Prev Post
PMC’s Bharat Mandapam Plan in Lohgaon Raises Transparency ConcernBuying land in a village or rural area can be different from buying a flat in a city. To make sure your purchase is safe and legal, you need some important documents. These papers show that the land really belongs to the seller and that you can own it without problems later.
1. Sale Deed
This is the main document. It proves that the seller is giving the land to you. It must be signed by both buyer and seller and then registered at the local Sub-Registrar Office. Without this, the land does not legally belong to you.
2. Title Deed
This shows the history of ownership — who owned the land before, and that the seller really has the right to sell it. You should check this carefully to make sure there are no disputes or missing owners.
3. 7/12 Extract (for states like Maharashtra and Gujarat)
This document shows:
- The owner’s name
- Survey number
- Land area
- Land type (agriculture, dry, wet)
This helps confirm that the person selling the land is the true owner.
4. Encumbrance Certificate (EC)
An EC proves that the land is free from loans, mortgages, legal cases, or dues. It is usually checked for the past several years to make sure no one else has a claim.
5. Record of Rights / Property Records
In many rural areas, records like Adangal, Patta, or Record of Rights show how the land has been used and owned over time. These help you understand if the land is agricultural and if it can be used as you want.
6. Mutation / Khata Documents
After you buy the land, you need to update the local government records with your name — this is called mutation (sometimes called Khata). This makes sure tax bills and official records show that you are the owner.
7. Tax Receipts
Ask the seller to show all land tax bills paid for previous years. If taxes are not paid, you may have to pay them later.
8. No Objection Certificates (NOCs)
Sometimes, the local village or revenue office must give a “No Objection Certificate” showing they have no problem with the sale. This is extra protection for you.
9. Power of Attorney (If Applicable)
If the seller cannot be present in person to sign the sale deed, they may give someone else the right to sign on their behalf. This document must be registered too.
10. Zoning / Land Use Certificates
In some areas, land is meant only for farming or agricultural use. If you want to build a house or change land use, you may need a special certificate saying that the land can be used for your purpose.
Final Tips Before You Sign
✔ Always check if the seller really owns the land and has the right to sell it.
✔ Verify all documents carefully — ask a local expert or lawyer if unsure.
✔ Do not pay large amounts of money before the sale deed is registered.
The 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 significant investment decision, whether you plan to construct your dream home in the future or hold it as a long-term asset for capital appreciation. However, unlike home loans, plot loans come with unique terms, eligibility criteria, and interest rates. Choosing the right bank for your plot loan is crucial to ensure affordable repayment options and smooth processing.
What Is a Plot Loan?
A land loan is a type of financing offered specifically for purchasing residential plots. While home loans cater to the construction or purchase of ready homes, plot loans are designed for the purchase of land.
Higher Interest Rates: Plot loans typically carry higher interest rates compared to home loans due to the higher risk associated with lending for land.
Shorter Repayment Tenure: Unlike home loans, which can extend up to 30 years, plot loans usually have a tenure of 5–15 years.
Strict Approval Norms: Banks evaluate factors such as the location of the plot, land title clarity, and zoning regulations before approving a loan.
Factors to Consider Before Applying for a Plot Loan
Before applying, you should take into consideration:
1. Eligibility: Banks have eligibility criteria that mandate applicants to be Indian residents, of a particular age group (between 21 & 65 years), and have a fixed source of income.
2. Amount of Loan: The banks will finance a maximum of 50%-80% of the cost of the plot, depending on the location and market price.
3. Type of Interest Rate: Banks can offer fixed interest rates or floating interest rates. The latter is subject to change based on market situations.
4. Processing Fees & Other Charges: Some banks charge a processing fee, a document charge, or a prepayment charge.
5. Land Title Verification: A good and marketable title to the land is a must before any lending takes place. Banks can demand a legal confirmation of the title.
