Redevelopment can truly transform an ageing society into bigger homes, better amenities, enhanced safety standards, and a significant rise in property value. But before any of that begins, there’s one thing societies often overlook.

👉 Having the right documents in place.

Missing paperwork is one of the top reasons redevelopment projects get delayed or stuck with municipal authorities.
So if your society is planning to redevelop, consider this your go-to checklist - simple, practical, and based on real redevelopment cases we’ve seen while working with thousands of buyers and brokers.

You can also explore similar redevelopment guides and resources on The Propertist, where we break down real estate concepts for homeowners and societies.

Let’s break it down step-by-step.

1. Society Registration Certificate

What is it?
This is your society’s birth certificate—proof that your housing society is legally registered with the government.

Why is it important?
No developer, architect, or authority will move forward without confirming the society’s legal status. It is the first document needed for almost every redevelopment approval.

2. Original Building Plan

What is it?
The approved blueprint of your existing building—showing structure, floors, wings, and layout.

Why it matters:
Developers use this to calculate FSI, assess redevelopment potential, check structural compliance and avoid discrepancies later.
Think of it as the master key that shapes your new building.

3. Conveyance Deed / Lease Deed / Sale Deed

What is it?
A legal document that proves who actually owns the land your building stands on.

Why it matters:
During redevelopment, ownership clarity is crucial to transfer rights, seek approvals, and establish authority.
If your society doesn’t have conveyance yet, it’s important to start the process immediately—many societies get stuck here.

4. Copy of Society Resolution

What is it?
The official resolution passed by society members adopting redevelopment.

Why it matters:
It reflects the consent and will of the members—something developers and authorities must verify before proceeding.
Without this, the process is legally incomplete.

5. Property Card

What is it?
A government-issued record carrying plot details, ownership info, and history.

Why it matters:
Municipal authorities always ask for a property card while approving redevelopment proposals.
It verifies the land’s identity and official ownership.

6. D.P. Remark (Development Plan Remark)

What is it?
Information from the city’s Development Plan detailing zoning, reservations, or restrictions on the plot.

Why it matters:
It ensures the redevelopment complies with urban planning laws—especially in Mumbai where zoning rules directly affect buildable areas.

7. 7/12 Extract

What is it?
A revenue record showing the name of the landowner and survey details.

Why it matters:
It eliminates future ownership disputes and confirms that the land is legitimately held by the society or its members.

8. Search Report & Title Certificate

What is it?
A legal investigation into the land title conducted by an advocate.

Why it matters:
This confirms the land has a clear, dispute-free title—crucial for member safety and developer confidence. Banks also rely heavily on this document while funding redevelopment projects.

9. Index II

What is it?
A government-generated record confirming the registration of property transactions, including society ownership.

Why it matters:
It is frequently required for loans, redevelopment permissions, and legal scrutiny.

10. N.A. Order (Non-Agricultural Permission)

What is it?
Permission to convert land from agricultural use to non-agricultural (buildable) use.

Why it matters:
No redevelopment can legally commence without this. Buildings can only be constructed on NA land—period.

11. City Survey Plan

What is it?
A map prepared by the city survey office showing plot boundaries, measurements, and surrounding parcels.

Why it matters:
Helps architects and developers plan accurately, avoid boundary disputes, and speed up municipal approval.

12. Any Other Society Documents

This includes older deeds, handover documents from the builder, land agreements, layout approvals, or anything tied to the society’s property.

Why it matters:
Every historic document—no matter how small—can be useful in legal verification.
During redevelopment, missing history = unnecessary delays.

✅ Why Having These Documents Ready Helps Your Society

When societies prepare their documentation early:

• ♦     Approvals move faster

• ♦     Members stay informed and confident

• ♦     Developers trust the process more

• ♦     Legal disputes are avoided

• ♦     The entire project stays on track

Final Thoughts

Redevelopment is not just about getting a new building—it’s about securing your home and your future.
Having the right documents in place sets the foundation for a smooth, transparent and time-efficient redevelopment journey.

If you want more simplified guides on redevelopment, legal documents, FSI, or property buying, you can check out our detailed explainers on The Propertist Blog.

FAQs

1. What are the most important documents needed before a society starts redevelopment?

The essential documents include the Society Registration Certificate, original building plan, conveyance deed, property card, 7/12 extract, DP remarks, NA order, title certificate, search report, and city survey plan. These form the backbone of all legal and municipal approvals.

2. Can a society begin redevelopment without conveyance?

Technically, redevelopment approvals become difficult without conveyance because the society must prove ownership of the land. However, societies can apply for deemed conveyance, which helps them proceed legally even if the builder has not handed over the original conveyance.

3. Why is the original building plan important for redevelopment?

The original building plan helps architects and the developer understand the existing structure, calculate FSI, check plot potential, and plan a compliant redevelopment proposal. Missing plans often lead to approval delays.

4. What is the role of a title certificate in society redevelopment?

A title certificate confirms that the land has a clear and marketable title. It ensures there are no disputes, claims, mortgages, or litigations on the property—protecting society members during redevelopment.