Two certificates bookend every apartment project: one at the start of construction and one at the end. Buyers hear about them as CC and OC, often in the same sentence, and the difference matters. One tells you the project was allowed to start. The other tells you the finished building is legal to live in. Here is what each means and when to ask for it.
The commencement certificate (CC)
Before a builder can build, the planning authority has to sanction the building plan. The commencement certificate follows that sanction and permits construction to begin. Depending on the authority, construction beyond the foundation may also need an inspection at plinth level. For a buyer, the CC is evidence that the project started with the right permissions, which is exactly what you want to see before booking an under-construction home.
The occupancy certificate (OC)
When construction is complete, the authority inspects the building against the sanctioned plan and checks the required clearances, such as fire safety for taller buildings. If it complies, the authority issues the occupancy certificate, confirming the building is fit to occupy. The OC is the document that turns a construction site into a home you can legally live in.
Side by side
| Commencement certificate (CC) | Occupancy certificate (OC) | |
|---|---|---|
| When | After plan sanction, before construction | After construction is complete |
| Confirms | Construction may begin | Building matches the plan and is fit to occupy |
| Matters most | Before you book | Before you take possession |
| Issued by | The planning authority | The planning authority |
Why the OC matters so much
- Khata: your own khata is generally issued only for a building with an OC. See our A-khata vs B-khata guide.
- Utilities: permanent electricity and water connections typically need the OC.
- Home loans and resale: lenders and future buyers look for it.
- GST: a completed home sold after the OC attracts no GST, which is one reason ready homes can be better value than they look. Our pre-launch vs ready guide compares the two.
Partial OCs in phased projects
Large projects are often built in phases. The authority can issue a partial OC for towers or phases that are complete while the rest of the project continues. If your tower has its OC, you can move in and get your khata and utilities, even with construction elsewhere on the site.
Where RERA fits
RERA registration comes before marketing, and developers upload project documents, including approvals and, at the end, the OC, to the RERA portal. That makes the portal a good first stop when you want to see a project's paperwork. Our RERA checklist shows what to look for.
A simple checklist
- Before booking an under-construction home: sanctioned plan, CC and RERA registration.
- During construction: progress updates on the RERA portal against the promised timeline.
- Before possession: the OC or a partial OC covering your tower, and fire clearance for high-rises.
- After registration: apply for your own khata and move the utility connections into your name.
Looking for homes that already have their OC? Browse ready to move flats in Bengaluru, or send us a project name on WhatsApp and we will tell you which certificates it has and which to ask for.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between OC and CC?
A commencement certificate (CC) is issued after the building plan is sanctioned and allows construction to begin. An occupancy certificate (OC) is issued when the building is complete and confirms it was built according to the sanctioned plan and is fit to live in.
Should I take possession without an OC?
It is best not to. Without an OC, getting your khata, permanent electricity and water connections and a smooth resale can be difficult. Ask for the OC, or a partial OC covering your tower, before you take possession.
What is a partial OC?
In a phased project, the authority can issue an OC for completed towers or phases while others are still being built. If your tower is covered by a partial OC, you can move in even though the rest of the project is under construction.
Is GST payable on a flat after the OC is issued?
No. GST applies to under-construction property. A completed home sold after the occupancy certificate is issued does not attract GST.
Where can I check a project's OC?
Ask the developer for a copy, and check the project's page on the Karnataka RERA portal, where developers upload project documents. Your lawyer can also verify it with the issuing authority.
