In 2022, the real estate of Hyderabad emerged as the 2nd most expensive market that witnessed massive growth. Therefore, if you are planning to purchase a residential property in this city, make sure you strictly adhere to the national building codes and are suitable for occupancy.

In this regard, you must not ignore the possibility of obtaining an Occupancy Certificate in Hyderabad.

Keep scrolling to understand what an Occupancy Certificate (OC) is, its purpose, and how to apply for one.

An Occupancy Certificate is a legal document that certifies that a building abides by the permissible plans and local laws. Once the project is completed, the builder or developer will obtain the OC from a local government centre or a development authority like a municipal corporation.

Homebuyers must keep the certificate of occupancy handy along with other necessary documents and clearances to steer clear of any legal consequences.

Below are the reasons why homebuyers in Hyderabad must acquire a certificate of occupancy:

• It serves as evidence that the residential property is ready for use.
• Individuals will need OC while applying for water supply, electricity connection and sanitation.
• It is compulsory to claim Income Tax benefits on home loans along with loan statements.
• Financial institutions mandatorily ask for this legal document during home loan applications.
• An occupancy certificate is an important document for purchasing or selling a property.
• Homebuyers can get a certified copy of the deed against OC.

However, before applying for the Certificate of Occupancy, individuals must look for eligibility criteria for a seamless application process.

While applying for an Occupancy Certificate at the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GMHC), applicants need to submit the following documents:

• Notice of building completion by the Architect, Structural Engineer, Builder or Developer and Owner.
• Real-time photographs of the building.
• Designs of property in PDF format as per the construction.
• Land valuation document certified by the Revenue Department (in case any modifications are made to the sanctioned plan).
• Completion certificate under special conditions during sanctioning of building plan.
• Copy of an authorised plan (if not pertains to the DPMS).

Once all these documents are ready, you can apply for OC in Hyderabad.

Read along to know the step-by-step guide to the online application for an Occupancy Certificate in Hyderabad:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation.

Step 2: Click on the "Online Services" button on the home page. Then select "Submission of building application" from the drop-box options. You will be redirected to the login page.

Step 3: Enter your username and password and click on the “Login” option.

Step 4: Select the occupancy tab in applications and then click on building completion at the top of the page.

Step 5: Select the "Yes" or "No" option to answer "Do you have a DPMS online building permit number?". Hit on "Yes", fill in the DPMS (Online Approval) File Number and click on the "Find" option.

Step 6: Review your inputs carefully and click on the “Save and Continue” option.

Step 7: Fill in the application form with all details if you have selected "No" in case the Building Permit is not available under the online procedure. Once all information is provided, the page will be scanned and saved to generate new file numbers.

Step 8: Now open a new Proposal and select a report and attach all the necessary documents or plans carefully.

Step 9: Create a file name or acknowledgement number and send an SMS from the mobile number you have given in the application form.

You will need a file name or acknowledgement number to track the status of the Occupancy Certificate in Hyderabad.

Applicants can check their application status in the Submitted Applications folder. The status will be automatically updated on the website and sent to the applicant via SMS on the periodical process of your file. This includes inspection, shortfall letter or rejection letter, compounding fees intimation letter and Occupancy Certificate.

Here is the step-by-step guide to tracking the status of your application.

Step 1: Visit the official website of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and click on “Application Search” below the login page.

Step 2: Fill in your "File Number" and "Mobile Number". Next, click on the "Show Status" option to check the status of our application.

Once the status is updated, proceed with the payment process for final approval.

To know how to get an occupancy certificate in Hyderabad, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Visit the payment page and pay the compounding fees via the available online integrated payment gateways.

Step 2: Your Occupancy Certificate will be generated and sent to you via email. It will be available in the individual login from where you can download it.

After this, the Technical Officer will scrutinise the site report with the information you have submitted while applying online. Then, the authority will send your file to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation for final approval. You can collect your Occupancy Certificate in Hyderabad from GHMC.