Telangana Building Permission 2026: BuildNow Online Application, Fees, Documents & Approval Guide

Planning to construct a house, apartment, commercial building or develop a layout in Telangana?

Before construction begins, it is important to understand the applicable building permission, layout approval and land-use requirements.

A major change for property owners and developers is Telangana’s transition toward BuildNow, the state’s unified building and layout approval platform.

The official BuildNow portal currently states that building and layout approval applications falling under GHMC, HMDA and DTCP limits are processed through BuildNow. It also says existing TG-bPASS applications were required to be completed by December 15, 2025, as the TG-bPASS portal was to be permanently closed after that date. 

Therefore, anyone searching for Telangana Building Permission 2026 should start with the current BuildNow system rather than relying on older TG-bPASS instructions.

What Is BuildNow Telangana?

BuildNow is Telangana’s unified online system for building and layout approvals.

The official portal describes BuildNow as a next-generation unified approval system designed to streamline approvals for stakeholders involved in Telangana’s real-estate and construction sector. 

The platform covers building and layout approval applications under relevant authorities including:

• GHMC
• HMDA
• DTCP 

Telangana Building Permission 2026: Why Is It Important?

Building permission helps ensure that proposed construction complies with applicable:

• Building regulations
• Land-use rules
• Setback requirements
• Height restrictions
• Road-widening provisions
• Planning requirements
• Safety requirements
• Local authority regulations

Construction without required approval can create problems during:

• Property sale
• Bank loan processing
• Electricity/water connections
• Occupancy
• Property tax assessment
• Future redevelopment

Always verify the rules applicable to your specific property.

BuildNow vs TG-bPASS

This is especially important in 2026.

TG-bPASS

TG-bPASS was Telangana’s earlier building-permission and self-certification platform.

BuildNow

The current BuildNow portal states that building and layout approval applications under GHMC, HMDA and DTCP limits are now processed through BuildNow. 

Therefore, older articles referring only to TG-bPASS may no longer reflect the current application route.

For new 2026 applications, check BuildNow first.

What Can You Apply for Through BuildNow?

The current BuildNow platform provides building and layout approval services.

The portal specifically highlights:

• Building Permissions
• Layout Approvals
• Online Applications
• Application tracking
• Layout with Housing with Gated Community
• Other development-related approvals 

Telangana Building Permission Categories

The applicable process depends on factors such as:

• Plot size
• Building height
• Residential/non-residential use
• Location
• Authority jurisdiction
• Nature of development

The earlier TG-bPASS framework divided applications into different categories, but applicants should use the current BuildNow classification and workflow for 2026 applications.

Individual Residential Building

For an individual house, the application process can depend on:

• Plot area
• Proposed built-up area
• Number of floors
• Building height
• Location
• Local authority
• Applicable planning rules

The official BuildNow system should determine the applicable category for the application.

GHMC, HMDA and DTCP Areas

The authority responsible for a property matters.

BuildNow currently states that building and layout approval applications under:

GHMC + HMDA + DTCP

limits are processed through the platform. BuildNow Telangana

Before applying, identify the jurisdiction of your property.

Telangana Building Permission Online Application

A typical online application involves:

Step 1: Open BuildNow

Visit the official BuildNow Telangana portal.

Official BuildNow Telangana Portal

Step 2: Select the relevant service

Choose the appropriate building or layout approval service.

Step 3: Enter applicant details

Provide the required applicant information.

Step 4: Enter site details

Details may include:

• District
• Locality
• Plot number
• Survey number
• Property details
• Site information

Step 5: Upload documents

Upload the documents requested for your application category.

Step 6: Upload proposed plans

Submit the applicable building drawings/plans and supporting documents.

Step 7: Pay applicable fees

Complete the required online payment.

Step 8: Submit

Review the information carefully and submit the application.

Step 9: Track application

Use the official portal to monitor application progress.

The BuildNow platform is designed around online application and approval workflows. 

Documents Required for Building Permission

The exact document list depends on the building type and application category.

Commonly relevant documents can include:

• Ownership document
• Sale deed
• EC where applicable
• Site plan
• Proposed building plan
• Location/site details
• Applicant identity information
• Property tax-related documents where applicable
• Land-use/conversion documents where applicable
• Other NOCs or certificates where required

The official system will indicate the documents required for the particular application.

The earlier Telangana building-permission framework specifically required ownership documentation and EC for applicable applications. 

Is EC Required for Building Permission?

The previous TG-bPASS official FAQ states that EC is required for building-permission applications. 

However, document requirements can change with the new BuildNow workflow and specific application type.

Therefore, applicants should check the document checklist displayed in the current BuildNow application.

Building Plan for Telangana House Construction

A building plan normally shows important design and site information such as:

• Plot dimensions
• Building footprint
• Setbacks
• Floors
• Rooms
• Parking
• Access
• Building height
• Open spaces

The plan must comply with applicable development and building regulations.

Use a qualified architect/licensed technical professional where required.

Telangana Building Permission Fees

There is no single universal building-permission fee for every property.

The applicable amount can depend on factors such as:

• Plot size
• Built-up area
• Building category
• Location
• Type of construction
• Applicable development charges
• User charges
• Other statutory fees

The safest approach is to use the official BuildNow calculation/payment process for the specific application rather than relying on outdated fee tables.

Building Permission for Residential Houses

For a residential house, check:

☑ Ownership
☑ EC/document requirements
☑ Land-use status
☑ Plot dimensions
☑ Building setbacks
☑ Height
☑ Number of floors
☑ Parking
☑ Road access
☑ Applicable authority
☑ Building plan
☑ Required permissions

Building Permission for Commercial Buildings

Commercial construction can involve additional requirements.

