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Why NRIs Are Rushing to Buy Farmhouse Plots Near PuneThe Rise of Plot Scams in Pune: How They Operate & How Buyers Can Stay Safe
Pune’s real estate landscape has grown rapidly over the past decade. Expanding IT hubs, growing infrastructure, and rising demand for second homes have made the city a magnet for investors. But alongside this growth, Pune has also witnessed an alarming increase in land-related fraud. These scams have become sophisticated, well-planned, and often involve networks of agents, document forgers, and impersonators.
Areas such as Mulshi, Wagholi, Baner, Tathawade, and Mohammadwadi have seen some of the biggest fraud cases in recent years. Understanding how these scams work is essential for anyone planning to invest in land around Pune.
- Forged Documents & Impersonation Scams
One of the most common forms of land fraud in Pune involves forged ownership records. Fraudsters prepare fake 7/12 extracts, falsified sale deeds, or bogus power of attorney papers. In many cases, they impersonate real landowners at registration offices using forged identity documents.
How This Scam Works
Scammers identify valuable land belonging to someone who lives outside Pune or abroad.
They recreate the owner’s documents using high-quality forgeries.
They use fake Aadhaar/PAN cards to pose as the owner.
The land is sold to an unsuspecting buyer at a seemingly legitimate rate.
These scams often go unnoticed until the real owner or vigilant neighbors discover that a fraudulent sale has taken place.
- Illegal Sale of Government or Restricted Land
Many plots in Pune are legally restricted — including government land, grazing land (gairan), forest-affected land, and land reserved for public projects. Fraudsters take advantage of complex land records and outdated documents to present such land as privately owned.
Typical Pattern
Scammers obtain older records where ownership details are unclear.
They manipulate or recreate entries to show private ownership.
They then sell the land cheaply, claiming fast appreciation.
Buyers later discover that the land cannot be transferred, developed, or registered, resulting in total financial loss.
- Misleading “Social Media Offers” for Farmhouse Plots
The rise of social media advertising has made it easy for fraudsters to attract buyers with glossy reels and unrealistically low prices. This trend is especially common in scenic areas like Mulshi and Velhe.
Typical Tactics
Extremely low per-guntha pricing to create urgency.
Attractive photos and drone shots of entirely different plots.
Charging booking amounts or “site visit fees” in advance.
Showing land that is either disputed, inaccessible, or not legally saleable.
Many buyers fall into the trap because of fear of missing out and attractive payment plans.
- Fraudulent “Pre-Launch” Plotting Projects
Several scamsters present large plotting layouts as “pre-launch opportunities” with promises of steep returns. These projects often lack basic approvals such as NA conversion, layout sanction, and RERA registration.
Red Flags
Heavy discounts for early bookings.
No RERA number displayed or ambiguity about approvals.
Vague timelines and incomplete paperwork.
Pressure to pay immediately to avail “pre-launch pricing.”
Such projects frequently stall, never begin, or get tangled in legal disputes.
- Multi-Sale of the Same Plot
This is a classic and still widespread scam in Pune. Fraudsters show the same plot to multiple buyers, take partial payments from all of them, and then disappear.
How This Scam Plays Out
A genuine-looking plot is shown.
Documents appear legit, often forged.
Booking amounts or part payments are collected from several buyers.
The scammer vanishes or the plot is later found to be disputed.
Victims often discover each other only when they try to register the property.
- Fraud Around Agricultural & NA Conversion Claims
Buyers looking for second homes or investment in green zones often get misled by promises of immediate NA (non-agriculture) conversion.
The Trap
Agricultural land is sold with the claim that NA conversion is “already applied for.”
Buyers are told they can start construction immediately.
Months or years later, buyers realise that NA conversion was never processed.
The land remains agricultural and cannot be used for the promised purpose.
This scam exploits the lack of understanding of Maharashtra land laws.
Why Pune Is Especially Vulnerable to Plot Scams
Several factors contribute to Pune’s high rate of land fraud:
High demand from IT professionals, NRIs, and investors.
Large areas of fragmented ownership make verification harder.
Complex revenue records and outdated documents.
Rapid expansion of city outskirts, where monitoring is weak.
Dependence on brokers, many of whom operate without regulation.
These conditions create the perfect environment for scammers to operate.
