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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 Fraudsters take advantage of complex land records and outdated documents to present such land as privately owned.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.
Buying a plot of land is a big decision—whether it’s for building your dream home or making a smart investment. But for many, the process can seem confusing. That’s why we’ve created this simple guide to take you through every step—from your first site visit to the final registration of your sale deed.
Step 1: Do Your Research
Start with choosing the right place in Pune. Look for Bhor, Kamshet, or Mulshi, which have good roads, schools, hospitals, and a scope for development. Also, decide on your budget, including hidden costs like stamp duty and registration charges.
Step 2: Site Visit
After shortlisting a couple of choices, visit the plot in person. Observe the area around the road connectivity and ensure that the actual boundaries are the same as on paper. Take photographs or videos so that you can decide later.
Step 3: Legal Checks
This is a very important step. Make sure the seller actually owns the land and that there are no legal problems, like loans or disputes. You should:
Ask for the Encumbrance Certificate (shows if the land has loans or claims)
Check the title documents to confirm legal ownership
Make sure the land use is approved (residential, commercial, etc.)
Step 4: Sign the Agreement to Sell
Once you’re sure everything is clear, the seller will prepare a document called the Agreement to Sell. This paper includes the price, payment schedule, and other terms. You usually pay a token amount (advance) at this stage.
Step 5: Register the Sale Deed
The Sale Deed, the final document that transfers ownership to you. It must be registered at the sub-registrar’s office. To do this, you’ll need:
The signed sale deed
Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN)
Passport-size photos
Property tax receipts
Encumbrance certificate
You also need to pay stamp duty and registration fees, which vary by state.
Step 6: After Registration
Once registered, update land records (mutation) with your name. After that, you officially own the plot and can begin construction or development.
Secure Your Investment with Genuine Plots
Your trusted partner in plot investments across Pune. From circle rate analysis to ROI calculation, buying, selling, loan guidance, and agri-certificate application, Genuine Plots supports you at every step.
If you're planning to invest in land, it's important to know how much profit you can earn in the future. ROI helps you understand that. ROI means Return on Investment – how much money you make from your investment.
Let’s learn how to calculate ROI in an easy way.
What is ROI?
ROI (Return on Investment) tells you how much profit you can earn from the plot you buy. It helps you decide if the plot is a good investment or not.
Easy ROI Formula:
ROI (%) = (Profit / Total Investment Cost) × 100
Profit = Final value (selling price) – Total cost (all money spent to buy and register the plot)
Steps to Calculate ROI
- 1. Find your total investment:
Add the plot price + registration + stamp duty + legal or development costs.
- Estimate the future selling price:
Check what similar plots in the area are selling for and guess the value after a few years.
- Use the formula:
Put the numbers in the formula to find your ROI percentage.
Example:
You buy a plot in Pune for ₹20,00,000.
You also spend ₹2,00,000 on registration and other charges.
Total Investment = ₹22,00,000
Estimated Selling Price in 5 years = ₹30,00,000
Profit = ₹30,00,000 - ₹22,00,000 = ₹8,00,000
Now use the formula:
ROI = (₹8,00,000 / ₹22,00,000) × 100 = 36.36%
So, your return will be about 36% in 5 years.
Tips to Remember
Always check the circle rate (government rate of land) before buying.
Look for areas with upcoming roads, schools, or metro—these increase plot value.
Think about how long you will keep the land. Longer time usually means more profit.
Add all costs while calculating, even legal or loan charges.
Secure Your Investment with Genuine Plots
Your trusted partner in plot investments across Pune. From circle rate analysis to ROI calculation, buying, selling, loan guidance, and agri-certificate application, Genuine Plots supports you at every step.
Land purchase is a valuable investment, and making sure it is legally approved and development-ready is important. In Pune, PMRDA (Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority) has an important role to play in controlling land development and urban planning. PMRDA-approved plots give buyers peace of mind, knowing that the land meets legal and development standards.
What Are PMRDA-Sanctioned Plots?
PMRDA is responsible for the planned development of the Pune Metropolitan Region. When a plot is sanctioned by PMRDA, it means the land has been officially approved for development. PMRDA-sanctioned land to ensure that they meet government regulations.
These plots give a clear idea of the potential of the land for building, as indicated in the authority's site inspection certificates. These certificates are required for acquiring development permissions, thus making the approval process quicker and smoother for the buyers.
Why PMRDA-Sanctioned Plots Are Important
PMRDA is responsible for maintaining planned growth and organized infrastructure development. Sanctioned plots ensure that uncontrolled construction is prevented, and the region develops in a structured and sustainable way.
Benefits of Buying a PMRDA-Sanctioned Plot
- Legal Security – Ensures that the plot is legally verified and eligible for construction.
