A good deal on paper can quickly turn into a legal headache if the underlying documents aren’t in order. Before you get emotionally invested in a property, run through these five checks.
1. Title Deed / Sale Deed — Confirm the seller actually owns the property and has clear, marketable title. Trace the ownership history back at least 12–13 years where possible, especially for older properties that may have passed through multiple hands or inheritance.
2. Jamabandi (Record of Rights) — This land record, available at the local Circle Office, shows current ownership and land classification. Cross-check that the name on the Jamabandi matches the seller’s identity exactly.
3. Mutation Certificate — Proves the property was legally transferred to the current owner’s name in government records after the last sale or inheritance. Without proper mutation, the seller’s claim can be legally weak even if they possess the land.
4. Encumbrance Certificate — Obtained from the Sub-Registrar’s office, this confirms the property is free from loans, mortgages, or pending legal disputes. Skipping this is one of the most common ways buyers get stuck with someone else’s liability.
5. Approved Building Plan (for constructed properties) — Verify the structure was built according to a sanctioned plan from the local development authority, especially important in growing towns where unauthorized construction is common.
Getting these five right won’t guarantee a perfect purchase, but it eliminates most of the risk.
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