When one invests in an under-construction project, they get some benefits. One of these is that they are required to make only a small down payment while availing a payment plan that offers maximum comfort. The other benefit is that they get to see for themselves the stage-wise development of the project.

Home-buyers often assume that they will have to wait for the completion of the entire project to move into their house. But, there is a way around this that developers usually opt for.

As the trend of multi-tower projects is growing, more and more developers are organising the construction activity in phases. When a project is built in phases, a developer can apply for a Partial Occupancy Certificate (POC) for the phase that is complete.

According to the Development Control Regulation of Greater Mumbai (2016), "When requested by the owner, the Commissioner may issue a part occupancy certificate for a building or part thereof, before completion of the entire work as per the development permission, provided sufficient precautionary measures are taken by the holder to ensure public safety and health."

If a project involves five towers, the developer can apply for the POC of the first tower as soon as it is complete. As consequent phases get completed, each phase can get its own POC. When the construction of the entire project is complete, a common OC can be applied for.

A developer can apply for the POC within 30 days of completion of the phase. But, the following are some requirements to get the certificate:

• Waste management areas and composting facilities must be in place
• Rainwater harvesting facilities must be in place
• Clearance from the fire department is mandatory
• Sewage Treatment plants must be in place
• Electrical inspectorate certificates are mandatory
• Only the basement and ground floor must be used as parking areas

The issuance of a POC carries positive implications for the home-buyer. If the phase of their house has received the POC, they can, legally, occupy the housing unit. But, on the flipside, if one plans to buy a house in a tower with the POC, they may face difficulty in getting an approval for their home loan. Unless the developer has ties with a particular bank, most banks are hesitant in offering a loan in such cases.