The property papers every buyer should understand

Title deed and chain of ownership

The current deed identifies the seller's claimed ownership, the property description and the transaction through which it was acquired. Earlier deeds show how that ownership developed. A reviewer looks for continuity in names, plot numbers, area, boundaries and transfer rights.

Inheritance, partition, gifts, powers of attorney and company ownership require supporting records. Missing links should be resolved before the agreement becomes unconditional.

Encumbrances, disputes and authority

An encumbrance search helps identify registered transactions affecting the property, but the search period and local recording system matter. Loan closure documents, court searches and seller declarations may also be needed.

Confirm that every required owner will sign. If someone acts through a power of attorney, inspect its scope, registration and validity. For a company or partnership, review the authorisation approving the sale.

• Encumbrance certificate or relevant registry search
• Loan release or no-dues evidence where applicable
• Litigation and acquisition checks
• Valid signing authority for every seller

Revenue, municipal and tax records

Mutation, jamabandi, khasra and related records vary by state and property type. They can help connect ownership, possession, classification and revenue history, but entries are not always conclusive proof of title.

Property-tax receipts and utility bills help identify outstanding dues and occupation. Match names, addresses and property identifiers carefully; similar descriptions can refer to different parcels.

Planning and construction approvals

For plotted property, review the sanctioned layout, licence and land-use permissions where applicable. For a built property, ask for the sanctioned building plan, completion or occupation documentation and records of material alterations.

An approval is useful only when it covers the property and construction actually being sold. Compare approved drawings with the site rather than accepting a document by title alone.

• Land-use and layout approvals
• Sanctioned building plan
• Completion or occupation documentation
• RERA information when the transaction falls within its scope

Agreement, payment and registration records

The agreement should capture the exact property, price, deposit, payment dates, possession, included fixtures, document obligations and consequences of default. Verbal assurances about access, approvals or repairs should be written into the contract.

Keep traceable payment evidence and verify the final deed before execution. After registration, retain the registered deed, payment records, possession documentation and applications used to update relevant records.