Introduction
Buying a home is one of the most significant investments in a person’s life. As the housing market in Mumbai’s peripheral regions, such as Dombivli East, continues to heat up, many buyers are eyeing residential properties like Lodha Serenity. Touted as a premium project by the reputed Lodha Group, Lodha Serenity Dombivli East promises luxury living, modern infrastructure, and access to the Palava smart city ecosystem.
However, real estate transactions in India often come with hidden complications, and Lodha Serenity is no exception. While the project appears to be a lucrative option for end-users and investors alike, a deeper look reveals several red flags that prospective buyers should not overlook. This blog provides a closer legal examination of the issues surrounding Lodha Serenity, with an emphasis on construction, legal compliance, hidden charges, and more, enabling buyers to make informed decisions about property in Dombivli East.
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1. Ambiguity in Carpet Area vs Built-Up Area
One of the most common issues in Indian real estate is the misrepresentation of area, and Lodha Serenity Dombivli East is no exception. Buyers often believe they are getting more space than they eventually receive. Several buyers have pointed out discrepancies between the advertised carpet area and the actual usable space.
As per the RERA Act, builders are mandated to sell flats based on carpet area, not built-up or super built-up areas. However, marketing brochures and sales pitches often continue to quote inflated numbers. If you are looking for a 3 or 4 BHK flat in Dombivli East, be sure to clarify the actual carpet area in your sale agreement.
2. Incomplete Legal Titles and Encumbrance Risks
Before finalising any deal for flats for sale in Dombivli East, it’s crucial to verify the title deed and encumbrance status of the land. While Lodha claims to own the land on which Lodha Serenity is being developed, legal experts suggest independently verifying whether the land title is clear, marketable, and free from disputes.
In some instances, builders develop projects on lands under complex joint development agreements (JDAs) or long-term leases, which can lead to complications later. Buyers must demand and scrutinise:
- Title certificate from a reputed advocate.
- Non-encumbrance certificate.
- RERA project registration details.
Even when buying from reputed developers offering Lodha Thane flats in Dombivli, such due diligence is indispensable.
3. Possession Delays and Construction Timelines
Although Lodha Serenity Dombivli East is part of the ambitious Palava smart city and was announced with an expected possession date in December 2025, many buyers are now sceptical about timely delivery. Under construction projects in Dombivli East are notorious for facing delays due to factors like approvals, liquidity issues, and supply chain disruptions.
As per RERA norms, builders are liable to pay interest on delays beyond the promised date. However, this is only enforceable when the buyer is aware of their rights and is willing to pursue legal remedies. Before you commit to any new projects in Dombivli East, be sure to:
- Review the RERA registration number.
- Cross-check possession dates on the MAHARERA portal.
- Consult a real estate lawyer to review the booking and agreement clauses.
4. Maintenance Charges and Long-Term Financial Commitment
An often-overlooked aspect when buying a flat in Thane is the monthly maintenance charges. In the case of Lodha Serenity, multiple residents from other Lodha developments have reported exorbitant maintenance fees that were not fully disclosed during the booking process.
These charges include:
- Clubhouse fees
- Security charges
- Common area maintenance
- Water and electricity provisions
What makes it problematic is the absence of a transparent, fixed-rate mechanism and the fact that these charges can significantly rise over time. These recurring costs should be factored in when considering any flats for sale in Dombivli East.
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5. Poor Customer Service and Complaint Resolution
Despite being one of India’s most prominent developers, Lodha has faced criticism for its lacklustre post-sale support. Several buyers have cited issues ranging from ignored maintenance complaints to hostile responses when they raise legitimate grievances.
For instance, buyers of Lodha Thane flats in Dombivli and other properties within the Palava City have taken to public forums to express their dissatisfaction regarding:
- Water seepage
- Electrical safety concerns
- Delays in the formation of the housing society
Such issues indicate systemic flaws in customer service and grievance redressal. Buyers should demand clear Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for post-possession services and have a legal clause inserted for accountability.
6. Incomplete Amenities and Broken Promises
Marketing materials for Lodha Serenity Dombivli East boast about world-class amenities such as landscaped gardens, gyms, clubhouses, and schools within walking distance. However, in many cases, these facilities are either incomplete or delayed by years.
Such practices may constitute unfair trade practices under the Consumer Protection Act, especially if the promotional brochures are misleading. As a precaution, demand written commitments of all promised amenities and verify their delivery timeline.
The issue is not isolated to Lodha Serenity alone, but has been seen in various under-construction projects in Dombivli East.
7. Parking Allocation Disputes
Another legal pitfall is the allotment of parking spaces. Buyers have reported being charged additional amounts for car parking, sometimes even for open parking spots. According to several High Court and Supreme Court judgments, open parking spaces cannot be sold separately as they are part of the common area.
Buyers should:
- Demand clarity on what constitutes paid vs free parking.
- Include parking allotment in the agreement for sale.
- Ensure the layout plan reflects the parking location.
This is an important detail to verify when purchasing any 3 or 4 BHK flat in Dombivli East.
