Category Selling Property

Occupancy Certificate and Partial Occupancy Certificate – All you need to know

When one purchases property to move into, or for investment purposes, its pros and cons come along with it. Formalities need to be completed and documents, such as an occupancy certificate or a partial occupancy certificate, need to be procured before one transports their belongings all the way across the country or hires movers to move them from the opposite building. These two documents are just as important as the rest, if not more.

 

Partial-Occupancy-Certificate-Before-Moving

 

On completion of a building / project, the builder must apply for OC to the local authority in charge. An occupancy certificate is issued to him, stating that the residences in the buildings constructed by him are fitted with all the facilities and utilities as promised at the time of construction. This means that the premises are fit for occupancy.

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But when does the need for a partial occupancy certificate arise?

A partial occupancy certificate comes into the picture when there are blocks or phases of large projects to be developed with varying completion dates. When the construction of one phase is completed, the concerned authority grants a Partial OC to the builder after thorough inspection of the building. Similarly, phases that are completed after that are given a Partial OC as well.

 

partial-occupancy-certificate

 

A Partial OC is replaced by a consolidated document called the OC (Occupancy Certificate) stating that the entire project has reached its completion point and is now deemed fit for occupancy. All the Partial OCs for that particular project become invalid once the Final OC has been granted. Until then, they act as the OC for that particular phase. The concept of Partial OC has always existed but it is becoming increasingly significant nowadays, since townships and other residential areas are being built in phases.

 

An OC and a Partial OC certify compliance to –

 

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  • Fire Service Department
  • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
  • Pollution Control Board (including Sewage Treatment Plant)
  • Forest Department
  • Parking regulations
  • Electricity Board (including elevators)
  • Waste Disposal and Management facilities
  • Rainwater harvesting facilities
  • Airports Authority clearance, if the project is within the range of an airport

 

house-health-check

 

 

How does an OC come into the picture at the time of redevelopment?

If there is redevelopment taking place or there are additional floors to be built, the developer obtains a Partial OC for every flat on every floor that is constructed and ready for possession. This Partial OC is also replaced by a final OC at the time of completion of project. If, for whatever reason, the project has not been completed or was unable to be finished within the specified duration or permissible time limit, construction should be stopped. After that, an inspection will follow, based on which a final OC will be granted to the residents.

 

Partial Occupancy Certificate

 

Importance of OC and Partial Occupancy Certificate:

  • Legal and immediate possession of a flat is valid only if there is the OC or Partial OC to show for it.
  • Builders cannot hand over flats to buyers without receiving the OC from the concerned authority in charge.
  • Without an OC, buyers / owners are not eligible for any insurance or compensation claims.
  • Possession of a Partial OC lets one apply for sanitary, water and electricity connections. Even if these facilities have been made available without an OC, they are liable to get disconnected.
  • OC is generally required to get a home loan sanctioned by a financial institution. With a Partial OC, one may not get an approval for their home loan.
  • Application for Partial OCs and OCs need to be submitted within 30 days of completion of the project / phase. The local authority, in turn, must respond within 30 days of receipt of the application, providing an acceptance or rejection and reasons for the same. The OC is a necessity when one wishes to sell their flat.
  • An OC or Partial OC tells you about the extent of deviation from the sanctioned plan and acts as an assurance to its regularisation, if the violations are within 5 percent of –
    (1) the setback that is to be provided around the building
    (2) plot coverage
    (3) floor area ratio
    (4) height of the building.
    The deviations are regularised after the modified plan is approved by the authority in charge.

 

If you have purchased a flat that is under the phased development plan, insist on getting a Partial OC. This is valid until the project is under construction. Then make sure you replace it with an OC once it is completed. Keeping these important documents safe and available whenever they are required is of utmost importance. These are synonymous with other necessary compliance that ensures the safety of the flat and the quality of facilities that are being provided. The amenities and services that a flat owner receives must live up to the quality that was promised by the builder. Getting an OC / Partial OC helps to acknowledge this.