How Buyers Can Protect Themselves
Buying land requires more checks than buying a flat. Here are the essential safeguards every buyer in Pune should follow:
- Do a 30–35 Year Title Search
- Always Verify the Latest 7/12 Extract
The extract must match:
The seller’s name
Survey number
Land area
Type of land
Existing liabilities or reservations
Obtain it from the official revenue office or government portal.
- Check NA Status, Zoning, and Approvals
For plotting layouts:
Verify NA order
Layout sanction
RERA registration
Road access and DP reservations
A legally clean plot will always have complete documentation.
- Physically Inspect the Land
Visit the land with:
A local surveyor
A lawyer (if possible)
Boundary measurement tools
Confirm that the land shown matches the documents.
- Be Wary of Prices That Are Too Low
If the price seems too low for the location, it is likely that there is a problem. This is because scammers will often use low prices to lure people into buying plots that are priced well below market rate.
- Record All Payments
Make all payments through:
Cheques
Bank transfers
RTGS/NEFT
Do not pay in cash.
- Report All Suspicious Transactions Immediately
If you feel that something is not right:
Cancel the transaction
Consult a lawyer
Report the incident to the authorities
This will help you avoid losing more money.
Conclusion
The Pune real estate market is still a rapidly growing market, but buyers need to be very cautious. The plot scam today is a very complex and layered scam that involves fake documents and unethical networks. The only way to stay safe is to be aware and have all transactions checked by a lawyer.
PMRDA, District Administration Push for Land Acquisition for Nashik Phata–Khed Elevated Corridor
In order to alleviate traffic congestion along the Pune–Nashik highway, the district administration and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) have stepped up their efforts to finish the land acquisition for the upcoming Nashik Phata–Khed elevated corridor.
Project Overview
The 30-km elevated corridor between Nashik Phata and Rajgurunagar (Khed) will be developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The project, estimated at ₹7,827 crore, is expected to significantly reduce travel time and traffic snarls on this vital route, especially near industrial hubs like Chakan.
Land Requirement & Acquisition
Authorities have identified around 14 hectares of land needed for the project, primarily for entry and exit points. Out of this, 9.74 hectares belonging to around 150 landowners within PMRDA limits—covering villages such as Nanekarwadi, Waki Khurd, Waki Budruk, Chimbali, Kuruli, Medankarwadi, and parts of Chakan have been earmarked.
In areas under the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), particularly in Bhosari and Moshi, land acquisition is being facilitated through Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and Floor Space Index (FSI) transfers.
Financial Support
To cover remaining acquisition costs, a proposal seeking ₹262 crore in state aid has already been submitted. Authorities have assured that landowners will receive due compensation for the acquired land.
Challenges Ahead
Concerns have been voiced by a few Chakan landowners who demand payment for their holdings and assert that previous acquisitions for highway construction were never formally transferred. If these disagreements are not settled right away, the process may be delayed.
Road Ahead
The district administration has set a goal to finish the land acquisition by October 2025. Following the conclusion of the bidding process, construction is anticipated to start. Once the corridor is up and running, it should improve connectivity to the Chakan MIDC belt and beyond while also providing relief to thousands of daily commuters.
Source: Times of India
K Raheja Corp Subsidiary Acquires 7.43 Acres in Mahalunge, Pune for ₹195 Crore
Mumbai-based real estate major K Raheja Corp, through its subsidiary KRC Queens Pvt Ltd, has acquired 7.43 acres of land in Mahalunge near Hinjewadi, on the outskirts of Pune, for ₹195 crore, according to property registration documents accessed by CRE Matrix.
Mahalunge Real Estate Developers Pvt Ltd sold the land parcel, which was designated for a residential township project. On July 21, 2025, the deal was registered after ₹13.67 crore in stamp duty was paid.
As per the agreement, the plot is part of a notified integrated township project and offers a development potential of 1.51 lakh sq. metres (16.28 lakh sq. ft.), translating to a saleable area of approximately 17 lakh sq. ft.
Mahalunge, which is close to the busy Hinjewadi IT district, has become one of Pune's most popular real estate areas because of its better infrastructure and close proximity to job hubs.
This purchase complements K Raheja Corp's most recent expansion efforts. . Earlier in January 2025, the developer entered into an agreement to purchase 5.75 acres of land in Mumbai’s Kandivali area for ₹466 crore.
