The Importance of Legal Sanctions Before Buying Property

Investing your life savings in unapproved or unauthorized colonies carries severe risks, including denial of utility connections (electricity/water), non-issuance of building plans, and legal demolition notices. The Punjab Government and regulatory authorities have made online verification simple and transparent.

Step 1: Check RERA Punjab Registration (rera.punjab.gov.in)

Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, every commercial and residential project with over 8 apartments or 500 square meters of land must be registered with RERA Punjab before advertising or selling:

  • Visit rera.punjab.gov.in
  • Navigate to Registered Projects
  • Search by Developer Name or RERA Registration Number (e.g. PBRERA-...)
  • Review approved layout plans, completion timelines, and escrow account details.

Step 2: Check GMADA / PUDA / GLADA Approved Colony Lists

Regional development authorities regularly publish lists of approved and unapproved colonies:

  • GMADA (Mohali / New Chandigarh): gmada.gov.in
  • GLADA (Ludhiana): glada.gov.in
  • JDA (Jalandhar): jalandharda.gov.in
  • ADA (Amritsar): amritsarda.gov.in
  • PDA (Patiala): pdapatiala.gov.in

Essential Documents to Request from the Seller

  1. Approved Layout Plan signed by the Competent Authority.
  2. Change of Land Use (CLU) certificate.
  3. NOC from Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Fire Department, and Airport Authority (where applicable).
  4. Clear Title Deed and Non-Encumbrance Certificate (Search Report for last 30 years from Sub-Registrar office).