Top Banks for Plot Loans in India
Several banks in India have introduced competitive plot loan schemes. Some of these include:
1. State Bank of India (SBI): SBI is a widely used bank for plot loans, which provides a mortgage facility up to a maximum of 80% of the cost of the plot, based on location and eligibility. The interest rate charged is quite competitive, too.
2. HDFC Bank: HDFC Bank provides plot loans for residential plots in both urban and semi-urban regions. The repayment term can be anywhere from 5 to 15 years, and interest can be fixed or floating.
3. ICICI Bank: ICICI Bank offers plot loans with simple documentation and processing steps. The quantum of loan may vary depending on the plot's location, and the bank charges a competitive interest rate with flexible repayment terms.
4. Axis Bank: Axis Bank is famous for providing plot loans with high LTV ratios and fast approval procedures. They offer such schemes to both salaried and self-employed people.
5. Punjab National Bank (PNB): PNB provides plot loans with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms. Additionally, PNB offers top-up loans to construct more spaces after acquiring a plot.
Conclusion
Planting a plot is a long-term financial investment, and selecting the right bank for a plot loan is critical. Prior to applying for a plot loan, you need to check your eligibility criteria, interest rate, and other requirements. To get a better deal among various banks such as SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis Bank, and PNB, you can choose a plot loan according to your budget and future investment.
Buying a residential plot is often viewed as one of the most lucrative long-term investments. Unlike apartments, land does not depreciate with age and gives the owner the flexibility for usage in the near or far future. However, for the best ROI, several factors have to be looked into by the buyer before purchase.
1. Location Is the Biggest ROI Driver
Location is the most critical factor in determining the future value of a residential plot.
Distance to cities, employment and commercial centres.
Connectivity through highways, metro lines, and public transportation
Infrastructure plans like airports, IT parks, and industrial zones
Plots near developing corridors or future growth zones often appreciate much more in value than plots that are already saturated.
2. Infrastructure & Development Potential
A plot's ROI increases manifold times if surrounded by strong infrastructure or planned development like road access, electricity, water supply and drainage.
Development plans by the government or zoning upgrades
Areas where infrastructure is expanding normally show a faster price increase over time.
3. Legal Clarity & Verification of Title
No ROI is important with legal issues in the land. A clean title will provide both safety and resale value.
Verify:
- Clear ownership records
- Approved layout and zoning status
- Absence of disputes, encroachments, or acquisition notices
4. Market Demand & Buyer Profile
Being able to determine who would buy it or build on the plot in the future helps to estimate correct ROI.
Consider:
- Demand for villas/independent homes/ plotted development.
- Interest of the buyer - end-users vs investors
- Rental potential if you plan to build later
Plots in areas with high residential demand appreciate more and sell faster.
5. Plot Size, Shape & Usability
Not all plots are of equal value, even in the same location.
Check:
- Regular shape, proper road frontage
- Usable land area without reservations or access issues
- Compliance with local construction norms
6. Holding Period & Appreciation Timeline
Residential plots tend to perform better over a medium-to-long-term horizon in general.
Understand:
- Any short-term gains may be limited.
- Everything is represented symbolically:
- Long-term holding, usually in the range of 5–10 years, often sees very strong appreciation.
- Price growth is influenced by the completion times of infrastructure.
- Patience is a virtue in making land investments for ROI.
7. Cost Factors Beyond Purchase Price
For real ROI, calculate all the associated costs.
Account for:
- Stamp duty and registration charges
- Charges of development or maintenance
- Above all, expenses for property tax and fencing
Attention:
A realistic cost computation conveys a clearer picture of net returns.
8. Exit Strategy & Liquidity
An investment is successful only if you can exit profitably.
Ask yourself:
How easy will it be to resell this plot?
- Is there active demand in this location?
- Are properties in comparable plots selling for more?
9. Comparison with Other Investments
Residential plots have better performance compared to conventional investments over time for the following reasons:
- Limited availability of land
- Urban expansion
- Inflation-linked appreciation
However, unlike stocks or mutual funds, land requires much patience and due diligence.
