PUNE: Homebuyers under PMC limits may soon get a helping hand to prevent being duped while investing in properties, with the civic administration planning to release information on illegal constructions in advance.
Details about notices sent out regarding unauthorized real estate will be shared with the public through the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) official website.
The decision was taken after around 500 homebuyers were found to have been duped by developers in Ambegaon Pathar. Subsequently, the civic body had demolished several of these buildings for violating building permission norms last year.
PMC administrator Vikram Kumar told TOI, “Data about notices sent to illegal properties is being compiled. A committee has been formed to cross-verify these details. Thereafter, it will be uploaded. Homebuyers should refer to the same before paying for properties.”
Meanwhile, legal practitioners cautioned that consumers should ensure all due diligence is done about properties before buying them anyway. “The websites of authorities like the PMC and Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act should be checked. A proper search report should be obtained from a legal practitioner. The buyer should also follow steps like issuing a public notice about the property and getting help from banks for inspection and scrutiny of the property,” said Ninad Bagmar, a legal practitioner.
He added that documents like the sale deed, title deed, encumbrance certificate and occupancy certificate should be checked before signing a property deal.
Citizens looked forward to a reliable forum for property buyers to consult. Gauri Tarte, a Kothrud resident, said citizens who deal in cash are more liable to be duped. “If the buyer secures a loan, the deal can be subjected to some checks and balances. Those who procure a property in cash rely on the trust factor, like when it comes to agents. The probability of getting misguided is high. A reliable source for third-party assessment should be available for common buyers,” she said.
Darshan Kulkarni, a resident of Wakad, said recovery of money lost by buyers due to fraud or mismanagement by developers is a tough task. “The authorities should ensure that defrauded buyers get their money back without hassles. Buying a property is often a double whammy for common people — they have neither a reliable facility for legality guarantees, nor do they have an assured mechanism to get their money back if duped,” he said.
What sparked the move
Last year, the PMC had filed a complaint with the Bharati Vidyapeeth police against 11 developers for carrying out illegal constructions inthe Ambegaon Pathar areas.
The civic administration had subsequently demolished their properties, deeming them illegal, on December 28, 2023. According to a press note PMC issued, illegal constructions spread over 45,050 square feet were razed in the course of this drive.
PMC officials said they had issued notices to the developers concerned in 2021. However, despite the warning, they had continued to carry out illegal constructions and sold the properties.
In this matter, PMC has also initiated an inquiry against the civic officials responsible for monitoring illegal construction in these areas. If found guilty, the errant officials will face action, including suspension.
