What are the steps to buy a flat in Maharashtra, from token to possession?
Shortlist and visit, check the project on MahaRERA and have an advocate check title, book with a small token (the builder can take at most 10% before a registered agreement), get your loan sanctioned, register the agreement for sale and pay stamp duty, pay instalments as construction progresses, then take possession after the Occupation Certificate.
Checked October 2026 by the V9 Realty team. Estimates only; the builder's cost sheet and your advocate have the final word.
The steps
- Set your all-in budget. Agreement value plus stamp duty, registration, GST if under construction, and deposits. See worked examples.
- Shortlist and visit. Two or three projects in one trip saves weekends. Use the site visit checklist.
- Check the project and title. MahaRERA registration and progress, then an advocate's title check.
- Book. Pay a booking amount against a receipt. Under RERA this can't exceed 10% of the cost before the agreement is registered.
- Arrange the loan. Many lenders pre-approve projects, which speeds this up. Get the sanction letter before committing to the payment schedule.
- Register the agreement for sale. You and the builder sign at the sub-registrar's office, and stamp duty and registration are paid now.
- Pay as the building rises. Instalments are usually linked to construction stages. Check progress against MahaRERA updates before each one.
- Possession. Take it only after the Occupation Certificate. Inspect the flat and list defects in writing; under RERA, structural defects reported within five years must be fixed by the builder.
- Society and transfer. The builder must help form the housing society and transfer the building and land to it.
Where we help
We plan visits, collect cost sheets, and track every step and payment date with you. Talk to an advisor.
Sources
- Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016
- MahaRERA
- Department of Registration & Stamps, Maharashtra (IGR)