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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 Fraudsters take advantage of complex land records and outdated documents to present such land as privately owned.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.
Price of farmland ranges from ₹15 lakhs to ₹1.5 Crores per acre, with some prime land selling as high as ₹2 Crores per acre.
Key Locations & Price Highlights
Butibori & Wardha Road
– Fast Growing Farmhouse + Industrial Belt
– Farmland: ₹280 - ₹340 per sq.
– Developed farm plots (11,000 sq. ft.): ₹30 to ₹68 lakh
Amravati Road
– Major development corridor
– 5000 sq. ft plots developed: ₹12.5 - ₹19 Lakh
Kalameshwar & Katol
– Predominantly Agricultural Zones
– The prices may vary from ₹15 lakh to ₹1 crore+ per acre depending on the fertility and road connectivity
Samruddhi Mahamarg Belt
– Rapid appreciation due to Expressway
– Datala village touching ₹2.4 crores per acre
Budget-Friendly Options
– Plot size of 5,000 sq. ft. in Borgaon available for ₹15 lakh
For safe and verified land buying, contact Genuine Plots.
Maharashtra Agriculture Land Purchase Restrictions for Non-Farmers
Key Rules You Must Know (Section 63 – MTAL Act)
Only Registered Farmers Can Buy Agricultural Land
– You must be a certified agriculturist from Maharashtra or any other Indian state to purchase agricultural land.
Non-Farmers Cannot Directly Purchase Agri Land
– Buying, leasing, or acquiring agricultural land is prohibited for non-agriculturists.
Exceptions Under Section 63-1A
– Non-farmers may buy agricultural land only for:
✔ Industrial purposes
✔ Special township projects
✔ With special permission from the Collector or State Government
NA Conversion Option
– Non-farmers can acquire the land after converting it to NA (Non-Agricultural) land for:
✔ Residential
✔ Industrial
✔ Commercial use
Official Approval Required
– NA conversion requires a formal process and approval by the SDO or Collector.
Unauthorised Conversion is Illegal
– As per Section 44 of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, any illegal land-use conversion leads to penalties.
Special Project Exemptions
– Government-approved industrial and township projects allow land transfer to non-agriculturists legally.
For safe and verified land buying, contact Genuine Plots.
Fragmentation Law- The Maharashtra Prevention of Fragmentation and Consolidation of Holdings Act,1947, was first enacted to prevent agricultural lands from fragmenting into small, unproductive pieces. Its aim has been to prevent excessive fragmentation of agricultural lands and improve consolidation.
Key Features of the Fragmentation Act
- Purpose of the Act
The prevention of the fragmentation of agricultural land and the maintenance of the economic viability of the land through consolidation.
- Restrictions on Small Plots
The law prohibits the sale, transfer, or purchase of any tract of land which is less in extent than the minimum notified area, for instance, 10 gunthas.
- Legal Boundaries
In the past, transactions concerning smaller plot sizes have been deemed illegal, which has affected many landowners in not being able to formalise ownership.
Major Amendments Introduced in 2025
- Free Regularisation of Old Transactions
All small-fragment land transactions completed between
15 November 1965, 15 October 2024
will now be regularized free of cost.
- Relief for Urban Regions
In municipal corporation areas, municipal council limits, and PMRDA zones, fragmentation rules have been relaxed.
Plots as small as 1 guntha are now considered legally valid.
- Benefit for Nearly 50 Lakh Families
Around 49–50 lakh property holders in Maharashtra will gain legal clarity and rightful ownership due to these reforms.
- Residential Areas Exempted
In urbanised and residential zones, the fragmentation rules will no longer act as a barrier for land use or property transactions.
Conclusion
The 2025 amendments greatly simplify land ownership, support urban growth, and resolve long-pending issues for millions of property holders.
For further information or legal verification, contact Genuine Plots.
From Groceries in 10 Minutes to Buying Made Easy - The Zepto Effect
- What is the Zepto Effect, and how does it simplify buying branded land?
The Zepto effect represents the new-age expectation of speed, convenience, and instant access—just like getting groceries in 10 minutes. Through its partnership with The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL), Zepto brings the same convenience to buying branded land, giving users quick access to verified plots, transparent pricing, and fast decision-making tools.
- What is branded land, and why is it becoming popular?
Branded land, offered by HoABL, brings trust, documentation clarity, luxury-level planning, and legally secure ownership to land buying. The Zepto effect enhances this experience by making the discovery process fast and seamless—buyers can instantly explore details before visiting the site.
- How does the Zepto Effect help users explore branded land in Vrindavan, Goa, Ayodhya, Dapoli, and Maharashtra?
With the Zepto effect, users can instantly browse curated information about branded land projects in Vrindavan, Goa, Ayodhya, Dapoli, and several locations across Maharashtra. They can view plot availability, pricing, amenities, legal transparency, and community plans—within seconds.
