose?
Using agricultural land for its original purpose reduces complexities and unwanted risks associated with the conversion process. Verifying the seller's credentials and the land records is advisable to ensure a smooth transaction.
Purchasing agricultural land in Maharashtra can be rewarding, but it requires careful consideration and adherence to legal regulations. You can secure a successful acquisition by avoiding disputed land, understanding state laws, verifying marketable titles, and complying with the conversion process. Remember to obtain NOCs when necessary and use the land for its intended purpose to reduce potential hassles. By partnering with Genuine Plots, you can avoid the pitfalls of buying disputed land, navigate state laws' complexities, and confidently verify marketable titles
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What is Bhunaksha in MaharashtraGodrej Properties Achieves Record ₹1,000+ Crore Sales at Evora Estate Launch in Panipat
Godrej Properties has set a remarkable benchmark in North India’s real estate market with the launch of Evora Estate, its first plotted development in Panipat, Haryana. The project has achieved record-breaking sales exceeding ₹1,000 crore, making it one of the most successful plotted development launches in the company’s history.
This milestone signals a strong demand surge for premium plotted communities in emerging real estate corridors and highlights Godrej Properties’ growing influence in North India.
Historic Launch for Godrej Properties
Launched in December 2025, Evora Estate has received an overwhelming response from buyers, with more than 600 plots already sold. The project covers an area of about 43 acres and has almost 8 lakh sq. ft. of saleable area in well-designed residential plots.
This performance is a testament to the growing demand for luxury plotted living, where buyers have the flexibility to design their living spaces as per the planned layout.
Why Evora Estate Received Massive Demand
Several outstanding factors have contributed to the project’s remarkable sales performance:
- Location Advantage
Evora Estate is situated in Sector 40, Panipat, with easy connectivity to NH-44A. The location provides outstanding connectivity to prominent urban and industrial centers, making it a sought-after destination for both homebuyers and investors.
- Luxury Plotted Community
The project is spread over lush and well-designed landscapes, combining modern infrastructure with a Mediterranean design theme. It is conceptualized as a luxury plotted township with:
Internal roads of wide dimensions
Green open spaces
Lifestyle amenities
Gated community security
Vastu-friendly plot orientation
This amalgamation satisfies the demand for luxury, self-designed living spaces.
- Strong Brand Trust
Panipat: A Rising Real Estate Hotspot
Panipat’s rapid development in infrastructure, industrial expansion, and increasing urbanisation has positioned it as a fast-emerging real estate hub.
Key growth drivers include:
Strategic location between Delhi and Chandigarh
Boost in industrial and logistics activity
Improved regional connectivity
Rising demand for organized residential developments
This environment has created a favourable setting for large-scale plotted developments like Evora Estate.
Company’s Growing Focus on Plotted Developments
Evora Estate marks Godrej Properties’ first project in Panipat and adds to its portfolio of successful plotted communities across North India. Plotted townships have become a key growth segment, driven by:
Rising interest in land ownership
Flexibility in home design and construction
Higher appreciation potential
The record-breaking performance in Panipat reinforces the company’s strategy to expand in high-demand markets.
What This Means for Investors
With Panipat transforming into a future-ready residential and industrial hub, the success of Evora Estate signals strong investor confidence. Plotted developments in well-connected locations offer:
Strong long-term capital appreciation
High rental and commercial potential in the future
Better liquidity due to branded development
Given the response, similar upcoming projects in the region are likely to witness strong traction.
Conclusion
The achievement of Evora Estate is more than a sales milestone – it is a testament to the ever-unfolding change in the real estate demands of North India. Godrej Properties’ foray into Panipat not only marks a significant shift in the residential sector of Panipat but also marks the beginning of a new era of large-scale plotted developments in emerging markets.
With the demand for premium, flexible, and modern living spaces on the rise, Evora Estate and other such developments are set to play a pivotal role in defining the next era of urbanization in North India.
The Rise of Plot Scams in Pune: How They Operate & How Buyers Can Stay Safe
Pune’s real estate landscape has grown rapidly over the past decade. Expanding IT hubs, growing infrastructure, and rising demand for second homes have made the city a magnet for investors. But alongside this growth, Pune has also witnessed an alarming increase in land-related fraud. These scams have become sophisticated, well-planned, and often involve networks of agents, document forgers, and impersonators.
