Prev Post
Kamshet- The Hottest Spot for Investors Seeking High ReturnsCommercial real estate is among the fastest-growing markets in India. Offices, retail stores, institutions, and industrial developments primarily fall under this umbrella. Commercial property is a property owned to generate income through business activities.
While many prefer developed structures, commercial plots have also been at the center stage due to higher appreciation and relatively lower investment costs than other asset types in commercial real estate.
However, being abreast of the nuances of buying commercial land is crucial to avoid administrative and legal hassles. From paperwork to zoning laws, there are various factors to look into. Let’s look at essential tips for buying commercial land in India.
Types of commercial property
Retail - Retail Shops, Stores, Malls
Industrial- Warehouse, Manufacturing Plants , Factories
Hospitality-Tourism Agencies, Motels, Hotels
Institutional- Schools and Colleges
Office Spaces- Corporate Offices
What’s to check before buying a commercial plot in India?
Review the Location
- Location Matters: The most critical factor in buying commercial land is its location. It should be easily accessible with good infrastructure. A prime location ensures higher demand and, in turn, leads to higher profits.
- Zoning System: Indian civic authorities use a zoning system based on Euclidean geometry to classify land for commercial purposes. They divide towns into districts with specific zones for different land uses, either permitted or prohibited.
- Integrated Zoning: As available land decreases, zoning becomes more integrated. This means that the planning of various zones becomes more coordinated to optimize land usage efficiently.
- Clearly Demarcated Commercial Zone: When buying commercial land, ensure it falls within a clearly marked commercial zone. This guarantees that the area is suitable for commercial activities and compliant with local regulations.
- Avoid Uncontrolled Development: Avoid land with uncontrolled development like unauthorized boundaries, fences, or incompatible structures within the permitted area. These issues may lead to legal and operational challenges later on.
- Types of Commercial Activities: Commercial land can be used for various purposes, including warehouses, offices, restaurants, shops, and industries. The proximity of one commercial zone to another depends on the type of activity and vehicular traffic.
Taxes and Returns
- Taxation of Rental Income: Rent received from any property, including commercial property, is taxed under the head 'income from house property' in India.
- Actual Rent or Reasonable Rent: The taxation is based on either the actual rent received from the property or the rent that can reasonably be expected from it, whichever is higher.
- Standard Deduction: A standard deduction of 30 percent is allowed on the rent received. This means you can deduct 30 percent of the rental income as an expense before calculating the taxable income.
- Deductions for Building Repairs and Renovations: You can claim deductions on the amount invested in building repairs and renovations for the commercial property.
- Interest on Loan: Under Section 24 of the Income Tax Act, you can claim the interest paid on the loan taken for the commercial property as a deduction. This includes processing fees and prepayment charges paid to the financial institution.
- Availability of Standard Deduction: The standard deduction of 30 percent is available even if the actual expenses on the property are higher or lower than that percentage. It simplifies the deduction process.
Check Documents
- Ownership Details: Review the property's registration papers to ascertain the number of owners. Knowing the ownership structure is essential to ensure a smooth and legitimate transaction.
- Seller's Right to Sell: Verify if the seller has the legal right to trade the commercial property. Confirm that they have the authority to sell the asset and that there are no disputes or legal issues surrounding the ownership.
- Existing Loans or Pledges: Check for existing loans or pledges against the land parcel. Knowing if the property has been used as collateral for any debts or financial commitments is crucial.
- Clearance of Outstanding Dues: If the land has been mortgaged in the past, ensure there are no outstanding dues related to the mortgage. The seller should clear any pending payments before the deal is finalized.
- Title Search: Conduct a thorough title search to verify the property's history and ensure no legal encumbrances, liens, or claims could affect your ownership rights.
- Encumbrance Certificate: Obtain an encumbrance certificate from the registrar's office to verify if there are any legal claims or liabilities on the property.
- Approved Land Usage: Ensure the land is categorized as a commercial plot in the official records and falls within the designated commercial zone.
- Pending Litigations: Check for any ongoing legal disputes or litigations related to the property. Purchasing a plot involved in legal battles can lead to future complications.
- Land Boundary and Area: Verify that the boundaries and area mentioned in the registry papers match the actual physical boundaries of the land.
- Property Tax Records: Review the property tax records to ensure the seller has paid the appropriate taxes for the commercial plot.
Real estate transactions are legally subject to stamp duty levied by the state government. It serves as proof of ownership and the legality of the sale agreement and ensures that the transfer of property rights is recognised by the law. A real estate transaction is deemed legally invalid if stamp duty and registration fees are not paid.
The Maharashtra government kept Pune's registration fees and stamp duty the same in 2025.
|
Ownership Type |
Stamp Duty (incl. 1% Metro Cess) |
Registration Fee |
Total |
|
Male |
7% |
1% |
8% |
|
Female |
6% |
1% |
7% |
|
Male+Female |
6.5% |
1% |
7.5% |
|
Female+Female |
6% |
1% |
7% |
|
Male+ Male |
7% |
1% |
8% |
Area-Wise Stamp Duty in Pune
|
Pune Areas |
Stamp Duty Rates |
|
Within Gram Panchayat limit |
4% |
|
Within Panchayat or Rural areas under MMRDA |
5% |
|
Within Cantonment area or Municipal Corporation limits |
5% |
PMRDA, District Administration Push for Land Acquisition for Nashik Phata–Khed Elevated Corridor
In order to alleviate traffic congestion along the Pune–Nashik highway, the district administration and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) have stepped up their efforts to finish the land acquisition for the upcoming Nashik Phata–Khed elevated corridor.
