Maharashtra government is revising its proposal for vertical property cards, specifically targeting flat owners. This initiative aims to address the growing need for accurate property records in urban and rural areas, especially as vertical expansion in cities increases.
The revised vertical property card will serve as a comprehensive document that includes essential details such as ownership rights, carpet area measurement, and information about any bank loan secured against the property. This card is set to act as an independent record of rights, providing a clear and legally recognized register for individual residential apartments. Since 2023, the concept of vertical property cards has been under discussion, with the government planning its implementation after revisions were submitted ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The move, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, marks a significant shift in how property rights and documentation are managed across the state. A revenue official involved in the project highlighted that the new system would enhance transparency, reduce fraudulent property activities, and simplify property transactions. The vertical property card will complement the existing property cards (7/12 extract) in rural areas and urban land property cards, marking a transition to a more robust and efficient property management system.
This initiative is seen as a game-changer for property owners and potential buyers, particularly in apartment complexes, where no separate documentation currently exists for individual flats within a building. By implementing vertical property cards, the state aims to reduce risks associated with property transactions, making it easier and safer to buy and sell flats. The revised proposal also suggests the introduction of this system on a phased basis, starting with projects registered with the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA). Citizen activists, such as S. Joshi, have praised the initiative, seeing it as a much-needed step toward simplifying property ownership verification and improving the real estate market’s transparency.