 

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Thoughts and comments

If you have any thoughts on the partial occupancy certificate, please do share them with us by commenting below.
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Carpet Cleaning Tips As Per Different Types Of Smears

Got a carpet for your home but it doesn’t look new anymore? These tips will teach you how to clean your carpet effectively and get back that brand new look.

 

  • Regular clean-ups:

    • Your carpet is the main focus of your room. So, keeping it clean by vacuuming it at least once a week or fortnightly is a habit that will extend the life of your carpet.
    • Prevent dust accumulation by doing so, especially if there are children in the house.

how to clean your carpethow to clean your carpet

 

  • Affairs in odour:

    • Baking soda is a regular for getting rid of odours in general and it works just as well on carpets.
    • If your carpet is unattached to the floor, drying it in the sun is the most natural way to get rid of a stench.
    • Another option would be to add 5-7 drops of your favourite essential oil to any cleaning concoction, spritz the carpet and vacuum after a few minutes.

how to clean your carpet how to clean your carpet

 

  • Mould / Mildew:

    • A mixture of lemon juice and salt or hydrogen peroxide (3% or less) and water will help in killing the fungi that cause moulds.
    • A non-chlorine bleach would work just as well but testing it out on an inconspicuous area of the carpet first is advisable.

how to clean your carpet

 

  • Accidental spills:

    how to clean your carpet

    The best way to reduce damage to the carpet due to a spill is by absorbing most of the liquid as quickly as possible with a dry, white cloth. 

     

    • Never rub a stain as it will reinforce the stain/debris into the carpet and wreck the carpet fibres. We cannot stress more on this fact.
    • Work your way inward by starting the blotting process from the edges of the spill.
    • In case of food, pick it up off the carpet and pat the area lightly with a soft, clean paper towel.
    • Apply dry baking soda on the area and let it sit until it foams and pat the area again.
    • Do not rub the stain as it will push the matter deeper inside and make it extremely ugly and difficult to work with later.how to clean your carpet
    • Wine stains can be taken out by first applying cold water and then by using –
      • A generous amount of salt to absorb the liquid
        OR
      • A mixture of a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide (upto 3%) and dish soap. This is best saved for light coloured fabrics as hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent. Spray soapy water and subsequently, lukewarm water after that.
        OR
      • White wine / vodka dilutes the red colour when applied instantly to the red wine spill. Blot the area with a sponge and apply a thick baking soda paste on it. Cover the stain with a clean cloth and apply slight pressure to it. Let it sit overnight and vacuum the baking soda once it is dry.how to clean your carpet
    • Coffee and other stains can be taken out by using ordinary shaving cream or a liberal amount of club soda and letting it stay for a few minutes before spraying it with water.

how to clean your carpet

 

  • Ink blot:

    • Pure alcohol will make your ink worries disappear, because that’s where the magic of alcohol lies. Use alcohol on the ink stain to release it from the fibres.
    • Always blot ink or any other liquid from the outside to the inside to avoid spreading the spill.
    • Shaving cream can also be used to get rid of an ink blot. But, make sure you get rid of the foam that is formed by adding water, dabbing gently and vacuuming.
how to clean your carpet how to clean your carpet

 

  • Greasy smears:

    • Corn flour can help to get rid of sticky messes on the carpet as it dries out the stickiness. But, it must be used immediately.
    • Chewing gum and other sticky substances can also be taken off by using an ice cube to harden them first.

how to clean your carpethow to clean your carpet

 

  • Wane wax:

    • Do not fret if wax has dripped onto your precious carpet, especially if it has dried up. Heating it will make it come off just as easily. Place a white cloth over it and iron the cloth for a little less than 30 seconds to warm it up, so that you can scrape it off with a butter knife.

how to clean your carpet
how to clean your carpet

 

  • Oil aboard / Crying over crayon:

    • One teaspoon of dishwashing liquid (without bleach) should be diluted in one cup of water and sprayed onto the carpet and blotted until the oil / crayon stain lifts.

how to clean your carpet how to clean your carpet

 

  • Blood work:

