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Why NRIs Are Rushing to Buy Farmhouse Plots Near PuneThe 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 Fraudsters take advantage of complex land records and outdated documents to present such land as privately owned.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.
One of India's most important infrastructure projects is the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), which is expected to open in September 2025. Designed to handle nearly 20 million passengers annually in its first phase and scaling up to 90 million passengers per year, NMIA is more than an airport—it’s a growth engine that will transform the real estate map of Navi Mumbai.
A Growth Wave in Motion
Airports worldwide create ripple effects in housing, retail, logistics, and business hubs. NMIA is expected to generate over 4 lakh jobs, directly and indirectly, across aviation, IT, logistics, hospitality, and allied sectors. With better connectivity through the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, metro extensions, and expressways, the surrounding regions are witnessing a surge in demand.
Real Estate Hotspots to Watch
- Panvel: With proximity to NMIA and superb connectivity via highways, metro, and rail, Panvel is already recording a 20–30% rise in property values and is expected to grow another 15–25% post-airport launch.
- Ulwe: Known for affordability, Ulwe is gaining traction due to upcoming coastal roads and metro connectivity.
- Kharghar: A more developed node, Kharghar combines lifestyle amenities with investment potential, making it attractive for end-users and investors.
- Uran & Karjat: Offering lower entry points, these emerging zones are long-term bets poised for appreciation as infrastructure expands.
Why Invest Now?
Real estate prices in many of these nodes are still at entry-level compared to Mumbai’s prime hubs. With NMIA nearing completion, the window of early investment is narrowing. Entering now allows investors to capture appreciation before prices peak.
The Bottom Line
NMIA is not just about better air travel—it’s about redefining Navi Mumbai’s growth story. For those seeking long-term appreciation, strong rental potential, and access to a booming business ecosystem, investing around NMIA in 2025 could be a game-changing move.
Plot Buying in Maharashtra The 3 Documents You Must Check Before You Invest
Buying a plot in Maharashtra can be one of the most rewarding investments—but only if it’s done right. Too many buyers get stuck in disputes because of overlooked paperwork. To avoid costly mistakes, you need to know three critical documents: the 7/12 Extract, the NA Order, and the Title Report.
1. 7/12 Extract or Property Card – Knowing the Land’s Identity
For rural and semi-rural plots: The 7/12 Extract (popularly called Saat-Baara Utara) is your first check. It tells you who owns the land, its survey number, the area, the type of land, and any loans or claims on it. But note—this doesn’t confirm whether you can build on it, only that the person selling is the rightful owner.
For urban plots: Within city limits, the Property Card works the same way. It shows details like the CTS number, land area, and owner’s name.
Tip: Always match these details with the seller’s information.
2. NA Order – Making Sure the Land is Fit to Build On
Not every piece of land is legally fit for construction. Agricultural land, for example, cannot be directly used for building homes.
That’s where the NA Order (Non-Agricultural Order) comes in. Issued by the Collector’s office, this document confirms the land has been officially converted for residential use. If the NA Order is missing—or marked for “industrial” or “commercial”—you cannot build a home on it.
Tip: Insist on seeing a Residential NA Order before moving ahead.
3. Title Search & Supporting Documents – Securing Clear Ownership
Even with 7/12 and NA Order in hand, you need to check if the ownership is legally clean. This is where a Title Search Report from a lawyer is essential. It traces ownership for the past 30+ years and ensures:
- No disputes over the land
- No hidden mortgages or loans
- The seller is the true and only owner
Other supporting documents to check include:
- Encumbrance Certificate (EC): Confirms no outstanding loans or legal cases
- Registered Sale Deed: The actual proof of ownership transfer
- Tax Receipts & Layout Plan Approvals: Show compliance with local authorities
Final Word
Buying a plot is a long-term investment rather than just a sale. You can make sure that your ideal house or future asset is constructed on sound legal foundations by closely examining the 7/12 Extract, NA Order, and Title.
When in doubt, always seek legal advice from Genuine Plots and verify documents with government records. A little extra caution today can save you from years of hassle tomorrow.
1.Unmatched Security & Peace of Mind
Security is not only a luxury but also a need in the fast-paced world of today. You can find CCTV surveillance, biometric or access-controlled gates, and guarded entry points around the clock in gated communities.
2.Infrastructure That Delivers from Day One
Forget post-purchase hassles. Gated community plots come complete with well-paved roads, street lighting, underground cabling, solid drainage systems, and reliable water supply. These essentials aren’t an extra—they’re part of the package. No more unexpected costs or tedious approvals.
3. A Lifestyle with Amenities Built In
It’s not just a plot—it’s a lifestyle. Imagine walking paths, green parks, clubhouses, swimming pools, and community halls—all just steps away. These lifestyle elements greatly enhance well-being and make your property more appealing, whether you're living there or looking to resell or rent.