The newly acquired land in Mahalunge is expected to be developed into a premium residential township, leveraging the area’s connectivity and demand from professionals working in nearby IT and commercial hubs.
Property Division Now Possible for Just ₹100: A Major Relief for Families and Farmers
In India, family property disputes have long been a source of stress, frequently lasting years because of ambiguous ownership and expensive registration fees. Because formal land division was costly, time-consuming, and legally complex, many families have avoided it until now. Instead, verbal agreements were common, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and in many cases, prolonged court battles.
In a major reform, the government has now simplified the rules for legal land division, allowing families to complete the process officially at a cost of just ₹100.
The New Simplified Process
According to recent reports, the process has been made much more transparent and affordable:
- Family Register Update – Every family member must be listed in the Parivarik Register maintained by the local Circle Officer. Missing names will not be eligible for a share.
- Application Submission – Applicants need to provide ID proof, land ownership documents, and family relationship certificates, such as a ration card or family ID.
- ₹100 Stamp Paper – After approval, families can purchase a ₹100 stamp paper on which the division details, such as boundaries, shares, and names of each member, are recorded.
- Legal Ownership Issued – Once verified and registered, each member receives official ownership documents, enabling them to sell, mortgage, or apply for government benefits.
Benefits of the Reform
For farmers: Having clear land ownership makes it easier for them to access government programs and obtain agricultural loans.
For women, stronger property rights are ensured by the legal recognition of their share.
For Families: Makes land distribution clear and legally binding, preventing future conflicts.
A Step Towards Transparency
Experts note that this initiative will reduce land-related litigation and bring clarity to property ownership. This action is anticipated to greatly reduce the burden of the millions of cases involving inheritance and division that are still pending in Indian courts. Additionally, it supports the government's overarching objective of establishing an effective, transparent, and fraud-free land record system that benefits both urban and rural households.
Conclusion
All societal segments can now afford property division thanks to the government's simplification of the procedure and reduction of the cost to just ₹100. This reform ensures economic strength for farmers, legal empowerment for women, and peace of mind for families by simplifying and lowering the cost of what was once a complex legal process.
Sources:
SCMM News
The Times of India
Hindustan Times
Residents Request Halt to PMRDA’s Auction of Amenity Plots, Seek Civic Use
Residents have urged the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to halt its proposed auction of amenity plots, emphasising that the land should instead be utilised for civic purposes.
The availability of essential community infrastructure, such as parks, schools, health facilities, water systems, and public safety facilities, may be impacted by the sale of these plots, the locals stressed. Amenity plots are designed to satisfy public needs in accordance with regional planning regulations.
PMRDA has planned the auction of 35 amenity plots across various areas in the region, with a combined estimated base value of approximately ₹91 crore. Earnest money deposits for the plots vary according to their size and location.
Officials from PMRDA stated that the auction is being conducted in line with the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR). Additionally, they mentioned that some plots are set aside for public buildings like cultural centres and libraries. Similar amenity plot auctions have been held in the area before by PMRDA.
In spite of this, locals insist that these plots are essential for community growth and shouldn't be viewed as extra resources for making money. They have called for these lands to be preserved for civic purposes, citing the need for public infrastructure to support local population growth and development.
Source:TOI
Hiranandani Group & Krisala Group Join Forces for 105 Acre Landmark Township in Pune
Global professional services firm Colliers India has successfully facilitated a major joint development deal in Pune between two leading real estate developers — Hiranandani Group and Krisala Group.
The land parcel, spanning 105 acres in North Hinjewadi, Pune, is owned by Hiranandani Group. Colliers India suggested that a joint development model would maximise results for both parties when the company was first being considered for sale. The team created a well-balanced joint development agreement for a mixed-use project that would benefit both developers by minimizing up-front expenses and optimising potential returns.
The project is especially appealing because of the land's advantageous location. Professionals and locals alike can easily access North Hinjewadi thanks to the expanding infrastructure connectivity between Mumbai and Pune. Pune has a lot of potential for residential and commercial development because of the city's growing urban demand and the fast growth of its IT hubs.
In order to meet the needs of the present market and changing lifestyle trends, the future mixed-use township is designed to have high-end residential apartments, shops, and contemporary conveniences. It is anticipated that the partnership between Hiranandani Group and Krisala Group will establish a standard for excellent, punctual, and carefully thought-out developments in the area.
Source: The Reality Today