Areas such as Mulshi, Wagholi, Baner, Tathawade, and Mohammadwadi have seen some of the biggest fraud cases in recent years. Understanding how these scams work is essential for anyone planning to invest in land around Pune.
- Forged Documents & Impersonation Scams
One of the most common forms of land fraud in Pune involves forged ownership records. Fraudsters prepare fake 7/12 extracts, falsified sale deeds, or bogus power of attorney papers. In many cases, they impersonate real landowners at registration offices using forged identity documents.
How This Scam Works
Scammers identify valuable land belonging to someone who lives outside Pune or abroad.
They recreate the owner’s documents using high-quality forgeries.
They use fake Aadhaar/PAN cards to pose as the owner.
The land is sold to an unsuspecting buyer at a seemingly legitimate rate.
These scams often go unnoticed until the real owner or vigilant neighbors discover that a fraudulent sale has taken place.
- Illegal Sale of Government or Restricted Land
Many plots in Pune are legally restricted — including government land, grazing land (gairan), forest-affected land, and land reserved for public projects. Fraudsters take advantage of complex land records and outdated documents to present such land as privately owned.
Typical Pattern
Scammers obtain older records where ownership details are unclear.
They manipulate or recreate entries to show private ownership.
They then sell the land cheaply, claiming fast appreciation.
Buyers later discover that the land cannot be transferred, developed, or registered, resulting in total financial loss.
- Misleading “Social Media Offers” for Farmhouse Plots
The rise of social media advertising has made it easy for fraudsters to attract buyers with glossy reels and unrealistically low prices. This trend is especially common in scenic areas like Mulshi and Velhe.
Typical Tactics
Extremely low per-guntha pricing to create urgency.
Attractive photos and drone shots of entirely different plots.
Charging booking amounts or “site visit fees” in advance.
Showing land that is either disputed, inaccessible, or not legally saleable.
Many buyers fall into the trap because of fear of missing out and attractive payment plans.
- Fraudulent “Pre-Launch” Plotting Projects
Several scamsters present large plotting layouts as “pre-launch opportunities” with promises of steep returns. These projects often lack basic approvals such as NA conversion, layout sanction, and RERA registration.
Red Flags
Heavy discounts for early bookings.
No RERA number displayed or ambiguity about approvals.
Vague timelines and incomplete paperwork.
Pressure to pay immediately to avail “pre-launch pricing.”
Such projects frequently stall, never begin, or get tangled in legal disputes.
- Multi-Sale of the Same Plot
This is a classic and still widespread scam in Pune. Fraudsters show the same plot to multiple buyers, take partial payments from all of them, and then disappear.
How This Scam Plays Out
A genuine-looking plot is shown.
Documents appear legit, often forged.
Booking amounts or part payments are collected from several buyers.
The scammer vanishes or the plot is later found to be disputed.
Victims often discover each other only when they try to register the property.
- Fraud Around Agricultural & NA Conversion Claims
Buyers looking for second homes or investment in green zones often get misled by promises of immediate NA (non-agriculture) conversion.
The Trap
Agricultural land is sold with the claim that NA conversion is “already applied for.”
Buyers are told they can start construction immediately.
Months or years later, buyers realise that NA conversion was never processed.
The land remains agricultural and cannot be used for the promised purpose.
This scam exploits the lack of understanding of Maharashtra land laws.
Why Pune Is Especially Vulnerable to Plot Scams
Several factors contribute to Pune’s high rate of land fraud:
High demand from IT professionals, NRIs, and investors.
Large areas of fragmented ownership make verification harder.
Complex revenue records and outdated documents.
Rapid expansion of city outskirts, where monitoring is weak.
Dependence on brokers, many of whom operate without regulation.
These conditions create the perfect environment for scammers to operate.
How Buyers Can Protect Themselves
Buying land requires more checks than buying a flat. Here are the essential safeguards every buyer in Pune should follow:
- Do a 30–35 Year Title Search
- Always Verify the Latest 7/12 Extract
The extract must match:
The seller’s name
Survey number
Land area
Type of land
Existing liabilities or reservations
Obtain it from the official revenue office or government portal.
