What is Maharashtra’s ‘One State, One Registration’ policy, aimed at easing property registration

What is the ‘One State, One Registration’ policy?

Under the earlier system, buyers were required to register their documents at the sub-registrar’s office in the area where the property was located. For instance, if you bought a flat in Pune, you could register the transaction only at the relevant sub-registrar office, even if it was overburdened or difficult to access. This tended to result in overcrowding, delays and logistical inconvenience.

The new policy eliminates location-specific constraints. Now, whether you purchase in Pune, Nagpur or Nashik, you can register the property documents at any sub-registrar office in Maharashtra, at your convenience.

This change was implemented initially in Mumbai, and then in Pune and Thane from April 1. Altogether, 49 offices in Pune and 27 in Thane are already working under this system. The government planned its statewide roll-out in phases, covering all 519 sub-registrar offices by May 1.

How does this simplify property registration?

It considerably streamlines the property registration process, particularly in cities like Mumbai, Pune and Thane, where thousands of real estate deals happen every month.

State Revenue Minister Chandrasekhar Bawankule said, “This initiative will significantly ease the registration process by saving time and reducing paperwork for the public.”

This is especially helpful for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and senior citizens. Legal professionals and real estate agents also have much to gain, as they can efficiently manage operations across clients and geographies.

Does this affect the cost of registration?

This change does not lower the registration fees or the stamp duty, which depends on the market value of the property as well as where it is. But it saves on ancillary costs like travel costs, sending documents by courier, making numerous visits or delays that may have necessitated legal follow-ups.

What about changes in technology or documentation?

Despite the new aspect of flexibility, the fundamental legal formalities do not change. Buyers and sellers will still have to provide standard documents like the sale deed, gift deed, lease agreement, 7/12 extracts, mutation entries, tax receipts, identity proofs like PAN and Aadhaar cards, passport-sized photographs and an encumbrance certificate to confirm there are no legal dues on the property.

The state is also investing in technology for other, related processes. The government’s National Informatics Centre (NIC) is modernising software systems and implementing Geographic Information System (GIS)-based e-measurements, drone mapping, and blockchain-supported land records. These could improve accuracy in documentation, increase speed, and limit the scope for fraud, duplication and disputes.

How might this benefit Maharashtra’s real estate industry?

Maharashtra earned more than Rs 40 crore in stamp duty in 2023 alone. By streamlining the registration process, the state hopes to draw greater real estate activity and investment.

Experts say the policy has long-term benefits. “This is a big step towards democratising and digitalising real estate deals. It enhances confidence, simplifies red tape, and will lead more people to enter the market,” a Mumbai-based property consultant stated.