Guides · Before you buy
Before you buy · 3 min readCommencement Certificate, Explained
Reviewed against MahaRERA rules · Informational, not legal advice
The short version: The Commencement Certificate is the authority's green light to build. Without it, anything on site is unauthorised — and buyers are the ones who lose.
What it is
The Commencement Certificate (CC) is the local planning authority's permission to start construction, issued once plans and NOCs are approved. It's typically granted up to a stage (say, the plinth) and extended as work rises.
Why it matters
No CC means the construction is not legally sanctioned — anything built is unauthorised and exposed to stop-work or demolition. Never book a flat the builder can't yet legally build.
Ask for the CC and confirm it covers at least your floor's stage; cross-check it against the sanctioned plan.
What to watch for
- “Pre-launch” bookings taken before the CC is issued.
- A CC for a lower stage than the floor you're being sold.
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This guide is general information to help you ask better questions — it is not legal advice, and it doesn't replace your own advocate or the official MahaRERA portal. Rules, rates and builder practices vary; always verify against the current MahaRERA record and your project's documents before acting.