Converting a property’s usage from residential to commercial in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) area requires following specific guidelines.
The procedure to change building usage in GHMC Hyderabad has been streamlined in recent years, and with the introduction of AI and VR technologies in 2025, the process is faster, more transparent, and citizen friendly.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to ensure compliance and avoid penalties while highlighting the latest technological advancements.
GHMC Area Building Usage Change Process
1. Check Eligibility for Property Conversion
- Ensure your property is located on one of the 118 roads declared as commercial by GHMC.
- Only buildings constructed with valid permissions are eligible.
- Unauthorized constructions are excluded from this process.
2. Gather Required Documents
Before applying, prepare the following:
- Valid building permission certificate
- Latest GHMC property tax receipt
- Self-declaration form for GHMC building usage change
- Any additional documents specified by GHMC
3. Submit Online Application for GHMC Buliding Usage Change
- Visit the official GHMC portal (cr.ghmc.gov.in).
- Select Certificate for change of use of building.
- Enter Mobile Number and Click Send OTP.
- Provide OTP and Validate.
- Select the option for “Change of Property Usage” and fill out the application form.
- Upload all required documents, including the self-declaration form.
- Submit the form for validation.
4. Pay Impact and Compounding Fees
- GHMC mandates an impact fee for building usage change, along with a 33% compounding fee.
- You can pay 50% upfront and the remaining before the deadline or avail of a 10% rebate by paying the full amount during application submission.
5. Verification and Inspection
- After submission, GHMC officials may inspect your property to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Properties violating norms, such as encroachments or deviations from approved plans, may face rejection.
6. Obtain Approval Certificate
Once verified, you will receive an online self approval certificate confirming the conversion of your property’s usage from residential to commercial.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
If you fail to apply within deadlines:
- GHMC may impose penalties or seal your premises.
- Unauthorized conversions can attract hefty fines, such as a 400% penalty on original fees.
Key Considerations for Property Owners on GHMC Building Usage Change Process
- Commercial Roads List: Ensure your property lies within GHMC’s notified commercial roads before proceeding with the application.
- Revenue Allocation: The impact fee collected is escrowed into the Strategic Nala Development Programme (SNDP) for urban infrastructure development.
- Avoid Illegal Conversions: Unauthorized conversions not only attract penalties but also disrupt urban infrastructure, leading to issues like water logging and traffic congestion.
- Technological Benefits: With AI powered systems like BuildNow, property owners can expect faster approvals, real time tracking, and immersive visualization tools.
The process to change property usage from residential to commercial in Hyderabad is now simplified through online applications on the GHMC portal, supported by advanced AI and VR technologies introduced in 2025.
