Information, insight, ideas and solutions for better cities

Info Hub: Buying, renting, owning property in Bengaluru

Information to help you navigate property transactions with ease and confidence

Buying and owning property may give you a sense of pride and security. But whether you have acquired it as an investment or to reside in, it comes with responsibilities. Property ownership and management can also be a pain if you don’t have the right guidance! If you plan to buy a property in Bengaluru, sell it, or need to maintain your existing property, the legal requirements and processes are not always easy and intuitive. This informative page provides you with all that you need to know!

SECTION A: Regulations and Paperwork

Having all your papers in order is the first prerequisite to any smooth transaction. Before buying any property, for example, it is essential to investigate all the documents provided by the present property owner and authenticate them with the agencies issuing the documents.

There are two kinds of documents — primary and secondary documents of title. Primary documents of title are the most essential documents related to the property. They show the ownership history of the property being sold.

Some of the secondary documents of title help to corroborate the information mentioned in the primary documents of title. The other secondary documents help the buyer assess whether the building is compliant with regulations of various agencies and if it has been built according to the sanctioned plan.

SECTION B: Rules and regulations for apartment complexes and gated communities

Buying an apartment in a gated community in Bengaluru offers a blend of comfort, convenience, and security. However, it’s crucial to consider factors like legal clearances and other ownership issues before making a purchase.

  1. Six things that can stop you from falling for shady property deals: Proceeding with registration when builders do not provide occupancy certificate is a risk that might make your property a B-khata property. Think before going ahead with registration!
  2. Khata guide for apartments: Obtaining khata certificate and extract, tailored for an apartment.
  3. Builders must get occupancy certificate before handing project over to buyers: Consumer Court: If the builder hands over the apartment before completion of formalities, what can the buyer do? Law is on the buyer's side - an apartment is considered ready only after an Occupancy Certificate is given.
  4. Who controls the parks in your layout?: Zoning rules say that 10–15% of land in layouts should be relinquished for parks that should open to the public.
  5. The apartment law you must know: The Karnataka Societies Act is not the right law to register apartment owners associations. In Bengaluru, this has already led to legal battles between owners and builders.
  6. Six mistakes to avoid while devising apartment association byelaws: Avoid these mistakes if you are running around in order to form the owners' association for your apartment complex in Bengaluru.
  7. How we registered our Apartment Owners Association under KAOA, 1972: Here’s how owners of a new apartment complex can ensure their association is formally registered under Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act (KAOA), 1972.
  8. High rises in Bengaluru: Here’s what you need to know!: Aviation safety and high rises in Bengaluru: Here's some knowledge no property dealer would want to share with you!

SECTION C: Responsibilities of a home-owner

Responsible ownership and compliance with rules and guidelines can make for safe, hassle-free living.

Safety

Builders are usually blamed for fires in apartments. However, according to the rules, it is residents' responsibility to renew fire NOC and ensure inspections. Here's how to make apartments fire-safe, and what to do in case of a fire.

Property tax

Every year, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) collects property tax in April and May. These articles capture the chronology, timelines and changes in property tax collection methods.

Water and Waste Management

BBMP has classified apartments and gated communities as "bulk generators" of waste, putting them on par with commercial properties. Check the rules which govern them.

Also, BWSSB now mandates that apartments install internal water meters. Check out more on that, plus a comprehensive list of the critical questions to ask about water systems and availability while buying a house.

SECTION D: Live sustainably in Bengaluru’s apartment complexes and gated communities

Living sustainably in apartment complexes and gated communities in Bengaluru calls for a combination of energy conservation, water conservation, waste management, sustainable transportation, and community initiatives. Through our articles and discussions, we have come upon many interesting case studies as well as expert tips that suggest some ways to achieve this:

Waste Management

The mantra of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle is at the heart of any vision of sustainable living. Learn about decentralised waste management, especially composting, and its impact!

 

Gardening

Kitchen gardens and terrace gardens can provide food and bring biodiversity into your community!

 

SECTION E: Living harmoniously

The Apartment Owners’ Association is comprised of a large number of individuals. Its smooth operation relies solely on the collaboration and mutual understanding among its members. AOAs are responsible for maintaining common areas, managing finances, resolving disputes among residents, and ensuring the safety and security of residents.

Apartments often witness debates on pets and difference of opinions between pet parents and other residents. Clear guidelines and knowledge of law could help reduce such conflicts.

We hope you found these explainers on
Bengaluru’s property matters helpful!

At Citizen Matters, we dig deep to bring you clear, accessible and actionable information. But producing such impactful content takes resources.

To keep this work going, we need your support.

Donate Today!