- Check NA Status, Zoning, and Approvals
For plotting layouts:
Verify NA order
Layout sanction
RERA registration
Road access and DP reservations
A legally clean plot will always have complete documentation.
- Physically Inspect the Land
Visit the land with:
A local surveyor
A lawyer (if possible)
Boundary measurement tools
Confirm that the land shown matches the documents.
- Be Wary of Prices That Are Too Low
If the price seems too low for the location, it is likely that there is a problem. This is because scammers will often use low prices to lure people into buying plots that are priced well below market rate.
- Record All Payments
Make all payments through:
Cheques
Bank transfers
RTGS/NEFT
Do not pay in cash.
- Report All Suspicious Transactions Immediately
If you feel that something is not right:
Cancel the transaction
Consult a lawyer
Report the incident to the authorities
This will help you avoid losing more money.
Conclusion
The Pune real estate market is still a rapidly growing market, but buyers need to be very cautious. The plot scam today is a very complex and layered scam that involves fake documents and unethical networks. The only way to stay safe is to be aware and have all transactions checked by a lawyer.
The Rise of Plot Scams in Pune: How They Operate & How Buyers Can Stay Safe
Pune’s real estate landscape has grown rapidly over the past decade. Expanding IT hubs, growing infrastructure, and rising demand for second homes have made the city a magnet for investors. But alongside this growth, Pune has also witnessed an alarming increase in land-related fraud. These scams have become sophisticated, well-planned, and often involve networks of agents, document forgers, and impersonators.
Areas such as Mulshi, Wagholi, Baner, Tathawade, and Mohammadwadi have seen some of the biggest fraud cases in recent years. Understanding how these scams work is essential for anyone planning to invest in land around Pune.
- Forged Documents & Impersonation Scams
One of the most common forms of land fraud in Pune involves forged ownership records. Fraudsters prepare fake 7/12 extracts, falsified sale deeds, or bogus power of attorney papers. In many cases, they impersonate real landowners at registration offices using forged identity documents.
How This Scam Works
Scammers identify valuable land belonging to someone who lives outside Pune or abroad.
They recreate the owner’s documents using high-quality forgeries.
They use fake Aadhaar/PAN cards to pose as the owner.
The land is sold to an unsuspecting buyer at a seemingly legitimate rate.
These scams often go unnoticed until the real owner or vigilant neighbors discover that a fraudulent sale has taken place.
- Illegal Sale of Government or Restricted Land
Many plots in Pune are legally restricted — including government land, grazing land (gairan), forest-affected land, and land reserved for public projects. Fraudsters take advantage of complex land records and outdated documents to present such land as privately owned.
Typical Pattern
Scammers obtain older records where ownership details are unclear.
They manipulate or recreate entries to show private ownership.
They then sell the land cheaply, claiming fast appreciation.
Buyers later discover that the land cannot be transferred, developed, or registered, resulting in total financial loss.
- Misleading “Social Media Offers” for Farmhouse Plots
The rise of social media advertising has made it easy for fraudsters to attract buyers with glossy reels and unrealistically low prices. This trend is especially common in scenic areas like Mulshi and Velhe.
Typical Tactics
Extremely low per-guntha pricing to create urgency.
Attractive photos and drone shots of entirely different plots.
Charging booking amounts or “site visit fees” in advance.
Showing land that is either disputed, inaccessible, or not legally saleable.
Many buyers fall into the trap because of fear of missing out and attractive payment plans.
- Fraudulent “Pre-Launch” Plotting Projects
Several scamsters present large plotting layouts as “pre-launch opportunities” with promises of steep returns. These projects often lack basic approvals such as NA conversion, layout sanction, and RERA registration.
Red Flags
Heavy discounts for early bookings.
No RERA number displayed or ambiguity about approvals.
Vague timelines and incomplete paperwork.
Pressure to pay immediately to avail “pre-launch pricing.”
Such projects frequently stall, never begin, or get tangled in legal disputes.
- Multi-Sale of the Same Plot
This is a classic and still widespread scam in Pune. Fraudsters show the same plot to multiple buyers, take partial payments from all of them, and then disappear.
How This Scam Plays Out
A genuine-looking plot is shown.
Documents appear legit, often forged.
Booking amounts or part payments are collected from several buyers.