4. Stronger Appreciation & Resale Potential
Well-designed gated communities dominate local markets when it comes to demand and returns. Buyers often choose plots in gated enclaves because they offer better infrastructure, managed interiors, and spatial planning—all of which help drive higher resale values.
5. Transparent Legal Processes & Clarity
Avoid the pitfalls of murky ownership titles or zoning confusion. Developers of gated communities usually provide clear land titles, RERA registration (where applicable), and proper local authority approvals. Your investment remains secure—legally and financially.
6. Built-in Community Vibe
These plots foster neighbourhood engagement—with shared spaces and organised events facilitating social interaction. It’s not just a place to live; it’s a place to belong. Standalone plots, especially in sparsely developed areas, often feel isolating by comparison.
7. Hassle-Free Maintenance
From road upkeep and landscape care to lighting in communal areas, gated societies typically handle the maintenance. You get to enjoy hassle-free living—no need to manage each service individually or constantly chase contractors.
8. Faster Loan & Insurance Approvals
Financial facilitators love gated community plots. Thanks to pre-approved structures, shorter paperwork, and lower perceived risk, loan disbursement is smoother, and interest rates tend to be more competitive. Plus, securing property insurance is generally easier and cheaper.
9. Green, Sustainable Living
Modern gated developments often include eco-friendly features like rainwater harvesting, solar lighting, wastewater management, and native landscaping, thereby reducing your carbon footprint and also lowering your long-term utility costs.
10. Future-Ready Locations & Growth Potential
Many gated community plots are strategically placed near upcoming infrastructure—think new metro lines, expressways, or IT corridors. These growth corridors often outperform standalone plot sites in terms of connectivity and appreciation.
Supreme Court: Only a Registered Sale Deed Transfers Property Title
The Supreme Court of India has once again made it clear — ownership of a property passes only through a registered sale deed. Documents like General Power of Attorney (GPA), Agreement to Sell, or even an unproven Will cannot confer ownership rights.
Why GPA, Agreement to Sell, or Will Do Not Confer Ownership
- Agreement to Sell – It is only a promise of a future sale. Under Section 54 of the Transfer of Property Act, it does not itself transfer ownership rights.
- General Power of Attorney (GPA) – A GPA cannot transfer title of the property. Even an irrevocable GPA is not enough.
- Will – A Will, even if registered, must be strictly proved under the Succession Act and Evidence Act. Unless the execution and witnesses are verified, the Will cannot stand as proof of ownership.
The Supreme Court held that only a registered sale deed executed between parties and duly stamped and registered can convey title to immovable property. All other documents may support a transaction, but they do not amount to ownership.
Why This Ruling Matters
This judgment is significant for buyers, sellers, and investors in real estate:
- Clarity – There can be no confusion: ownership passes only through a registered sale deed.
- Caution – Buyers must be careful and not rely on GPA, Will, or Agreements to Sell while purchasing property.
- Legal Safety – A properly stamped and registered sale deed is the only way to avoid disputes in the future.
Buying a plot in Pune is a thrilling achievement, but it's important to understand the hidden expenses that can mount up quickly. There are several additional costs that could significantly impact your budget, in addition to the property's listed price. This thorough guide will assist you in controlling these expenses:
1. Stamp Duty & Registration Fees
Stamp Duty: In Pune, male buyers pay 7% stamp duty on real estate transactions, while female buyers pay 6%. The ready reckoner rate or the market value of the property, whichever is higher, is used to compute this fee.
Registration Fee: Up to ₹30,000 is the maximum registration fee, which is 1% of the property's value.
2. Broker Commission
- Standard Rates: Each party involved in a sale pays a commission of 2% to real estate brokers in Pune.
- Negotiability: Although these prices are set, they may be altered in light of the services rendered and the property's worth.
- Advice: Before using your broker's services, ensure you understand the commission structure.
3. Legal & Documentation Fees
- Verification Fees: The cost of property document verification services in Pune varies depending on the complexity and volume of documents involved, ranging from ₹6,000 to ₹9,000.
- Additional Legal Fees: If you require assistance in drafting sale deeds or other documents, legal fees may vary depending on the property's market value.
4. Maintenance & Security Deposits for Gated Communities
Maintenance Charges: Annual maintenance fees in Pune's gated communities can range from ₹14,000 to ₹30,000, depending on the amenities provided.
Security Deposits: Some societies may require a refundable security deposit.
5. Utility Connection Charges
- Water Connection: For new water connections, the Pune Municipal Corporation levies a connection fee and a non-refundable application fee. A refundable security deposit is also required, and additional infrastructure fees may be incurred if new pipelines are necessary.
- Electricity Connection: A single-phase domestic connection costs roughly ₹30 per month.
Conclusion
Always conduct thorough research and consult with Genuine Plots experts to fully understand the range of costs related to your plot purchase.