Completion Certificate of Building: All You Need to Know

Whether you are willing to purchase a home or construct one, there are a number of documents that you must obtain from the builder or the seller. One of these crucial documents includes the building completion certificate, commonly referred to as CC. This document serves as a significant milestone, indicating that the construction of the building has been fully finished and is prepared for possession by the homeowner. However, there are a number of things that one should know about the completion certificate of the building that will help you prove the legitimacy of your real estate investment:

Importance of Completion Certificate of Building

Once the construction of a real estate project has been successfully completed in accordance with the approved building plan, a certificate that acts as a legally binding document is issued. The completion certificate of the building is granted to projects after relevant authorities conduct physical inspections of the site and thoroughly review all paperwork. Once it is ensured that the building is in compliance with the applicable building bye-laws, the certificate is granted. It is the developer's responsibility to obtain the completion certificate for the project, demonstrating adherence to the necessary regulations and requirements.

Obtaining a completion certificate is a crucial initial step towards acquiring an occupancy certificate. It is imperative to note that residing in a building without a valid occupancy certificate is illegal. Furthermore, a completion certificate ensures a continuous supply of water and electricity to the building, offering an added layer of assurance and convenience for the occupants.

Contents of a Completion Certificate

A completion certificate contains quite a few details, including:

• Details regarding the land
• Location-specific information
• Documentation related to the approved building plan
• Identification of the developer
• Comprehensive information about the builder
• Approved building height
• Distance of the project from neighbouring buildings

What is a Provisional Completion Certificate?

A provisional completion certificate is a time-limited certificate that holds validity for a specific duration. This interim certificate, often referred to as a short CC, remains valid for six months, during which the building must be fully completed. Once this period elapses, the developer can issue the full completion certificate.

In cases where the builder intends to transfer ownership of the building to the property owner, a temporary building completion certificate may be granted even if the construction is partially finished. This certificate serves as a provisional measure until the construction reaches its completion stage.

Is Completion Certificate and Occupancy Certificate Different?

The completion certificate of the building is different from the occupancy certificate. This certificate serves as confirmation that the building fully complies with the applicable building regulations, provincial legislation, and safety standards, ensuring its suitability for residence.

The local municipal authority or building proposal department is responsible for issuing the occupancy certificate, explicitly stating their non-opposition to the occupancy of the building for its intended use. The OC is granted once all installations and construction work have been completed and the building is ready for occupancy. It is important to note that the possession of a property is legally recognised only if the homeowner possesses a valid occupancy certificate.

Conclusion 

A homebuyer or an investor must assess the certification of completion before signing the dotted line. We hope that this information will come in handy the next time you are planning a real estate purchase.