Project Overview
The 30-km elevated corridor between Nashik Phata and Rajgurunagar (Khed) will be developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The project, estimated at ₹7,827 crore, is expected to significantly reduce travel time and traffic snarls on this vital route, especially near industrial hubs like Chakan.
Land Requirement & Acquisition
Authorities have identified around 14 hectares of land needed for the project, primarily for entry and exit points. Out of this, 9.74 hectares belonging to around 150 landowners within PMRDA limits—covering villages such as Nanekarwadi, Waki Khurd, Waki Budruk, Chimbali, Kuruli, Medankarwadi, and parts of Chakan have been earmarked.
In areas under the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), particularly in Bhosari and Moshi, land acquisition is being facilitated through Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and Floor Space Index (FSI) transfers.
Financial Support
To cover remaining acquisition costs, a proposal seeking ₹262 crore in state aid has already been submitted. Authorities have assured that landowners will receive due compensation for the acquired land.
Challenges Ahead
Concerns have been voiced by a few Chakan landowners who demand payment for their holdings and assert that previous acquisitions for highway construction were never formally transferred. If these disagreements are not settled right away, the process may be delayed.
Road Ahead
The district administration has set a goal to finish the land acquisition by October 2025. Following the conclusion of the bidding process, construction is anticipated to start. Once the corridor is up and running, it should improve connectivity to the Chakan MIDC belt and beyond while also providing relief to thousands of daily commuters.
Source: Times of India
K Raheja Corp Subsidiary Acquires 7.43 Acres in Mahalunge, Pune for ₹195 Crore
Mumbai-based real estate major K Raheja Corp, through its subsidiary KRC Queens Pvt Ltd, has acquired 7.43 acres of land in Mahalunge near Hinjewadi, on the outskirts of Pune, for ₹195 crore, according to property registration documents accessed by CRE Matrix.
Mahalunge Real Estate Developers Pvt Ltd sold the land parcel, which was designated for a residential township project. On July 21, 2025, the deal was registered after ₹13.67 crore in stamp duty was paid.
As per the agreement, the plot is part of a notified integrated township project and offers a development potential of 1.51 lakh sq. metres (16.28 lakh sq. ft.), translating to a saleable area of approximately 17 lakh sq. ft.
Mahalunge, which is close to the busy Hinjewadi IT district, has become one of Pune's most popular real estate areas because of its better infrastructure and close proximity to job hubs.
This purchase complements K Raheja Corp's most recent expansion efforts. . Earlier in January 2025, the developer entered into an agreement to purchase 5.75 acres of land in Mumbai’s Kandivali area for ₹466 crore.
The newly acquired land in Mahalunge is expected to be developed into a premium residential township, leveraging the area’s connectivity and demand from professionals working in nearby IT and commercial hubs.
Property Division Now Possible for Just ₹100: A Major Relief for Families and Farmers
In India, family property disputes have long been a source of stress, frequently lasting years because of ambiguous ownership and expensive registration fees. Because formal land division was costly, time-consuming, and legally complex, many families have avoided it until now. Instead, verbal agreements were common, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and in many cases, prolonged court battles.
In a major reform, the government has now simplified the rules for legal land division, allowing families to complete the process officially at a cost of just ₹100.
The New Simplified Process
According to recent reports, the process has been made much more transparent and affordable:
- Family Register Update – Every family member must be listed in the Parivarik Register maintained by the local Circle Officer. Missing names will not be eligible for a share.
- Application Submission – Applicants need to provide ID proof, land ownership documents, and family relationship certificates, such as a ration card or family ID.
- ₹100 Stamp Paper – After approval, families can purchase a ₹100 stamp paper on which the division details, such as boundaries, shares, and names of each member, are recorded.
- Legal Ownership Issued – Once verified and registered, each member receives official ownership documents, enabling them to sell, mortgage, or apply for government benefits.
Benefits of the Reform
For farmers: Having clear land ownership makes it easier for them to access government programs and obtain agricultural loans.
For women, stronger property rights are ensured by the legal recognition of their share.
For Families: Makes land distribution clear and legally binding, preventing future conflicts.
A Step Towards Transparency
Experts note that this initiative will reduce land-related litigation and bring clarity to property ownership. This action is anticipated to greatly reduce the burden of the millions of cases involving inheritance and division that are still pending in Indian courts. Additionally, it supports the government's overarching objective of establishing an effective, transparent, and fraud-free land record system that benefits both urban and rural households.
Conclusion
All societal segments can now afford property division thanks to the government's simplification of the procedure and reduction of the cost to just ₹100. This reform ensures economic strength for farmers, legal empowerment for women, and peace of mind for families by simplifying and lowering the cost of what was once a complex legal process.
Sources:
SCMM News
The Times of India
Hindustan Times
Residents Request Halt to PMRDA’s Auction of Amenity Plots, Seek Civic Use
Residents have urged the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to halt its proposed auction of amenity plots, emphasising that the land should instead be utilised for civic purposes.
The availability of essential community infrastructure, such as parks, schools, health facilities, water systems, and public safety facilities, may be impacted by the sale of these plots, the locals stressed. Amenity plots are designed to satisfy public needs in accordance with regional planning regulations.
PMRDA has planned the auction of 35 amenity plots across various areas in the region, with a combined estimated base value of approximately ₹91 crore. Earnest money deposits for the plots vary according to their size and location.
Officials from PMRDA stated that the auction is being conducted in line with the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR). Additionally, they mentioned that some plots are set aside for public buildings like cultural centres and libraries. Similar amenity plot auctions have been held in the area before by PMRDA.
In spite of this, locals insist that these plots are essential for community growth and shouldn't be viewed as extra resources for making money. They have called for these lands to be preserved for civic purposes, citing the need for public infrastructure to support local population growth and development.
Source:TOI