    • Paper cuts or other causes of blood drops on your carpet shouldn’t raise your blood pressure since the dried blood can be made loose with a concoction of water and a mild detergent. It can then be scraped off. The remaining blood can be removed with hydrogen peroxide. Foaming is normal on application. Blot with a dry towel to finish up.

how to clean your carpet

 

  • Pet peeves:

    • The most well-trained furry friends can accidentally muck up the carpet. One easy, but gradual, DIY solution to this is to create a blend of 30ml of water, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1/2 a cup of citrus fruit peels (like oranges or lemons) in a container. Shake it well and let it sit for 3 months (you read that right) and your naturally prepared suspension will be ready for a cleaning.

how to clean your carpet how to clean your carpet

 

  • Throw ups:

    • Blot as much as you possibly can and dilute it with club soda or baking soda. Then apply 1 tablespoon of ammonia to 10 tablespoons of water and spray it on the soiled area. Let it sit for a few minutes, spray cold water over it and then blot again. Vacuum the area after it has dried.

how to clean your carpet how to clean your carpet

 

  • Water trouble:

    • We know that most of the remedies we have given you make use of water. But, that is because your carpet has already been ruined. Water ruins carpet texture so keep it as far as it can be kept from carpets, unless it is needed for cleaning.
    • In case of a spill, blot the area and absorb as much water as possible with a dry cloth or paper towels.
    • If there is excess moisture in the carpet, place thick white towels on the spot and weigh them down with a heavy object like a big book to add some pressure.

how to clean your carpethow to clean your carpet

 

Quick suggestions:

  • As much as you might have heard about vinegar being a good stain remover, avoid using it since it contains acid and that could ruin the carpet’s delicateness.
  • One obvious piece of advice that we’d like to remind you of is to test any new cleaning method on a small area first.
  • To prevent the carpet from catching rust stains from furniture, place a foil or plastic sheet beneath the legs.
  • If your carpet has lost some colour in the cleaning process, touch it up with a little acrylic paint, felt pens or permanent marker.

 

While looking to buy a home, one of the first things a buyer notices is the condition of the carpet. So, keeping it well-maintained will increase the chances of a sale you’ve been wanting to bag.

how to clean your carpet

 

These solutions cover, pretty much, every carpet complication that could arise and are enough to get you through the tough day you might need them for. Hopefully, you don’t wonder about how to clean your carpet on such a day. Bookmark this guide to access it whenever you need to. Until then, you learn something new every day.

 

Do let us know if you have any additional information relevant to carpet cleaning in the comment section below.

 

how to clean your carpet

 


What are the factors that influence property valuation in India?

Property Valuation Over time, property investments offer handsome returns but the initial investment is always heavy on the pocket. Before buying the property, one should try to evaluate a property in every possible way. Always try to look at the appreciation rate of the property after given number of years. Let’s have a look what are the factors that affect the appreciation rate or the property valuation in India:

Location – Location is the prime factor that affects the property valuation rate in India. Properties based in commercial areas seem to have a higher appreciation rate in comparison to properties located in residential areas. If your property is close to a major IT hub, it is obvious that the rentals, demand and price for your property goes up since people working close by will have the desperate need to always rent or buy the property.

Properties located in the heart of the city surrounded with good infrastructure, schools, hospitals, markets, malls are more expensive than the properties in upcoming and under developed areas. Where would you like to invest and what seems to give you double returns is something you need to ponder upon. Talk to local property dealers, developers from a very developed part of the city and an upcoming area. Compare the property appreciation rate trend in both areas and then make a decision.

Connectivity – Connectivity is another major reason that affect the property valuation in India. Good infrastructure such as airport, metro, flyovers and roads, if are in near proximity to your property, you can expect your property rate to appreciate. When planning to buy properties in under developed areas of the city, always research about the nearby infrastructure that is yet to be built. If you invest in an under developed area, which has some great infrastructure plans in next five years, you may be looking at a whopping rate of appreciation for your property.

