Possession day feels like the finish line — keys in hand, paperwork signed, the flat finally yours. But in reality, it’s the start of a new checklist, not the end of one. Most first-time buyers spend months preparing for the purchase and almost no time preparing for what comes right after. Here’s what actually needs your attention in the weeks following possession.
1. Do a Thorough Snag List Inspection First
Before you move a single box in, walk through the flat with a checklist: check for cracks, water seepage marks, electrical fittings, plumbing fixtures, door and window alignment, and paint finish. Note down every issue and share it formally (in writing, with photos) with the developer. Most RERA-registered developers, including Probha Group, offer a defect liability period during which such snags are rectified at no cost — but only if they’re documented promptly.
2. Verify and Collect All Documents
Ensure you receive:
- Possession Letter
- Occupancy Certificate (OC) — critical, as this confirms the building is legally fit for habitation
- Sale Deed (registered copy)
- Allotment Letter
- Payment receipts and loan disbursement statements, if applicable
- Building plan and carpet area certificate
Keep both physical and scanned digital copies — you’ll need these repeatedly for utility connections, insurance, and any future resale.
3. Transfer or Apply for Utility Connections
- Electricity: Apply for a new connection or transfer, typically through MSEDCL, using your possession letter and OC.
- Water Connection: Coordinate with the developer/society for municipal water connection formalities.
- Gas Connection: If piped natural gas (PNG) is available in the project, register with the service provider; otherwise arrange an LPG connection.
- Society formation status: Confirm whether the housing society is already registered or still being formed — this affects who you coordinate with for these connections.
4. Understand Housing Society Formation
If you’re among the early possession holders in a new project, the housing society may not be formally registered yet. Here’s what typically happens:
- The developer forms an Advance Possession Committee (or similar interim body) to manage day-to-day operations until a formal society is registered.
- Once a minimum number of flats (usually 51% as per Maharashtra Co-operative Societies rules) are sold and possession given, the process for registering a Co-operative Housing Society begins.
- As a member, you’ll eventually be asked to contribute towards share capital, registration fees, and the corpus fund — budget for this separately from your maintenance charges.
5. Understand Your Maintenance Charges
Ask for a clear breakup of what your monthly/quarterly maintenance covers — security, housekeeping, lift maintenance, common area electricity, and sinking fund contributions. A transparent maintenance structure from day one avoids disputes later, especially once the developer hands over society management to residents.
6. Get Home Insurance Sorted
A structure and contents insurance policy is inexpensive relative to the protection it offers — covering fire, natural calamities, burglary, and structural damage. Many buyers skip this simply because it isn’t mandatory, but it’s one of the most cost-effective protections available for a high-value asset.
7. Plan Your Interiors Realistically
Before finalising modular kitchens, wardrobes, or false ceilings, revisit your RERA carpet area certificate to plan layouts accurately, and check society/developer guidelines on permitted structural changes (especially around plumbing and electrical lines) to avoid rework later.
Why the First 90 Days Matter
The decisions you make in the first three months after possession — documenting snags, understanding society formation timelines, and setting up utilities correctly — tend to save homeowners the most time, money, and frustration over the following years. Buyers who skip this step often find themselves untangling avoidable issues long after they’ve settled in.
At Probha Group, our commitment to homeowners doesn’t end at possession. We support residents through snag resolution, documentation, and the society formation process, ensuring your move-in experience is as smooth as your buying journey.
Recently got possession of your Probha Group home, or planning to? Reach out to our post-possession support team for a smooth, well-guided move-in.
