A commencement certificate is a document that proves the legitimacy of a real estate project. We explain what exactly a commencement certificate is and its importance for a developer, as well as a home buyer
A commencement certificate is a document from the local municipal authority that permits the developer to begin the construction of the project. The commencement certificate (or CC) is usually granted, only after the developer has met the legal requirements and obtained the relevant sanctions for the building’s plan.
How can a developer obtain a commencement certificate?
Before beginning the construction of a new building or project, the developer must obtain a commencement certificate from the local authorities. Once the developer submits his plan for the project, the municipal authority will begin conducting several preliminary checks, before authorizing that the project is fit for commencement. During this time, the developer must be able to provide all the necessary no-objection certificates (NOCs) that are needed to begin new construction. He will also need to show proof of having obtained clearances from all the relevant departments, namely, the water department, fire department, sewage department, electricity department, etc.
Documents that a builder will have to submit
- Property documents
- Tax receipts
- Photographs
- NOCs from various government departments
Issuance of certificate
The commencement certificate is usually issued in two stages – first up to the plinth area and then, for the superstructure. The developer receives the commencement certificate, based on the findings of the inspection by authorities of the town planning and engineering departments. After having obtained all the required licenses and sanctions for the project, the developer lays the foundation of the superstructure and builds the boundaries of the project. Under the new RERA guidelines, a valid commencement certificate is a mandatory document, for a project to be considered RERA-approved.
What is the importance of a commencement certificate for a home buyer?
Until a developer receives the commencement certificate for his project, he is not authorized to begin construction on it. Therefore, a home buyer must not invest in a project, if the developer is unable to furnish a valid commencement certificate for it. One must also check whether the commencement certificate obtained by the developer, includes the floor on which he/she wishes to buy a property.
If you were to purchase a property in a project that does not have a valid commencement certificate, you run the risk of being the owner of the illegal property. This not only affects your legal title to the property, but you may also have to pay the necessary fines, for buying a property in an illegal project.
A commencement certificate is as important as an occupancy certificate. It ensures that you are purchasing a property in a project that has fulfilled all requirements. It cements your title over the property and saves you from possible legal troubles in the future.
Difference between encumbrance certificate and commencement certificate
A commencement certificate states that the builder can start working on a project. An encumbrance certificate shows that the project is clear of any liabilities.
Commencement certificate in local languages
| Language | Also called |
| Commencement certificate in Marathi | आरंभ प्रमाणपत्र |
| Commencement certificate in Kannada | ಪ್ರಾರಂಭ ಪ್ರಮಾಣಪತ್ರ |
| Commencement certificate in Telugu | ప్రారంభ ధృవీకరణ పత్రం |
| Commencement certificate in Hindi | प्रारंभ प्रमाण पत्र |
| Commencement certificate in Bangla | প্রারম্ভিক শংসাপত্র |
| Commencement certificate in Tamil | தொடக்க சான்றிதழ் |
Commencement Certificate: News updates
Redevelopment projects to be completed by MHADA within three years of obtaining CC
In August 2020, the Maharashtra cabinet cleared a proposal to speed up the redevelopment of cessed buildings within Mumbai city through the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA). Consequently, if the MHADA takes up the redevelopment, it must be completed within three years of taking the commencement certificate. At least 14,500 cessed buildings are set to benefit, following this move.
Source-https://housing.com/news/real-estate-basics-commencement-certificate/
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