Buying a new property? Congrats! 🎉

But before you sign that dotted line, make sure the property you're buying actually belongs to the seller. Sounds obvious, right? Sadly, many buyers skip the basics and end up stuck in legal messes.

Here are 5 simple and smart ways to verify property ownership in India - so you can buy with confidence.

✅ 1. Check the Title Deed

The title deed is the most important proof of ownership. It tells you who legally owns the property.

What to do:

• Ask for the original deed, not a photocopy.
• Check if the seller’s name matches their ID.
• Make sure it’s not jointly owned (unless all owners are involved in the sale).

🗂️ You can verify it at the Sub-Registrar’s office or through your state’s property portal.

✅ 2. Get the Encumbrance Certificate (EC)

The EC tells you if the property has any loans, legal dues, or mortgages attached to it.

Why it matters:

• Shows financial history of the property.
• Confirms there are no debts or claims.

📍 Available at the Sub-Registrar’s office. Ask for at least 10 years of EC. A clean property will show "Nil Encumbrance".

✅ 3. Ask for the Khata Certificate or Mutation Record

This proves the property is listed in municipal or local government records.

Good to check:

• In cities: Ask for Khata Certificate.
• In other areas: Ask for Mutation Records.

This ensures the property is in the seller’s name officially - not just on paper.

✅ 4. Verify Land Use and Zoning

Is the land residential, commercial, or agricultural?

Important because:

• You can't build a house on land zoned for farming or industry.
• Some areas may need land conversion approval.

🏢 Check with the local municipal office or development authority.

✅ 5. Double-Check with Local Authorities

Sometimes, paperwork isn’t enough. A quick visit to the local office can tell you a lot.

What to check:

• Ask if there are any pending property taxes.
• Look for disputes or family claims.
• Verify the seller's name in property tax records.

👂 Local officers often know about any red flags that aren't in official documents.

✍️ Final Tip

Never skip document verification, no matter how trustworthy the seller seems. If needed, consult a property lawyer. A small fee today can save you from a big legal mess tomorrow!