Closing Thoughts
Calculating the residential plot's ROI is far beyond price appreciation. It requires a deep understanding of location dynamics, legal safety, infrastructure growth, and demand trends, with long-term planning being the keyword. A well-chosen plot in the right location may give excellent returns on flexibility and security. Before investing, always do a comprehensive study, consult experts where necessary, and select land with potential that will go hand in hand with your financial objective and future development plans.
How to Choose the Right Agricultural Land for Farming — A Deep Guide
Choosing good farmland is the first and perhaps the most important step in starting any successful agricultural venture. The “right” land can spell the difference between healthy yields and repeated losses.
1. Legal Title, Land Classification & Zoning — Clear Ownership is Non-Negotiable
Check the title deed, sale deed, mutation records, and land‑use classification. Agricultural land should be properly classified as “agricultural” and not reserved for forest, protected land, or non-agricultural uses.
Also obtain the Encumbrance Certificate (EC) — this ensures there are no mortgages, legal disputes, or pending claims on the land.
If the land fails these checks — even if it looks perfect — skip it. Legal disputes or improper classification can ruin your investment or prevent you from farming successfully.
2.Soil Quality & Soil Testing — The Foundation of Productivity
Soil is literally the foundation of farming. Without good soil, even the best water supply won’t yield good crops.
What to check:
- Soil type: Alluvial soils (common in plains) are often very fertile; black soil may suit certain crops like cotton or pulses; red soils or laterite may suit others.
- pH level and nutrient content: To test pH, N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), micronutrients (such as zinc, boron, and iron), organic carbon, water retention, drainage, etc., use a reputable lab (government agri-lab or accredited private lab).
- Drainage and water-logging risk: Examine the land's natural slope, how it absorbs rainfall, and whether water stagnates. Many crops can be harmed by inadequate drainage or vulnerability to waterlogging.
A thorough soil test gives you clarity on the kind of crops you can grow, what fertilisers you may need, and whether the land can support long-term agriculture or plantation.
3. Water Availability & Irrigation Infrastructure
Farming becomes dangerous if the water supply is unpredictable or inadequate, regardless of how fertile the soil is. Prior to purchasing land, make sure:
Is there a canal, river, pond, lake, or dependable groundwater obtained through a borewell or tube well for irrigation?
- Water table and quality: Irrigation may not be sustainable if there are deep water tables or if the water is contaminated or salinized. Always visit the location to verify the depth of groundwater and the quality of the water.
- Existing irrigation/water infrastructure: Sometimes, land comes with wells, pumps, storage facilities, or rainwater harvesting — a big plus. This significantly reduces startup costs.
Consistency in water supply — via rainfall, groundwater, or irrigation — is critical, especially for water-intensive crops or multiple cropping cycles.
4. Location, Connectivity & Infrastructure — For Logistics, Markets & Future Value
Farming isn’t just about planting and harvesting — you need to transport inputs in, and finished crops out. Good connectivity and infrastructure matter.
Check for: Proximity to roads/highways — land accessible via all-weather good roads reduces transport cost for inputs and produce.
Access to markets, mandi, cold storage, supply stores — easier logistics and better returns.
Utilities: electricity, storage facilities, power for pumps, fencing, security — especially if you plan plantations or long-term farming.
Future growth potential: If there are upcoming infrastructure developments (new roads, industrial zones, market hubs nearby), the land value may appreciate.
Good connectivity not only supports daily farming operations but also adds to long-term investment value, especially if you hope to resell or lease the land later.
5. Topography, Drainage, and Natural Risks — Know the Land’s Behaviour
The shape and slope of land — its topography — influence water flow, erosion risk, crop suitability, and even mechanisation ease. Ideal farmland is usually flat or gently sloping, well‑drained, and not prone to flooding or erosion.
If the land is too steep or has uneven terrain, you may face soil erosion, poor water retention, and difficulty in using machinery. In such cases — unless you are prepared for terracing or heavy soil conservation — avoid buying.
