Sanctioned Plan vs Actual Construction: Checking for Deviations

Every legal construction project starts with a sanctioned building plan approved by the relevant local authority. What actually gets built doesn't always match that plan exactly — and the gap can create real problems for a buyer.

What a Sanctioned Building Plan Covers

A sanctioned plan specifies details like the number of floors permitted, required setbacks from property boundaries, and the overall footprint and height allowed for the structure.

Common Types of Deviation

Deviations can include an additional unsanctioned floor, covered balconies that were never approved, or a structure that physically extends beyond its sanctioned boundary — sometimes minor, sometimes significant.

Risks of Buying Into a Deviated Structure

Deviated construction can complicate securing a home loan, since banks often require compliance with sanctioned plans. It can also create resale difficulties and, in more serious cases, expose the property to regularization proceedings or demolition orders.

How to Compare Sanctioned Plan to Actual Construction

Request the sanctioned building plan directly from the seller, builder, or local authority, and compare it against the actual constructed structure — ideally with a qualified architect or engineer, particularly for independent houses or smaller buildings where this kind of deviation is more common.

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