A practical overview of the documents commonly examined during a property purchase and why each one matters.
Why documentation review comes first
A property transaction is, at its core, a transfer of documented rights. Before price and possession are discussed, it is worth understanding what the documents actually establish about ownership and encumbrances.
This article is a general overview. The documents relevant to any particular property depend on its type, history and location.
Commonly examined documents
The title deed and the deeds preceding it form the chain of ownership. The Encumbrance Certificate records registered transactions over a specified period. Khata documents and property tax receipts indicate the municipal record position.
For built property, sanctioned plans and occupancy related documents are also relevant. For land, revenue records such as the RTC and mutation extracts are examined.
Where buyers commonly need guidance
Gaps in the ownership chain, entries in the Encumbrance Certificate that need explanation, and mismatches between documents are the points that most often require professional review.
If you are evaluating a property, a consultation early in the process usually saves time later.
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each matter should be assessed based on its specific facts and documents.
