Verifying Clear Title in Property Purchases

Purchasing real estate represents a major financial commitment. To prevent title disputes or builder defaults, buyers must conduct a thorough legal verification of the property title before signing agreements or transferring funds.

Core Steps for Title Verification:

Review parent deeds:

Trace the chain of ownership for at least 30 years to confirm a clear sequence of transfers.

Verify land mutation records:

Check local land revenue records to ensure the seller’s name is recorded as the active owner.

Check for encumbrances:

Request an Encumbrance Certificate (EC) from the sub-registrar office to confirm the property is free of active mortgages or liens.

Verify builder approvals:

For under-construction properties, confirm the project has active building plan approvals, local body NOCs, and is registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA).

Never rely solely on verbal assurances or photocopies. Always request original documents and verify them at sub-registrar offices to protect your investment.