Before you buy a property, you must check all property documents to make sure that you buy a genuine property. The documents that need to be checked are different for under construction and ready to move properties. Here is a list of all property documents to check before buying a flat or plot.
Under Construction Property
1. Land Records
When you want to book a new property, ensure that the builder owns the land where he is proposing the project. Land Records give details about ownership, rights, obligations and mortgages of the property. You can check land records with the Survey Nos. Nowadays, land records for most states are made available online. For more details, check out Land Records Guide.
2. Land Use Certificate
Before developing any property, a builder needs a Land Use Certificate or Change of Land Use (CLU) certificate from the urban authority. Residential projects cannot be built in a commercial or industrial zone or on agricultural land. You can ask the builder to produce a copy of the Land Use or CLU Certificate.
3. Layout Approvals
Many builders sell properties under soft launch without getting layout and building approvals. They will tell you that rates will go up significantly once all approvals are received. But never fall into this trap as approvals may not come anytime soon and you can get stuck for a long time. You should never invest in a project which has not received approvals. If any builder avoids showing you the copy of approved layout, you should refrain from investing in such project.
4. Master Plan
Builders and property consultants will often show you upcoming infrastructure projects like Airport, Metro, Expressway, SEZ etc. on the brochure. Again a word of caution here. A news item should never be the basis of such claims. You can cross check these with the approved Master Plan of the city. In the Master Plan, you can also check whether the project falls into a residential zone or not. Check out Master Plans of Indian Cities.
5. No Objection Certificates & Clearances
The builder needs to obtain clearances from Electricity, Water, Fire and Safety authorities and environment clearance etc. Make sure that the builder has received all clearances.
6. Certificate of Commencement
A Certificate of Commencement, given by the Town Planning Department, is mandatory to commence any construction of a property. This certificate is given only once all other approvals and clearances are obtained by the builder.
7. Allotment Letter
Once you give the booking amount, the builder will sign an allotment letter with you. It will mention payment plans and other important agreement clauses. Before you handover a booking amount cheque, make sure that payment plan and other clauses are clear to you. You should ensure that there is a penalty clause for any delay in possession.
8. Builder-Buyer Agreement
Once you pay 20-30% of the basic cost of property, the developer will signBuilder-Buyer Agreement with you. This will be a detailed agreement that will have a layout plan, detailed specifications & features of the property. It will mention the possession time & penalty amount in case of delay. Make sure that you go through the agreement completely before you sign on it. After Construction
9. Completion Certificate
Completion certificate is issued by Municipal Corporation once the project is completed as per the approved layout plan.
10. Occupancy Certificate
Occupation Certificate is also issued by Municipal Corporation after ensuring that basic amenities like Electricity Connection, Water Supply, Sewage Connection etc. are provided as per the approved plan. Before you are handed over possession, make sure that the builder has received a Completion Certificate and Occupancy Certificate.
At the time of Possession
11. Sale Deed Registration
Once the project is complete in all respects and has received Completion and Occupancy Certificates, the Builder will transfer the property in your name by executing a Sale Deed that will be registered at the Registrar’s office. Sale Deed is the main ownership document and you should keep it safely. In case you have taken a home loan, the original copy of the Sale Deed will be handed over to the Bank till the time you retire your complete loan.
12. Possession Certificate
Once, a Sale Deed is registered in your name, the builder will give you a possession certificate after handing over physical possession of the property.