- Reduced Risk – Minimizes the chances of legal disputes or issues related to land ownership.
- Access to Infrastructure – These plots are typically located in areas with planned roads, electricity, water supply, and other essential amenities.
- Better Investment Value – With planned development and infrastructure support, PMRDA-sanctioned plots are more likely to appreciate in value over time.
Secure Your Investment with Genuine Plots
Your trusted partner in plot investments across Pune. From circle rate analysis to ROI calculation, buying, selling, loan guidance, and agri-certificate application, Genuine Plots supports you at every step.
Building your own home or bungalow is a dream for many—and what if that dream could also be sustainable?
You’ve probably heard the term “sustainable living” quite a lot lately. But when it comes to homes, it’s more than just a buzzword. A sustainable home doesn’t just help the environment—it also helps you. From electricity bills to indoor air quality, a sustainable home offers long-term comfort.
1. Start with Smart Site Planning and Passive Design
Before you start building, think about how your home will sit on the land.
Your bungalow should face east or south so that you get maximum natural light and ventilation throughout the day.
Place large windows on south-facing walls to let in sunlight, and use shades or overhangs to block extra heat.
Use of brick or concrete help in keeping indoor temperatures stable.
2. Use Local and Natural Building Materials
Employ local material such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, or stabilized compressed earth blocks.
For walls, use Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs). They are long-lasting, resistant to damage, and cool your home in the summer and warm it up during winter.
Choose low volatile organic compounds (VOC) paints, glues, and adhesives to improve indoor air quality.
3. Focus on Energy Efficiency
Install solar panels to reduce your electricity bills and carbon footprint.
Use energy-efficient appliances and smart systems like programmable thermostats and automatic lighting to reduce energy wastage.
4. Water Smartly
Establish a rainwater harvesting system.
Treat and reuse shower and sink water (called greywater) for your garden.
Fit low-flow appliances in bathrooms and kitchens to cut water consumption.
5. Green Landscape for Outdoors
Use native plants which require less water and are pest-resistant naturally.
Employ green roofs and vertical gardens to enhance insulation as well as add greenery.
For driveways and sidewalks, have gravel or permeable pavers that allow water to percolate through and minimize runoff.
6. Follow Smart Construction Practices
Plan your home to accommodate expansion in the future to avoid breaking walls at a later stage.
Organize a waste management system—separate wastes and recycle whenever possible.
- Add Value to Property with Green Certifications
To contribute value to your property, aim to achieve green certifications like LEED or IGBC. Also, talk to your Pune local authority for building codes and environmental legislations.
Conclusion
With proper planning and materials, your green house will be environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and healthy—and yet give your family a superior way of living.
Which is a Better Investment A Plot or an Apartment Understanding the Financial Advantages
Buying property is a big decision. Many people wonder whether to invest in a plot or an apartment. Both have their own benefits and risks. In this blog, we will look at the key points of both options to help you decide what works best for you.
Which One Offers Better Appreciation Potential?
Plots: Land normally appreciates at a quicker pace, particularly in emerging regions where demand is increasing. As connectivity and infrastructure are enhanced, plot prices normally increase considerably in the long run.
Apartments: Appreciation is based on building age, maintenance, and location. Older properties might witness a slower appreciation in value relative to well-maintained or new properties in good locations.
Do Plots or Apartments Provide Better Rental Income?
- Plots: A plot does not generate immediate rental income unless developed or leased for specific purposes (such as commercial use).
- Apartments: Apartments offer a steady source of rental income.
Which Has Lower Maintenance Costs and Depreciation?
- Plots: Land requires minimal upkeep cost and does not depreciate.
- Apartments: Apartments incur ongoing maintenance costs, including society charges, repairs, and renovations. Additionally, as buildings age, their value may depreciate if not well-maintained.
Is It Easier to Get a Loan for a Plot or an Apartment?
- Plots: Getting loans to acquire land may be more difficult since banks provide few financing alternatives, often demanding a bigger down payment.
- Apartments: Home loans for apartments are simpler to avail. Financial institutions and banks provide different financing plans. Reduced interest rates, and extended repayment terms are also included.
Which Offers More Customization and Control?
Plots: With a plot, one has the freedom to fully customize, allowing the buyer to design and construct according to their choice.
Apartments: Aspects of customization are restricted in apartments since alterations have to conform to building codes and homeowners' association regulations.
What Are the Legal and Regulatory Considerations?
Plots: Possession of land as such involves fewer legal problems, provided the title is clear and encroachments do not exist.
Apartments: Flats fall under homeowners' association rules, which may impose controls on changes, rentals, and other aspects of ownership.