8. Lack of OC and CC in Past Projects
A troubling pattern observed in other Lodha projects is the delay or non-issuance of Occupation Certificates (OC) and Completion Certificates (CC). Without these, the building is technically illegal for occupancy, and utilities like water and electricity may be on temporary or builder-managed lines.
Before moving into any unit in Lodha Serenity, ensure:
- The OC and CC are obtained from the municipal authorities.
- The society is registered and in possession of legal utility connections.
- You are not living under a Provisional Completion status.
9. Environmental Clearance Concerns
Large-scale developments in Dombivli East, particularly projects like Lodha Serenity with multiple high-rise towers, require environmental clearances and impact assessments. In the past, several real estate developers in the region have come under fire for starting construction before securing proper environmental nods.
Illegal construction without Environmental Clearance (EC) can be halted, demolished, or penalised, as per NGT guidelines. Thus, buyers should demand:
- Copy of environmental clearance certificate.
- Construction commencement certificate.
- Approved floor plans.
This is especially important for anyone investing in new projects in Dombivli East or other fast-growing corridors of property in Dombivli East.
10. Contractual Clauses Favouring the Builder
Most builder-buyer agreements in India, including those used by Lodha Serenity, tend to be unilateral in favour of the builder. Clauses such as:
- Non-refundable booking amount
- Delayed possession with no penalty
- Non-liability for third-party issues
…are common and often go unchecked by unsuspecting buyers.
Engage a real estate lawyer to review the Agreement for Sale before signing. Request modifications where needed and avoid verbal assurances from sales representatives.
11. Discrepancy in FSI and Floor Plan Approvals
Dombivli East is part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and falls under strict FSI (Floor Space Index) regulations. Several complaints have arisen in the past where builders exceeded the permissible FSI and offered illegal floors or mezzanine flats.
Before buying any flat in Thane or Dombivli East, verify:
- The number of approved floors with the planning authority.
- FSI utilisation certificate.
- The absence of any notices for demolition or penalty.
Illegal structures can be sealed or demolished, leaving the buyer with no legal recourse.
12. Society Formation and Builder Interference
Delayed formation of Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) or Housing Societies is a tactic used by many builders to maintain control over the property and common amenities. Residents of several Lodha properties have reported that builders delay the handover of common amenities, clubhouse access, and financial records.
Buyers of Lodha Serenity Dombivli East must ensure:
- Timely formation of society under the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act.
- Transition of maintenance responsibilities to society.
- Unrestricted access to financial records and amenity usage terms.
13. Rental Yield vs Capital Appreciation: A Reality Check
Many buyers are lured into property in Dombivli East, expecting quick capital appreciation or high rental yields. However, reports suggest that despite a massive inventory, the demand-supply mismatch has led to stagnant prices in several flats in Thane suburbs.
Compare the resale values of other Lodha Thane flats in Dombivli before making a final decision. Consider rental return percentages, which often hover below 3–4%, not matching the rising maintenance and EMI costs.
Conclusion: Exercise Caution, Demand Transparency
Lodha Serenity Dombivli East is a flagship residential project by the reputed Lodha Group, and on paper, it offers a lot — modern amenities, a smart city ecosystem, and luxury finishes. But beneath the surface, legal loopholes, customer grievances, and operational delays raise substantial red flags that any prudent homebuyer must assess.
If you’re exploring flats for sale in Dombivli East or evaluating under-construction projects in Dombivli East, due diligence is not optional — it’s imperative. Don’t get swayed by polished brochures and marketing campaigns. Engage professionals — lawyers, architects, and independent evaluators — and make sure every promise is contractually binding.
Key Takeaways:
- Always verify RERA status and legal title documents.
- Be wary of hidden charges and vague clauses.
- Confirm construction status, OC, and environmental clearances.
- Don’t rely on verbal assurances; demand documented proof.
- Avoid signing any builder-drafted contract without legal review.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the resale value of Lodha Serenity flats?
While property in Dombivli East is considered affordable, resale values in certain Lodha Thane flats in Dombivli have not appreciated as expected. Market saturation and builder control can limit growth. Verify past trends before assuming capital gains from your investment.
- Are there any environmental or legal violations at Lodha Serenity?
Buyers should check for Environmental Clearance (EC) and Construction Commencement Certificates. Large projects in Dombivli East require approvals that, if missing, can result in legal action. Always verify these documents to ensure compliance and avoid future risks.
- How can I protect myself legally when buying in Lodha Serenity?
Hire a real estate lawyer to vet all documents, from title deeds to sale agreements. Demand all amenities, charges, and timelines in writing. Legal due diligence is crucial whether you’re buying a 3 or 4 BHK flat in Dombivli East or exploring other flats for sale in Dombivli East.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog is based on insights from real estate professionals and data sourced from reliable and publicly available platforms. While we strive to ensure the content is accurate and current, we do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. We disclaim any liability for errors, omissions, or outcomes from using this information. Readers are strongly advised to conduct their due diligence and consult with qualified experts before making any real estate investment or purchase decisions.
