Buying land in Maharashtra can be confusing, especially when terms like Open Plot, NA Plot, Agricultural Land, and Non-Agricultural Land are used interchangeably.
- What is an Open Plot?
An Open Plot usually refers to agricultural land that has NOT yet been converted to NA (Non-Agricultural) status.
Open Plot = Agricultural Land
Legally, it is treated as agricultural land unless converted through NA permission.
Construction is NOT allowed
As per MLRC, you cannot build a house, shop, or commercial building on agricultural land without NA conversion.
Bank Loan is rarely available
Most banks do NOT give home loans, construction loans, or commercial loans on agricultural land.
Only farm loans may be available — but only if you are a certified farmer.
Cheaper Price
Since construction is not immediately allowed, prices are much lower than those of NA plots.
Future potential depends on NA conversion
If the government allows NA conversion later and the area develops, the land value increases.
Legal Risk if purchased for home
Buying agricultural land for living purposes is illegal unless NA conversion is done.
Open Plot = Just land. Construction is NOT legally allowed yet.
- What is an NA Plot (Non-Agricultural Plot)?
NA (Non-Agricultural) land is agricultural land that has officially been converted for non-farming use with government approval.
There are various types of NA:
NA – Residential
NA – Commercial
NA – Industrial
NA – Resort / Non-speculative / Mixed-use
Legal for construction
Once NA permission is granted, you can build a house, bungalow, shop, or commercial building, depending on the NA category.
Approval from the Gram Panchayat/Municipality
NA land comes with clear land-use permission & official sanction under MLRC Section 44.
Full eligibility for Bank Loan
Home loans, construction loans & commercial loans are available on NA plots.
Higher Cost
NA plots cost more because they:
have clear legal status
are construction-ready
have better infrastructure provisions
Safe for home buying
NA Residential plots are the safest option for building a house or bungalow.
NA Plot = Agricultural land legally converted to NON-agricultural use. Construction allowed.
Which Plot Should You Buy?
For Investment → Open Plot
Open plots appreciate more in developing areas.
Cheaper to buy + future NA conversion = high returns.
For Living / Construction → NA Plot
If you want to build:
House
Bungalow
Shop
Office
Commercial property
→ Only NA land is legal.
Most Common Misconceptions
Misconception: Open plots will automatically become NA in future
Reality: NA conversion is a government decision, not automatic.
Misconception: Gram Panchayat NOC = NA land
Reality: GP NOC alone does NOT make the land NA.
You need Collector NA approval under MLRC.
Misconception: You can construct “temporary” structures on open plots
Reality: Any construction on agricultural land is illegal without NA.
Summary
Open Plot = Agricultural Land (No construction allowed)
NA Plot = Legally approved Non-Agricultural Land (Construction allowed)
Open plots = Good for investment
NA plots = Best for home/commercial use
NA plots are safer, more expensive, and legally clear
Open plots are cheaper but riskier if used for living