Construction Quality – The quality of construction to build a particular property is very important in valuation of a property. The material, design, layout, architecture and the longevity of a building all add to the valuation of a property. Buying a property from a known and reputed builder like Sobha, Lodha, Prestige, DLF who are known for their construction quality will always lead to a higher appreciation rate for your property. In case, you are buying property from one of the local builders, be very sure about it since you don’t want to spend on repairing etc. due to low quality of construction leading to a depreciation in your property rate. Look at some of their prior projects, talk to buyers, take feedback and then take a decision.

Amenities – Presently, common amenities such as pool, gym, parking, garden area and community centre all add value to your property. The urban buyers don’t just look at square feet area of the house anymore, they also want amenities, which makes their life convenient and comfortable. A property coupled with amenities will obviously appreciate more than a just a regular property with no amenities. If you are looking at a property to live in yourself, obviously amenities become an essential but in case you are just looking for a second investment in property, you may want to forego the amenities if the infrastructure next to your property is superb.

Interiors and customization – Good interiors like high quality wood work, top quality bathroom fittings, superior quality paint and top–end flooring etc. add value to your property. Some customers modify their regular kitchens into modular kitchens, a closed living room is customized into an open living room cum dining space, which obviously appreciates the value of the property. The properties with customized rooms or modern fittings obviously appreciate at a higher rate than the regular properties.

Evaluate all the above mentioned factors and then take your property investment decision; after all it’s your hard earned money and you don’t want to just give it away like that.

Best of luck!


Property Value Estimate: How To Crunch The Numbers

When you decide to put your property up for sale, the first thing you need to do is get a property value estimate done. To calculate the value of a property, you need to consider a number of factors, which may be direct or indirect in nature. While direct factors include location and square footage, indirect factors may include real estate climate market and demographic changes.

Commonly Used Method For Property Value Estimate

The most accurate and commonly used method for property value estimate is the Comparable Sales or Market Comparison method. In this method, the sales of similar houses in the neighborhood over the last six months is identified and recorded, and the value of your property is suitably assigned. For instance, if properties similar to yours have been sold in the neighborhood in a range varying from Rs. X to Rs. Y, then the value of your property will also take the range from Rs. X through Rs. Y.

Factors That Matter

Start By Finding The Rates In The Neighborhood

You can either run an online search or directly visit the website of your local government or municipality to determine rates of neighborhood properties similar to yours. It’s likely that the rates are determined by numerous agencies, both government and non-government. You need to record those rates, which often take into account factors such as square footage and the number of facilities.

The Physical Dimensions Of Your Property

  • Square Footage: To apply the rates/sq. foot in your neighborhood to your own property, you must first be aware of the square footage of your property. Be sure to have it measured.
  • Location: It’s one of the most important factors. Typically, over a kilometer radius around your property is in consideration. The presence of facilities such as parks, schools, and bus stops add to the value of your property.
  • Bedroom-Hall-Kitchen (BHK): In addition to square footage, the BHK of a house is very important. It’s used like a unit. In common parlance, properties are identified as “2BHK” or “3BHK,” meaning that there are 2 bedrooms, a hall, and kitchen, or 3 bedrooms, a hall, and kitchen.

The Economic And Real Estate Climate

This is an indirect factor, as it doesn’t influence the value of your property directly. When the economy is looking up, there is an increased flow of money, resulting in increased purchases of property. Similarly, in times of economic gloom, the property purchases reduce. In either situation, the market value is influenced. The price of properties increases when the number of homes available for sale does not meet the demand. On the other hand, the price decreases when there are more sellers than buyers.

Since getting a property value estimate done is essential for a smooth sale, you should not ignore these crucial factors. Take them into consideration, arrive at a value, and you’re ready to make that sale!


Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!


Tips For Selling Your House – What Every Seller Should Know

You’ve decided to sell your house, and are now looking for ways to market it. Or you have already put your house up for sale, but somehow you aren’t receiving as many phone calls and visits as you expected. The reason for the lack of buyer interest may not be the price you are quoting, as is often assumed. Here are a few useful tips for selling your house.

Top Five Tips For Selling Your House

Get Online

The internet offers plenty of space for home-sellers like you. All you would need to do is get on the web, identify popular real estate websites, and post your ads on them. The use of internet is all-pervasive, and the buyers aren’t missing out. The convenience of searching and identifying properties over the web is unparalleled. List your property, and let the buyers find you.