- Why is the Zepto x HoABL partnership significant for land buyers?
The partnership combines HoABL’s expertise in branded land with Zepto's ultra-fast digital ecosystem. This means buyers can quickly access verified land information, book site visits, check availability, and begin the buying process with unmatched speed and credibility.
- Can investors compare branded land opportunities instantly using the Zepto Effect?
Yes. The Zepto effect allows investors to compare multiple land destinations instantly—whether it's spiritual zones like Ayodhya and Vrindavan, leisure hubs like Goa, coastal regions like Dapoli, or upcoming investment hotspots in Maharashtra—helping them make faster, more informed decisions.
- Is the Zepto Effect helpful for first-time land buyers?
Absolutely. First-time land buyers often struggle with trust, documentation, and clarity. The Zepto effect solves this by offering instant information, transparent details, and seamless access to HoABL’s branded land, making the buying journey simple, safe, and confidence-driven.
Why YEIDA Plots Near Noida Airport Are The Best Investment in 2026
- Why are YEIDA plots near Noida Airport considered the best investment in 2026?
YEIDA plots near Noida Airport are considered the top investment for 2026 because they lie next to the upcoming Jewar International Airport, Asia’s largest airport project. With new sectors like 15C, 18, and 24A being released under the January 2026 scheme, these plots offer high appreciation potential, strong infrastructure, and excellent connectivity via the Yamuna Expressway. The 973 plot launch makes YEIDA investment plots one of the most sought-after opportunities in North India.
- Is it wise to buy residential plots near Jewar Airport in 2026?
Yes. Buying residential plots near Jewar Airport is considered highly wise due to YEIDA’s planned development, expressway access, upcoming metro links, and rapid commercial growth. With YEIDA’s 2026 scheme offering regulated plots with clear titles, plots near Noida Airport are expected to deliver strong long-term appreciation once the airport becomes fully operational.
- What is the price of residential plots near Jewar Airport in 2026?
The price of residential plots near Jewar Airport typically ranges between ₹12,500 to ₹21,000 per sq yard (gaj) depending on the sector and plot size. Under the 2026 YEIDA scheme, plot sizes such as 162, 183, 184, 200, 223, and 290 sqm are offered. Some smaller plots in the region have previously started as low as ₹7.5 lakh, making YEIDA plots for sale 2026 accessible to both investors and end-users.
- Where should you invest near Jewar Airport in 2026?
The best places to invest are YEIDA sectors 15C, 18, and 24A, all part of the 2026 plot scheme. These sectors benefit from airport proximity, planned residential zones, and connectivity upgrades. For buyers exploring YEIDA investment plots, these sectors offer the safest and highest-growth portfolios due to government-regulated development.
- Which area is best near Jewar Airport for residential plots?
For residential buyers, Sectors 15C, 18, and 24A are the best due to their location near the Noida International Airport, upcoming metro routes, and wide road networks. These sectors are part of the new YEIDA allocation and offer modern urban planning. This makes them ideal options for anyone searching for plots near Noida Airport with long-term growth prospects.
- What makes YEIDA plots for sale in 2026 highly in demand?
YEIDA plots for sale 2026 are in demand because the new scheme includes 973 residential plots, with 77.5% reserved for the general public. YEIDA’s previous 2024 scheme saw over 111,000 applicants, proving investor confidence. With clear allotment through a draw of lots, transparent policies, and proximity to the airport, YEIDA’s 2026 plots stand out as the most competitive land opportunity in the region.
- What amenities and benefits do YEIDA plots near Noida Airport offer?
YEIDA plots provide strong connectivity to the Yamuna Expressway, Jewar Airport, and future metro lines. Buyers of YEIDA investment plots also benefit from planned green belts, commercial hubs, educational zones, and proposed logistics parks. These developments make plots near Noida Airport ideal for both residential and investment-based land ownership.
- What is the application process for the YEIDA 2026 residential plot scheme?
The YEIDA plots for sale 2026 must be applied for online through the YEIDA portal. After document submission and payment, buyers are allotted plots via a computerized draw of lots. This transparent system is a major reason investors prefer YEIDA plots near Noida Airport over private development plots.
- Are YEIDA investment plots good for long-term returns?
Yes. YEIDA investment plots offer excellent long-term returns due to airport-led growth, rapid commercial development, and government-backed infrastructure. With the airport becoming operational in phases, land values in plots near Noida Airport are expected to multiply, making 2026 an ideal entry point for investors.
- Why are YEIDA sectors 15C, 18, and 24A highlighted for 2026 buyers?
These sectors host the new YEIDA 2026 plot scheme, offering plot sizes between 162–290 sqm, wide roads, and airport adjacency. Their planned township layout and investment appeal make them prime locations for YEIDA plots near Noida Airport and among the most secure plots in the region.