6. Crop Suitability & Long-Term Use Plans
If you plan long-term agriculture — maybe plantations, orchards, agroforestry, or multiple cropping — choose land whose soil, water, and climate match those crops’ needs.
Don’t restrict yourself to short-term gains — consider long-term viability, soil health, and sustainability. Lands with good soil structure, stable water supply, gentle terrain, and legal clarity are better suited.
7 Due Diligence
Boundary disputes, illegal encroachments, and title disputes can cause farmland deals to go awry. Constantly:
- Compare official records (Khasra map, mutation records) with physical boundaries by conducting a thorough land survey.
- To prevent inherited disputes, cross-check ownership history, ideally spanning 20 to 30 years.
- Make sure there are no pending mortgages, court cases, or unpaid loans tied to the land by obtaining a clean Encumbrance Certificate.
- Skipping this due diligence is one of the biggest mistakes — and leads to legal trouble, wasted money, and even loss of land.
Conclusion
Buying agricultural land is more than just picking a green-looking plot. It’s a long-term commitment — and demands careful evaluation of soil, water, legal status, infrastructure, and your own farming goals.
When you buy or inherit a property — be it land, a home, or a commercial building — the initial sale deed/registry only records that a sale took place. But to be recognised as the legal owner in government records, there’s an essential follow-up step: Mutation, commonly known as Dakhil Kharij.
What Exactly Is Dakhil Kharij?
-
Dakhil means “entry/record,” and Kharij means “removal.” Together, they describe the process of entering the new owner’s name and deleting the previous owner’s name from official land/ property records.
-
It is essential after a sale, inheritance, gift, or partition — without it, official records may continue to show the prior owner, causing major issues later.
Why Dakhil Kharij Is Critical
-
Legal Ownership Proof — It confirms to the government (revenue department), banks, courts and other authorities that you are the rightful owner.
-
Correct Tax & Assessment Records — Taxes and dues become the responsibility of the legal owner post-mutation.
-
Easier Future Transactions — Whether you want to sell, gift, mortgage, or inherit the property later — proper mutation ensures smooth legal and financial transactions.
-
Loan & Mortgage Approvals — Banks and lenders almost always require mutation (Dakhil Kharij) as proof of clear ownership before approving home or property loans.
-
Avoids Disputes or Fraud — When records are mismatched, it can lead to legal conflicts or ownership disputes. Mutation helps prevent those.
Types of Properties Covered
Dakhil Kharij applies to:
- Agricultural land (farms, orchards)
- Residential plots, homes, apartments
- Commercial or industrial plots
- Vacant land or mixed-use plots
Documents Required for Dakhil Kharij
To apply for mutation, you usually need:
- Sale deed / Gift deed / Will (as proof of transfer)
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID)
- Address proof
- Previous land-record copy or mutation certificate (if any)
- Tax receipts or related land tax documents
- Application form to the revenue department or the relevant authority
Paperwork and exact requirements can vary by state or region, but having complete documentation from the start helps avoid delays.
Typical Process & Timelines
-
Application submission (online or offline)
-
Verification by revenue officials (and sometimes field inspection)
-
Mutation entry update in government records/land database
-
Issuance of updated mutation certificate (digital or print)
Fee and timeline vary by state: sometimes mutation is completed within a few weeks, other times it may take longer, depending on document completeness and administrative workload.
What Happens If You Skip Dakhil Kharij?
-
The property may still appear under the previous owner’s name in official records.
-
It can cause major problems during sales, inheritance, legal disputes, or applying for a loan.
-
Banks may reject loan applications if ownership records are not updated.
-
You may remain liable for taxes or dues incurred before the mutation was carried out.
In short, registration (sale deed) is just the first step — mutation via Dakhil Kharij is what legalises your ownership on government records.
Final Word
For investors and land buyers — especially those dealing with plots, resale, or mortgage — updated mutation records are essential for a clean, secure, and transparent transaction.