Depending on the building and activity, approvals may involve:

• Building permission
• Multiple NOCs
• Fire-related requirements
• Parking
• Traffic/access considerations
• Environmental requirements where applicable
• Utility requirements
• Other departmental clearances

BuildNow’s earlier official framework identifies commercial buildings, high-rise buildings, group housing, apartment complexes, multiplexes and other constructions requiring multiple NOCs as cases handled through a single-window process. 

Apartment and Group Housing Projects

Large residential developments require more extensive approval.

Developers may need to consider:

• Building plan approval
• Layout/development permissions
• Multiple NOCs
• Fire safety
• Environmental requirements where applicable
• Parking
• Infrastructure
• Water and drainage
• RERA registration where applicable

The official TG RERA portal provides citizens access to registered project information and complaint services. 

Check TG RERA Before Buying a New Project

If you are buying an apartment, villa or other property in a real-estate project, building permission is only one part of due diligence.

Check whether the project requires and has appropriate TG RERA registration.

The official Telangana RERA portal provides access to registered project information and currently reports thousands of registered projects and agents. 

Official Telangana RERA Portal

Layout Approval in Telangana

If you are developing multiple plots from a larger parcel of land, a layout approval may be required.

Layout approval is different from individual building permission.

For example:

Land → Layout approval → Individual plot → Building permission

The exact sequence and requirements depend on the project and applicable planning authority.

BuildNow currently provides building and layout approval applications. 

Building Permission vs Layout Approval

They are not interchangeable.

Building Permission vs NALA

Another important distinction:

NALA / land conversion relates to conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural use.

Building permission relates to permission for construction.

Therefore:

NALA ≠ Building Permission

A property may need to satisfy both land-use conversion and building-permission requirements, depending on its circumstances.

Occupancy Certificate

After construction, an Occupancy Certificate (OC) may be required depending on the type of building and applicable rules.

BuildNow currently provides occupancy-related services.

An occupancy certificate generally relates to whether the completed building can be occupied under the applicable approval framework.

Why Occupancy Certificate Matters

For applicable properties, an OC can be important when:

• Moving into a new building
• Buying an apartment
• Selling property
• Obtaining certain services
• Verifying compliance
• Dealing with future property transactions

For large residential projects, buyers should check the relevant project approvals and completion/occupancy documentation.

Can You Check Building Permission Online?

Yes, Telangana’s online building-permission ecosystem provides online application and approval-related services.

The earlier official TG-bPASS FAQ also states that an approved building permission can be verified/downloaded using the building application number. 

For 2026 applications, use the current BuildNow portal and follow its verification/tracking options.

Common Building Permission Mistakes

Starting construction before approval

Do not assume that submitting an application means approval has been granted.

Using an outdated TG-bPASS process

For new 2026 applications, check BuildNow because the official portal says GHMC, HMDA and DTCP applications are now processed there. 

Ignoring land-use status

Check whether the proposed construction is permitted on the land.

Building beyond the approved plan

Construction should follow the sanctioned/approved plan.

Ignoring setbacks

Required setbacks must be followed.

Buying an apartment without checking approvals

Check building approval, layout/project information and RERA registration where applicable.

Using unofficial agents or websites

Use official Telangana portals for applications and payments.

Telangana Building Permission 2026 Checklist

Before construction:

☑ Confirm property ownership
☑ Check EC and applicable documents
☑ Verify land-use status
☑ Identify GHMC/HMDA/DTCP jurisdiction
☑ Prepare building plan
☑ Check applicable setbacks
☑ Check plot size and building height
☑ Identify required NOCs
☑ Apply through current BuildNow system
☑ Pay applicable fees
☑ Track application
☑ Obtain approval before applicable construction
☑ Follow the approved plan
☑ Obtain occupancy documentation where applicable

Official Telangana Building Permission Resources

BuildNow Telangana:
BuildNow — Official Telangana Building & Layout Approval Portal

Telangana RERA:
Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority

Telangana State Portal:
Telangana State Government Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Telangana Building Permission 2026?

It refers to the applicable approval process for construction in Telangana under the current building and planning framework.

Is TG-bPASS still used for new applications?

The official BuildNow portal states that building and layout applications under GHMC, HMDA and DTCP limits are now processed through BuildNow, and that TG-bPASS was scheduled for closure after December 15, 2025. 

Where should I apply for building permission?

For applicable GHMC, HMDA and DTCP building/layout applications, check the official BuildNow portal.

Is building permission required for every building?

Requirements depend on factors such as plot size, building type, height, location and applicable rules. Check the category applicable to your property.

Is NALA the same as building permission?

No. NALA concerns applicable agricultural-to-non-agricultural land conversion, while building permission concerns construction.

Is layout approval the same as building permission?

No. Layout approval concerns land development/subdivision; building permission concerns construction on a plot.

Do apartment buyers need to check RERA?

Where RERA applies, buyers should verify the project’s registration and project information through the official Telangana RERA portal. TG RERA specifically encourages prospective homebuyers to verify project registration. 

Is an occupancy certificate important?

For applicable buildings, yes. It is an important part of verifying completion/occupancy compliance.

Final Takeaway

If you are planning construction in Telangana in 2026, don’t rely on old building-permission information.

The current BuildNow Telangana platform is the key online system for building and layout approval applications under GHMC, HMDA and DTCP limits. 

Before starting construction, verify:

Ownership → Land Use → Layout → Building Plan → Required NOCs → BuildNow Application → Approval → Construction → Occupancy

For apartments and real-estate projects, also check TG RERA where applicable.

Always use the current official Telangana portals for applications, fees and document requirements.