What to check before you buy property in India
Buying property is usually the biggest purchase a family makes. A few simple checks before you pay can help you avoid disputes later. Start with the seller. Their name and ID should match the ownership papers.
Next, look at the papers. Ask for the sale deed and the earlier deeds, so you can see how ownership passed from person to person. Check the encumbrance certificate or its equivalent, which shows registered loans and transfers. Check the land or municipal records, property tax receipts and utility bills.
For built property, ask for the approved plan and the completion and occupancy papers. For a flat, ask the society or builder for a no-dues or no-objection letter. For an under-construction project, check whether it is registered under RERA. For a plot, check the land use and the boundaries.
If someone sells through a Power of Attorney, a lawyer should check that it is valid and current. Also ask if there is any loan on the property, and make sure it is cleared before the sale.
Papers can be forged or out of date, so ask a lawyer to verify them against official records before you pay a large amount. Names of papers and rules differ by state, and they change, so confirm the current position.
This page gives general information. It is not legal advice or investment advice. Need a check? See property verification or our property advisory page.
Common questions
What papers should I check before buying a property?
Check the sale deed and earlier deeds, the encumbrance certificate or equivalent, land or municipal records, tax receipts, approved plans and completion papers, and any loan on the property. Names and rules differ by state.
What is an encumbrance certificate?
It is a record that shows registered loans, mortgages or transfers on a property for a period of time. The name and the way to get it differ by state.
Is a registered sale deed enough?
It is important, but it is not the only paper. The history of ownership, approvals, dues and any loan matter too. A lawyer should check them together.
Do I need to check RERA for an under-construction project?
Usually yes. Check whether the project is registered and read the registration details. A lawyer can help you read the builder agreement.
Can I check the papers myself?
You can do a basic check with this list. Papers can be forged or out of date, so a lawyer should verify them against official records before you pay a large amount.
Is my information stored?
No. The checklist runs in your browser. What you tick is not saved or sent anywhere.