The Maharashtra government has taken a decisive step to curb the sale of unauthorised flats and protect homebuyers from financial fraud. A fresh circular issued by the Revenue and Forest Department directs all Sub-Registrars across the state not to register documents related to unauthorised constructions or flats whose area exceeds the sanctioned plan.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule highlighted the move in a post on X, describing it as an important step by the Fadnavis government in the interest of homebuyers. He said the Revenue Department has acted to stop the financial fraud caused by the sale of unauthorised constructions or flats with areas larger than those approved in the sanctioned plans. Sub-Registrars have been instructed to verify the necessary documents and the approved area before registering any transfer documents of such flats. The minister added that the decision, taken under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, will help curb malpractices in unauthorised construction and flat sales while protecting the economic interests of ordinary homebuyers. (Link to the post: https://x.com/cbawankule/status/2109911754457453043)
Background of the Circular
The circular (No. 2025/P.K. 35/B/Mudraank-2), dated 12 October 2026, was issued following a meeting held under the chairmanship of the Revenue Minister on 29 September 2026. The meeting noted that in several parts of the state, construction projects were being carried out without permission from competent authorities and flats in those projects were being sold. There were also instances of flats being sold with areas larger than those shown in the approved building plans. These practices have resulted in financial cheating of flat buyers.
What Sub-Registrars Are Now Barred From Registering
Sub-Registrars have been ordered not to register the following documents for the first sale of flats in any construction project:
- Agreements for sale
- Sale deeds
- Deeds of Apartment
- Transfer deeds
Registration is prohibited if the prescribed supporting documents are not attached or if the flat area mentioned in the document exceeds the area shown in the sanctioned building plan.
Documents That Must Be Produced
For projects that require registration under Section 3 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 with MahaRERA:
- MahaRERA registration certificate
- Approved building plan clearly mentioning the area of the flat
For projects that do not require MahaRERA registration:
- Building permission or permit / Commencement Certificate issued by the competent authority
- Approved building plan mentioning the flat’s area
- Zone certificate
- Measurement map
In all cases, if the area of the flat stated in the sale or transfer document is greater than the area approved in the sanctioned plan, the document cannot be registered.
Action Against Sub-Registrars
The circular carries a clear warning: if any Sub-Registrar knowingly registers documents relating to unauthorized construction without complying with these instructions, a departmental inquiry will be initiated against the concerned officer.
Impact on Homebuyers and the Market
The order is aimed at bringing greater transparency to property transactions and discouraging builders from constructing or selling flats beyond approved plans. Homebuyers are expected to benefit as the risk of investing in unauthorized projects reduces. At the same time, buyers who have already paid for such flats may face difficulties in getting their documents registered, potentially leading to legal disputes.
Minister Bawankule’s office has confirmed that the instructions are effective immediately. The move is being seen as part of a broader push by the state government to tighten control over unauthorized construction and protect ordinary homebuyers.
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