Regularisation Application Process A Simple Guide to Legalising Your Property

You’re looking at pictures of your Mumbai home, sitting miles away in London or Dubai. That small extra balcony you built years ago suddenly feels like trouble. It seemed like a smart idea back then more space for family, some fresh air. But now, you’re hearing words like illegal construction and demolition notices.

Don’t worry. You’re not the only one.
Thousands of people in Mumbai and across India face the same problem small changes made without permission that turn into big legal issues later.

The good news? You can fix it.
By filing a regularisation application, you can make your home legal again. This guide explains how to do it step by step in clear, simple language.

Why You Need to Regularise Your Property Through the Regularisation Application Process

“Unauthorised construction” means you built something that wasn’t part of your original approved plan like adding an extra room, covering your balcony, or building one more floor. Sometimes, you even inherit such problems when buying an old flat.

Here’s what can go wrong if you don’t fix it:

• Money problems: You can’t sell your property or get a loan easily. Banks refuse if your building doesn’t have proper papers.
• Legal issues: The BMC or local authority can fine you or even order demolition.
• NRI worries: Imagine Rajesh in Dubai. His Andheri society built stilt parking without permission. Now his redevelopment plan is stuck and his rent income has stopped.

Regularisation helps you fix all this. It makes your property legal, increases its value, and opens doors for redevelopment in the future.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Regularisation

Let’s make the process easy to understand.

Step 1: Check If You’re Eligible

Before applying, check if your property can be regularised.

1. Find the issue: What’s the problem an extra balcony, a floor, or a small change in layout?
2. Know the rules: Each city has rules called Development Control Rules (DCR) that say what’s allowed.
3. Check government schemes: Maharashtra’s amnesty scheme allows some old buildings to get approval with fewer penalties.
4. Minor or major issue? Small problems like balcony changes are easier to regularise than extra floors.

Step 2: Collect the Needed Documents

You’ll need a few important papers before applying.

A. Ownership Proof

• Sale Deed or Title Deed
• Housing Society Share Certificate
• Latest Property Tax Receipts
• Electricity or Water Bills
• No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from your housing society

For NRIs: Add a Power of Attorney (PoA) so your local representative can handle things for you.

B. Technical Documents

• Original approved building plan (if available)
• “As-built” plan made by a licensed architect showing your current construction
• Structural Stability Certificate from an engineer

C. Other Forms

• Regularisation application form
• Affidavit agreeing to follow the rules and pay fees
• ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)

Tip for NRIs: Ask a local agent to submit everything for you. You won’t need to fly home.

Step 3: Pay the Regularisation Fees

The government charges some fees to legalise your property.

• Compounding Fees: A fine for the unauthorised area. It depends on the size and location of the property.
• Development and Scrutiny Fees: Small administrative fees.
• Amnesty Scheme Discounts: Under Maharashtra’s 2025 amnesty scheme, penalties are reduced or waived for eligible buildings.

Step 4: Submit and Track Your Application Online

Most cities now let you apply online no long queues or piles of paperwork.

1. Visit your city’s website (like the BMC portal for Mumbai).
2. Register using Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport.
3. Upload your documents and pay the initial fees online.
4. Save your application number you can track progress anytime.

Timeline: Application takes minutes to submit. Approval usually comes in 30 to 90 days, sometimes faster under special schemes.

What Happens Next

Once you apply:

• The Town Planning Department checks your documents.
• Officers visit your site for inspection.
• If everything matches, you’ll get a final fee notice.
• After payment, the authority gives you your Regularisation Certificate official proof that your property is now legal.

Why Regularisation Is Worth It

• Helps with redevelopment: Builders and banks prefer legal buildings. Regularised properties can get 20–30% higher value.
• Peace of mind: No more fear of notices or complaints from neighbours.
• Future-ready: Soon, all Occupation Certificates (OCs) will be digital. Getting regularised now keeps you ahead.

FAQs

1. Can NRIs apply from abroad?

Yes! You can apply online through the BMC portal using your passport or PoA.

2. How much are the fees for an extra floor?

Usually ₹10,000–₹50,000 plus 5% premium. Under the 2025 amnesty, many penalties are waived.

3. How does regularisation help in redevelopment?

It clears legal issues and makes your society eligible for builder tie-ups or self-redevelopment.

4. What documents do I need?

Ownership papers, as-built plan, NOC, ID proof, and self-assessment form. NRIs must add OCI copies.

5. Is there a scheme for unapproved plots?

Yes. The MMRDA’s 2025 scheme covers them. You can apply online with land photos and basic papers.

Take Charge: Make Your Property Legal

You started with worry about that unauthorised space. Now, you have the roadmap to fix it.

Filing a regularisation application is not just paperwork it’s a way to protect your investment and your family’s peace of mind.

So don’t wait.
Start the process today. Turn your property from “unauthorised” to fully legal and valuable.

Because your home deserves more than uncertainty it deserves security.

About lawcrust Realty

At LawCrust Realty, we stand apart as a premium real estate consulting partner for NRIs worldwide, offering end-to-end solutions in Property Management, Property Regularisation, Construction & Redevelopment, and Project Management Consulting.
Rooted in a legacy of legal and hybrid consulting, we understand the unique challenges NRIs face in managing and safeguarding Indian assets. Our mission is to bridge these gaps through compliance-driven execution, strategic foresight, and client-first innovation.
Whether it’s managing NRI-held properties, transforming long-pending assets into legally regularised holdings, or delivering turnkey redevelopment solutions LawCrust Realty combines authority with accessibility.
By choosing us, you don’t just solve property challenges from overseas you future-proof your assets with one of India’s most trusted and forward-thinking realty partners.

Contact LawCrust Today

• Call Now: +91 8450968472
• Email: inquiry@lawcrustrealty.com