Commercial 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 

1. 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. 
2. 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. 
3. 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. 
4. 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. 
5. 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. 
6. 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 

1. Taxation of Rental Income: Rent received from any property, including commercial property, is taxed under the head 'income from house property' in India. 
2. 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. 
3. 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. 
4. Deductions for Building Repairs and Renovations: You can claim deductions on the amount invested in building repairs and renovations for the commercial property. 
5. 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.
6. 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 

1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. 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. 
4. 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. 
5. 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. 
6. Encumbrance Certificate: Obtain an encumbrance certificate from the registrar's office to verify if there are any legal claims or liabilities on the property. 
7. Approved Land Usage: Ensure the land is categorized as a commercial plot in the official records and falls within the designated commercial zone. 
8. 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. 
9. Land Boundary and Area: Verify that the boundaries and area mentioned in the registry papers match the actual physical boundaries of the land. 
10. Property Tax Records: Review the property tax records to ensure the seller has paid the appropriate taxes for the commercial plot.

Gunthewari land refers to a development where multiple plots are created through the unauthorized sub-division of privately-owned land under the Urban Land Act of 1976 provisions. 

This type of land falls under the jurisdiction of the Maharashtra state government. In Gunthewari land, the original landowner or developers divide the property without obtaining the necessary approvals, forming numerous smaller plots without adhering to proper legal procedures. 

These areas often lack essential infrastructure and may face regulatory challenges due to their unauthorized status.

What types of land are there in Gunthewari?

Within Gunthewari, you will come across four primary types of land classifications. These include forest, agricultural, desert, and urban land. 

Each category possesses distinct characteristics and serves specific purposes, offering diverse options for potential development or investment. 

Understanding these different land types is crucial when considering any projects or investments in Gunthewari.

Is Gunthewari land a safe investment?

Gunthewari land can be a viable option if you are considering long-term investment opportunities. However, it's crucial to be cautious about the location selection, as these lands may be in flood-prone areas. Therefore, investing in a plot that is not at risk of flooding is essential. 

On the positive side, Gunthewari land can be a safe and secure investment, especially in areas with low crime rates. Choosing a plot in a safe and secure neighborhood is important to ensure the best outcome, offering a promising prospect for your investment endeavors.

How can you get a Gunthewadi land lease?

To secure a Gunthewari land lease, begin by identifying a suitable plot of Gunthewari land you wish to lease. Subsequently, contact the landowner and express your intention to lease the land.Upon expressing interest, the landowner will furnish you with a lease agreement that outlines the terms and conditions. 
After carefully reviewing the agreement, sign it and return it to the landowner. As per the agreement, you must make monthly payments as per the agreed-upon lease amount. By following this process, you can successfully obtain a Gunthewari land lease for your intended use or investment.- Genuine Plots

A title clearance certificate is a document issued by solicitors and advocates that confirms the legitimacy of ownership and verifies the absence of disputes, liens, debts, or encumbrances associated with a specific property.

It provides crucial information such as the nature of the title held by the property promoter and vendor, any claims or encumbrances related to the property, and the necessary steps to clear the title and make it legally marketable. Additionally, it clarifies whether the sale agreement will legally bind the property owner and helps address any doubts regarding the nature of the vendor or promoter.

How to Acquire a Title Search Report?

To acquire a title search report, you need to engage the services of an advocate or solicitor. They will conduct a thorough investigation by examining registered documents at the local sub-registrar’s office (SRO).

The process of obtaining a comprehensive title search report involves scrutinizing various aspects such as the property's ownership history, building permits, zoning regulations, and property rights.

To ensure a clear and accurate report, a buyer typically hires an advocate who specializes in assessing the legal documents associated with the property. The advocate's task is to identify any encumbrances, disputes, or other issues affecting the property's title and compile a detailed report accordingly.

To determine if a property has a clear title, consider the following steps:

1. Thoroughly examine the title papers: Review the property's title documents in detail. It is advisable to engage a lawyer with expertise in property law to assist you in this process. A clear title indicates the absence of any disputes or legal issues associated with the property.
2. Verify bank approvals: If the property has received approval from reputable banks or financial institutions, it generally indicates that it is free from encumbrances and disputes. Banks typically conduct their own due diligence before approving a property for financing.
3. Obtain an encumbrance certificate: Request an encumbrance certificate from the local sub-registrar office (SRO) to verify the title clearance. This document will disclose any mortgages, liens, or other encumbrances on the property.
4. Cross-check approved plans: Ensure the site aligns with the approved building plans. This step helps confirm that the property complies with local regulations and that there are no unauthorized constructions or deviations.
5. Review property tax slips: Inspect the property tax payment receipts when considering a resale property. Clear and up-to-date property tax records indicate a clear title and ownership.
6. Confirm necessary documents: Ensure the seller provides all necessary documents proving title clearance. This may include previous sale agreements, possession certificates, and other relevant paperwork.

When seeking professional advice from Genuine Plots and following these steps, you can thoroughly check to determine if a property has a clear title.

Every piece of land in India has important documents that tell us who owns it, what it's used for, and other essential details. Just like we have papers to show who we are and our rights, land has a Record of Rights (RoR) or Khatian.