The scammer vanishes or the plot is later found to be disputed.
Victims often discover each other only when they try to register the property.
- Fraud Around Agricultural & NA Conversion Claims
Buyers looking for second homes or investment in green zones often get misled by promises of immediate NA (non-agriculture) conversion.
The Trap
Agricultural land is sold with the claim that NA conversion is “already applied for.”
Buyers are told they can start construction immediately.
Months or years later, buyers realise that NA conversion was never processed.
The land remains agricultural and cannot be used for the promised purpose.
This scam exploits the lack of understanding of Maharashtra land laws.
Why Pune Is Especially Vulnerable to Plot Scams
Several factors contribute to Pune’s high rate of land fraud:
High demand from IT professionals, NRIs, and investors.
Large areas of fragmented ownership make verification harder.
Complex revenue records and outdated documents.
Rapid expansion of city outskirts, where monitoring is weak.
Dependence on brokers, many of whom operate without regulation.
These conditions create the perfect environment for scammers to operate.
How Buyers Can Protect Themselves
Buying land requires more checks than buying a flat. Here are the essential safeguards every buyer in Pune should follow:
- Do a 30–35 Year Title Search
- Always Verify the Latest 7/12 Extract
The extract must match:
The seller’s name
Survey number
Land area
Type of land
Existing liabilities or reservations
Obtain it from the official revenue office or government portal.
- Check NA Status, Zoning, and Approvals
For plotting layouts:
Verify NA order
Layout sanction
RERA registration
Road access and DP reservations
A legally clean plot will always have complete documentation.
- Physically Inspect the Land
Visit the land with:
A local surveyor
A lawyer (if possible)
Boundary measurement tools
Confirm that the land shown matches the documents.
- Be Wary of Prices That Are Too Low
If the price seems too low for the location, it is likely that there is a problem. This is because scammers will often use low prices to lure people into buying plots that are priced well below market rate.
- Record All Payments
Make all payments through:
Cheques
Bank transfers
RTGS/NEFT
Do not pay in cash.
- Report All Suspicious Transactions Immediately
If you feel that something is not right:
Cancel the transaction
Consult a lawyer
Report the incident to the authorities
This will help you avoid losing more money.
Conclusion
The Pune real estate market is still a rapidly growing market, but buyers need to be very cautious. The plot scam today is a very complex and layered scam that involves fake documents and unethical networks. The only way to stay safe is to be aware and have all transactions checked by a lawyer.
The Rise of Plot Scams in Pune: How They Operate & How Buyers Can Stay Safe
Pune’s real estate landscape has grown rapidly over the past decade. Expanding IT hubs, growing infrastructure, and rising demand for second homes have made the city a magnet for investors. But alongside this growth, Pune has also witnessed an alarming increase in land-related fraud. These scams have become sophisticated, well-planned, and often involve networks of agents, document forgers, and impersonators.
Areas such as Mulshi, Wagholi, Baner, Tathawade, and Mohammadwadi have seen some of the biggest fraud cases in recent years. Understanding how these scams work is essential for anyone planning to invest in land around Pune.
- Forged Documents & Impersonation Scams
One of the most common forms of land fraud in Pune involves forged ownership records. Fraudsters prepare fake 7/12 extracts, falsified sale deeds, or bogus power of attorney papers. In many cases, they impersonate real landowners at registration offices using forged identity documents.
How This Scam Works
Scammers identify valuable land belonging to someone who lives outside Pune or abroad.
They recreate the owner’s documents using high-quality forgeries.
They use fake Aadhaar/PAN cards to pose as the owner.
The land is sold to an unsuspecting buyer at a seemingly legitimate rate.
These scams often go unnoticed until the real owner or vigilant neighbors discover that a fraudulent sale has taken place.
- Illegal Sale of Government or Restricted Land
Many plots in Pune are legally restricted — including government land, grazing land (gairan), forest-affected land, and land reserved for public projects. Fraudsters take advantage of complex land records and outdated documents to present such land as privately owned.
Typical Pattern
Scammers obtain older records where ownership details are unclear.
They manipulate or recreate entries to show private ownership.
They then sell the land cheaply, claiming fast appreciation.
Buyers later discover that the land cannot be transferred, developed, or registered, resulting in total financial loss.
