The process of buying a flat from builder can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced investor, legal due diligence is a must. Buying property is one of the most significant financial decisions in your life, and ensuring that every legal aspect is checked off can help avoid complications later. If you’re considering a home in Mumbai, SSB Group’s premium project ‘The Green Arc’ offers a promising opportunity. But before you proceed, here’s a comprehensive legal checklist to follow.

What Is the Process of Buying a Flat?

Before diving into the legal details, let’s understand what is the process of buying a flat. Typically, this involves the following steps:

  1. Shortlisting a Property
     Finalize the location, budget, and builder. Look for reputed developers like SSB Group, known for their commitment to transparency.
  2. Checking Legal Documentation
     Verify all the necessary approvals and clearances from the builder.
  3. Booking the Flat
     Once satisfied, pay the booking amount and get an allotment letter.
  4. Loan Processing (if applicable)
     Submit necessary documents for loan sanction from a bank or housing finance company.
  5. Agreement for Sale
     Register a legally binding agreement with the builder.
  6. Final Payment & Possession
     Make the final payment and receive the possession letter.

Understanding what is the procedure of buying a flat helps ensure you don’t miss out on essential legal steps, which are detailed below.

1. Verify Builder Credentials and Project Approval

Before signing any agreement, verify the builder’s credentials. For instance, SSB Group, the developer behind The Green Arc, is a trusted name in Mumbai’s real estate market.

Check the following:

  • Builder’s registration under RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority)
  • No pending legal cases or disputes
  • Track record of previous project completions

Also, ensure that the project is RERA registered, and approvals such as commencement certificate, building plan sanction, and environmental clearance are in place.

2. Title Deed and Land Ownership Verification

The title deed of the land on which the project is being built should be clear and in the name of the builder. This ensures that the builder has full rights to develop the property.

Request a copy of:

  • Mother deed (original ownership)
  • Encumbrance certificate (confirms property is not under legal dues or loan)
  • Sale deed (from previous transactions, if applicable)

Without clear title documents, your ownership may be challenged later.

3. Check the Building Plan Approval

The approved layout and building plan should be sanctioned by the municipal authorities. Any deviation from the approved plan can result in legal trouble or demolition orders in the future.

Always ask for:

  • Floor plan
  • Site plan
  • Parking layout (if you’re purchasing a parking spot)

4. Construction-Linked Payment Plan and Agreement

Before you buy flat in Goregaon East or any other Mumbai suburb, make sure you understand the payment plan.

The Agreement for Sale should clearly mention:

  • Total cost of the property
  • Payment schedule (construction-linked or time-linked)
  • Penalty clauses in case of delay by either party
  • Cancellation policy

The Green Arc by SSB Group offers transparent pricing and flexible payment plans, ensuring buyer peace of mind.


5. Check for RERA Registration and Documents

RERA mandates that all real estate projects be registered under the respective state RERA authority. This provides the buyer with legal protection.

Under RERA, the builder is obligated to:

  • Deliver the project within the promised timeframe
  • Provide compensation for delays
  • Ensure no deviation from approved plans

You can check the RERA registration of The Green Arc project on the official MahaRERA website.

6. Understand Stamp Duty and Registration Charges

When asking how long is the process of buying a flat, one must consider time spent on legal formalities like registration.

The buyer must:

  • Pay stamp duty as per the prevailing state laws
  • Register the Agreement for Sale at the local sub-registrar office

This process can take 2-3 weeks, depending on document readiness and appointment availability.

7. Home Loan and Legal Verification by Banks

If you’re taking a home loan, your bank will conduct legal verification too. They’ll check:

  • Builder’s legal documents
  • Project approvals
  • Your eligibility and credit score

Banks often prefer reputed builders like SSB Group, as their projects are more likely to meet all legal standards.

8. Possession and Occupancy Certificate

The final stage of the process of buying a flat involves possession. But before you move in:

  • Ask for the Occupancy Certificate (OC) from the builder
  • OC confirms that the building is complete and fit for occupation

Do not take possession without this certificate, as it is required for water, electricity, and other civic amenities.