A Khatian number is like an ID for the land. It holds all the information about a piece of land, like who owns it and its history. When the government gives land records to owners, each record is assigned a Khatian number. This number includes DAG/khasra, khata, and Khatauni numbers.

Land records are vital because they prove who owns the land and other certified details. They help gather all the necessary information about the land, prevent fraud, and avoid illegal activities or land grabbing. These records are also crucial in legal matters related to properties.

Now, let's talk about some important terms:

DAG number: The Khasra number is like an ID for a piece of land in villages or plots in urban areas. It tells us about the ownership of the land, the type of soil, the crops that can be cultivated, and the history of the land.

Khata number: This is given to joint landowners, providing information about co-owners and their holdings in the land. Suppose there are changes in the land's ownership; a new khata number is given.

Khatauni number: Unlike Khasra and Khata numbers, Khatauni is assigned to cultivators, not the land. It contains information about the cultivators and their cultivation areas.

Khasra, Khata, and Khatauni numbers give us details about the land, its ownership, and the people cultivating it. You can easily find this information online or by visiting the official land records office.

Understanding these numbers is essential, especially for those who own or are interested in land. They help in knowing the history of the land and any changes that might have happened over the years. These numbers are like a land's identity card for non-English speakers, telling its story and ensuring its rightful ownership.

In Maharashtra, you can find your Khasra, Khata, or Khatauni details by visiting the following website Bhulekh Mahabhumi.Let Genuine Plots be your guide through seamless plot buying paperwork. Discover your dream plot effortlessly.

https://bhulekh.mahabhumi.gov.in/

Investing in Gram Panchayat lands has become popular, offering an attractive option for those seeking affordable property. These plots, falling under the jurisdiction of Gram Panchayats, often boast lower prices compared to city properties, making them a compelling choice for investors.

Understanding Gram Panchayat Lands:

Gram Panchayat lands are primarily agricultural and are intended for farming activities. However, their appeal lies in the potential for conversion into non-agricultural land, allowing for residential or commercial use. To convert, one must obtain consent for a "change of land use" from local authorities, typically the collector or district magistrate.

Conversion Process:

The conversion process involves submitting an application detailing the property's specifics, reasons for conversion, and relevant documents such as ID proof, certified survey maps, and mutation letters. The Land Revenue Department's commissioner reviews the application, ensuring no pending dues or litigation on the land.

Merits of Buying Gram Panchayat Plots:

1. Lower Investment Cost: Gram Panchayat plots offer reasonable prices, making them suitable for those with smaller budgets.
2. Higher Returns: These plots have high resale value, offering the potential for greater profits in the long run.

Demerits of Buying Gram Panchayat Plots:

1. Basic Amenities: Gram Panchayat areas may lack certain facilities like electricity, water supply, and proper sewage, requiring adjustments to a simpler lifestyle.
2. Connectivity Issues: The infrastructure in Gram Panchayat areas may not match city standards, with challenges in road conditions and limited transportation options.

 Wrapping Up

While Gram Panchayat plots present affordable investment opportunities with potential returns, weighing the benefits against the challenges is essential. Understanding the conversion process and being prepared for adjustments in lifestyle and infrastructure can lead to a successful and fulfilling investment. Always conduct thorough research and seek guidance of Genuine Plots to make informed decisions in the dynamic world of real estate.

Land transactions can be like a puzzle; understanding the terminology is the key to unlocking its secrets. One term you might come across is "Jadid," which means new in the Indian land language. Let Genuine Plots guide you through the nuances and help you understand the various types of land settlements.

Taxguru

Understanding "Jadid": What Does It Mean?

The word "Jadid" translates to new, and in the realm of Indian land terminologies, it signifies a fresh or entirely revised settlement – a Jadid settlement. This term is crucial in keeping land records updated and legally sound, forming the bedrock for clear and lawful land transactions.

What is a Jadid Settlement?

A Jadid settlement involves a thorough re-measurement while considering existing land records. Why might we need such a completely revised settlement? Changes in market conditions, unforeseen events, or the necessity to modify terms for mutual benefit can be reasons. Essentially, Jadid settlements ensure land agreements stay relevant and effective over time by providing updated and legally compliant land records.

Banjar Jadid: Another Twist to the Term

There's another phrase in the world of land records - Banjar Jadid. This refers to a new fellow land not cultivated for four consecutive harvests. It's another facet of the term "Jadid" emphasizing the newness or untouched nature of the land.

Differences Between Jadid and Regular Settlements

In the land terminology dictionary, Jadid settlement means a complete revision, while a regular or Kanooni settlement refers to a legal agreement where the previous record is non-existent. In simple terms, Jadid settlements allow parties to adapt to changing market conditions, resolve disputes, and ensure ongoing compliance with legal requirements.

Why Are Jadid Settlements Important?

Picture it as giving your land agreement a fresh coat of paint. Jadid settlements help parties navigate changing circumstances, settle disagreements, and maintain compliance with the law. They pave the way for smooth and sustainable land transactions by providing updated and legally sound records.

 With this newfound knowledge, you can confidently navigate the land labyrinth, making informed decisions for a brighter land-owning future. Stay updated on the latest developments in plot properties in Maharashtra by following Genuine Plots.