But Don’t Forget the Sign Boards

Make the house you have on sale more visible. One of the simplest and most effective ways of achieving more visibility is by putting up a large, visible board simply saying: House on Sale. People walking by the house will immediately know of it, and interested buyers may even walk right into your house to speak to you about it. Now, isn’t that attracting more buyers?

Go For Effective And Cheap Marketing

Who says you have to depend on marketing professionals to increase market exposure? You could do it yourself. After posting ads on websites related to real estate, send out emails to your contacts who might be interested or who might know people who will be interested in your property. Chances are that they will forward the email to the right people. Let your emails connect with the buyers, so that they feel more confident about visiting your house to consider buying it.

Don’t Forget The Print Medium

The Internet is not replacing newspapers and magazines, at least not in the near future. So it would be wise to use some space in your local newspaper for marketing your house. It need not be anything lengthy or flashy. Keeping it clean and simple is the way to go, and you’ll suddenly hear that phone ringing a lot more.

Make Them An Offer They Can’t Resist

People love discounts, deals, and offers. If you can provide a limited time offer, you will likely increase the number of people calling you up to inquire about the house. Get creative when you come up with offers. You could either directly reduce the price of the house, or help the buyer in financing. Irrespective of what you offer, if you show the buyers that you’re willing to do something extra, they may very well start flocking to your nest.

Besides the above tips for selling your house, make effective use of the power of word-of-mouth. Tell your friends, relatives, colleagues, and anyone else about your house being on sale. It will certainly attract plenty of buyers, and will help you make that sale.


Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!


Selling A House – A Look At The Paperwork Involved

Get your papers in order if you’re planning on selling a house. It’s very important for the buyer to establish the authenticity of the property, and to know what, or where, he’s getting into. So reach out for the documents listed below, and keep them ready.

Important Documents For Selling A House

  1. Sale Deed: A sale deed is required for the purpose of tracing the ownership of the property. You’ll need the original sale deed from the previous owners of the property as well, to confirm its authenticity. Possessing a sale deed also means that the property is in your name, and that you’re authorized to sell it.
  2. Letter of Allotment: The Letter of Allotment contains all the details regarding your property. It was given to you by the relevant authority when you purchased this property. It is of great significance to the buyer since he can show it to the bank in order to avail a loan. The letter will indicate to the bank the sum that they can lend if the loan is approved.
  3. Documents From The Society: You will need the permission of the housing society or any relevant authority to sell your property. Here’s what you need to do. The previous and current sellers would have made payment to the housing society or development authority. For that, they would have received original stamped payment receipts. Collect these receipts. As being part of the housing society, you would have received a share certificate. A copy of that certificate should be kept ready, along with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) that says it’s okay to transfer the share certificate to the prospective buyer, if applicable. You will also need to obtain a certificate from the society which certifies you as having made all the required payments to the society. Collect, fill up, and sign the membership transfer form from the society.
  4. Encumbrance Certificate: To ensure that the land you’re selling does not have any legal dues, an encumbrance certificate needs to be produced. It shows the prospective buyer that the house he or she is buying has a clear and marketable title.
  5. Sanctioned Plan: The Sanctioned Plan sets down the plan of the apartment building, including such factors as the height of the building and floor area ratio. The buyer will feel secure after receiving the sanctioned plan, as he or she will know how the property that he is purchasing is going to look like.
  6. Sales Agreement: The sales agreement serves as a contract under which the ownership of the house is transferred from the seller to the buyer in exchange for a specified sum of money. It basically obligates the seller to sell according to the agreed terms.

What If Any Paperwork Is Missing?

Selling a house is impossible if you have misplaced any of the prerequisite paperwork. Your only option is to file for registration and pay any outstanding amount. The housing society will have a duplicate copy of the share certificate if the original copies are misplaced. In addition to a confirmation by the housing society, an indemnity bond should be furnished if the sale deed has been misplaced.


Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!