9. Check for Society Formation and Maintenance Terms

Once possession is taken, ensure that:

  • The builder initiates formation of the housing society or RWA
  • Common amenities (gym, pool, security, etc.) are handed over
  • Maintenance charges and terms are clearly communicated

10. Link to Property Tax and Utility Bills

After taking possession, update your name in:

  • Property tax records
  • Electricity meter
  • Water connection
  • Gas line (if applicable)

This final step ensures legal ownership in civic records and avoids disputes in the future.

Final Thoughts

The process of buying a flat from builder is not just about location and budget; legal accuracy matters. Missing even a single document can lead to years of legal trouble. With reliable developers like SSB Group and premium offerings like The Green Arc, homebuyers are offered legal transparency and trust.

If you are planning to buy flat in Goregaon East, ensure you follow this legal checklist before committing to your dream home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How long is the process of buying a flat?
 Typically, the entire process – from shortlisting a flat to taking possession – takes 3 to 6 months, depending on project status and loan processing.

Q2. What is the process of buying a flat from builder in Mumbai?
 It includes choosing a builder, verifying project approvals, paying booking amount, signing sale agreement, registering documents, making payments, and taking possession.

Q3. What documents should I check before buying a flat from a builder?
 Check title deed, RERA certificate, building plan approval, agreement for sale, and occupancy certificate.

Q4. Is it necessary to register the flat?
 Yes, registering the sale agreement and final conveyance deed is legally mandatory for property ownership.

Q5. Why choose SSB Group’s The Green Arc?
 SSB Group is a reputed name in Mumbai’s real estate industry. The Green Arc offers legal transparency, modern amenities, and excellent connectivity in Goregaon East

6. What are the steps to buy a flat?

The steps to buy a flat typically include:

  1. Research & Shortlisting: Choose the location, budget, and builder.
  2. Site Visit & Builder Verification: Visit the project site and verify builder credentials (preferably RERA-registered).
  3. Check Legal Approvals: Verify title deed, building plan approval, and commencement certificate.
  4. Booking & Token Payment: Pay the booking amount and receive an allotment letter.
  5. Loan Application (if applicable): Apply for a home loan and complete document verification.
  6. Agreement for Sale: Sign and register the sale agreement with the builder.
  7. Stage-wise Payments: Make payments as per the construction-linked schedule.
  8. Final Payment & Possession: Pay the final amount and take possession of the flat.
  9. Registration: Complete property registration in your name at the sub-registrar office.
  10. Move-In & Update Records: Take possession and update your name in property tax, utility, and society records.

7. What is the builder agreement for flat purchase?

The builder agreement, also known as the Agreement for Sale, is a legal contract between the buyer and the builder. It outlines:

  • Total cost of the flat, including taxes and charges
  • Construction schedule and payment milestones
  • Possession date and penalty clauses for delay
  • Rights and responsibilities of both parties
  • Specifications of the flat (floor plan, amenities, etc.)
  • Cancellation and refund terms

This agreement must be registered with the sub-registrar and is legally binding under RERA regulations.

8. What documents should be checked before buying a flat?

Before buying a flat, check these important documents:

  • RERA registration certificate of the project
  • Title deed of the land to ensure clear ownership
  • Commencement certificate from municipal authorities
  • Building plan approval
  • Encumbrance certificate (to confirm no legal dues)
  • Allotment letter and agreement for sale
  • Developer’s license and corporate identity documents (if applicable)
  • No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from departments like fire, water, and electricity

Always ensure the project has the required statutory approvals before proceeding.

9. What documents are taken from builder at the time of possession?

At the time of possession, collect the following documents from the builder:

  • Possession letter
  • Occupancy Certificate (OC) or Completion Certificate (CC)
  • Final demand letter and payment receipts
  • Sale deed or Conveyance deed
  • Original copy of Agreement for Sale (if not already received)
  • Homeowner’s manual (with information about society, facilities, and maintenance)
  • Car parking allotment letter (if applicable)
  • Society handover documents (if the society is formed)