- Misleading “Social Media Offers” for Farmhouse Plots
The rise of social media advertising has made it easy for fraudsters to attract buyers with glossy reels and unrealistically low prices. This trend is especially common in scenic areas like Mulshi and Velhe.
Typical Tactics
Extremely low per-guntha pricing to create urgency.
Attractive photos and drone shots of entirely different plots.
Charging booking amounts or “site visit fees” in advance.
Showing land that is either disputed, inaccessible, or not legally saleable.
Many buyers fall into the trap because of fear of missing out and attractive payment plans.
- Fraudulent “Pre-Launch” Plotting Projects
Several scamsters present large plotting layouts as “pre-launch opportunities” with promises of steep returns. These projects often lack basic approvals such as NA conversion, layout sanction, and RERA registration.
Red Flags
Heavy discounts for early bookings.
No RERA number displayed or ambiguity about approvals.
Vague timelines and incomplete paperwork.
Pressure to pay immediately to avail “pre-launch pricing.”
Such projects frequently stall, never begin, or get tangled in legal disputes.
- Multi-Sale of the Same Plot
This is a classic and still widespread scam in Pune. Fraudsters show the same plot to multiple buyers, take partial payments from all of them, and then disappear.
How This Scam Plays Out
A genuine-looking plot is shown.
Documents appear legit, often forged.
Booking amounts or part payments are collected from several buyers.
The scammer vanishes or the plot is later found to be disputed.
Victims often discover each other only when they try to register the property.
- Fraud Around Agricultural & NA Conversion Claims
Buyers looking for second homes or investment in green zones often get misled by promises of immediate NA (non-agriculture) conversion.
The Trap
Agricultural land is sold with the claim that NA conversion is “already applied for.”
Buyers are told they can start construction immediately.
Months or years later, buyers realise that NA conversion was never processed.
The land remains agricultural and cannot be used for the promised purpose.
This scam exploits the lack of understanding of Maharashtra land laws.
Why Pune Is Especially Vulnerable to Plot Scams
Several factors contribute to Pune’s high rate of land fraud:
High demand from IT professionals, NRIs, and investors.
Large areas of fragmented ownership make verification harder.
Complex revenue records and outdated documents.
Rapid expansion of city outskirts, where monitoring is weak.
Dependence on brokers, many of whom operate without regulation.
These conditions create the perfect environment for scammers to operate.
How Buyers Can Protect Themselves
Buying land requires more checks than buying a flat. Here are the essential safeguards every buyer in Pune should follow:
- Do a 30–35 Year Title Search
- Always Verify the Latest 7/12 Extract
The extract must match:
The seller’s name
Survey number
Land area
Type of land
Existing liabilities or reservations
Obtain it from the official revenue office or government portal.
- Check NA Status, Zoning, and Approvals
For plotting layouts:
Verify NA order
Layout sanction
RERA registration
Road access and DP reservations
A legally clean plot will always have complete documentation.
- Physically Inspect the Land
Visit the land with:
A local surveyor
A lawyer (if possible)
Boundary measurement tools
Confirm that the land shown matches the documents.
- Be Wary of Prices That Are Too Low
If the price seems too low for the location, it is likely that there is a problem. This is because scammers will often use low prices to lure people into buying plots that are priced well below market rate.
- Record All Payments
Make all payments through:
Cheques
Bank transfers
RTGS/NEFT
Do not pay in cash.
- Report All Suspicious Transactions Immediately
If you feel that something is not right:
Cancel the transaction
Consult a lawyer
Report the incident to the authorities
This will help you avoid losing more money.
Conclusion
The Pune real estate market is still a rapidly growing market, but buyers need to be very cautious. The plot scam today is a very complex and layered scam that involves fake documents and unethical networks. The only way to stay safe is to be aware and have all transactions checked by a lawyer.
Pune is a hot favourite among the NRIs due to its climate as well as connectivity.
NRIs can purchase converted farmhouse plots but cannot buy agricultural land.
Popular areas: Mulshi, Velhe, outskirts of Hinjewadi, Paud Road, Talegaon,and Lonavala region.
Look for gated communities that have clear titles and demarcation of compounds.
Ensure approvals for NOC, NA Order, and Layout.
Still have doubts? You can contact Genuine Plots for safe buying.