India Real Estate Dictionary

Unit of land measurement equal to 43,560 sq ft or 4,047 sq metres. Commonly used for large land parcels, agricultural land, and industrial plots across India.

Legal doctrine where a person who possesses land for a sufficiently long period (typically 12 years in India) may claim legal ownership, even without title. A critical due diligence risk.

A legally binding document where seller agrees to sell and buyer agrees to buy a property at an agreed price and terms — but actual title transfer happens only at registration of sale deed. Governed by Transfer of Property Act 1882.

Land classified for agricultural use under state land records. Cannot be used for residential/commercial development without obtaining Change of Land Use (CLU) or NA (Non-Agricultural) order. Not covered under RERA.

Official document issued by a developer to a buyer confirming the allotment of a specific unit in a project. Typically issued after booking and initial payment. First formal document in builder-buyer relationship.

Common facilities in a housing project — club house, swimming pool, gym, gardens, children's play area, security. Under RERA, developers must deliver all promised amenities.

Self-contained residential unit in a multi-storey building. Under RERA, pricing must be disclosed on carpet area basis. Governed by Apartment Ownership Acts in various states.

Increase in property value over time due to location, infrastructure development, demand-supply dynamics, and inflation. Often cited as investment return on real estate.

A land development plan approved by the relevant development authority (GMADA, BDA, HSVP, etc.) confirming that the colony/layout meets regulatory requirements.

Provision in a builder-buyer agreement specifying that disputes will be resolved through arbitration rather than courts. However, under RERA, buyers can still approach the RERA authority regardless of arbitration clauses.

Document from the developer/builder showing the breakdown of carpet area, balcony area, common area share, and total super built-up area for a specific unit.

A promise by developer to pay a fixed return (rental or otherwise) to buyer during construction period. Extensively used as a sales tool but carries high risk if project is delayed or developer defaults.

Legal document authorizing one person to act on behalf of another in property matters. Commonly used by NRI buyers. Must be notarized and registered for property transactions.

In RERA context, refers to the State Real Estate Regulatory Authority constituted under Section 20 of RERA Act 2016 — e.g. HRERA (Haryana), MahaRERA (Maharashtra), UP-RERA.