Chain of Documents One Must Check to Be Safe in Buying a Property

Buying a property is one of the biggest financial decisions in a person’s life. A single missing document or title defect can lead to major disputes, financial loss, or even cancellation of the property transaction. This is why verifying the chain of documents is the most important step before buying any land, house, flat, or commercial property.

This blog explains the essential documents every buyer must check to ensure that the title is clean, marketable, and legally safe.

🔹 1. Title / Mother Deed (Root of Title)

The most important document is the Mother Deed, which traces the original ownership of the property.
It includes:

• First owner of the property

• All subsequent transfers

• Mode of transfer (sale, gift, partition, inheritance, allotment)

• Link of ownership up to the present seller

If the chain is broken at any point, the title becomes questionable.

🔹 2. Registered Chain of Sale Deeds

Every property changes hands through registered documents.
You must check the complete chain of:

• Sale deeds

• Gift deeds

• Relinquishment deeds

• Partition deeds

• Settlement deeds

A complete chain ensures legal transfer of ownership.

🔹 3. Jamabandi / Mutation Records (For Land)

For agricultural or open land, the buyer must check:

• Jamabandi (record of rights)

• Mutation entries

• Intkal reports

These documents prove the updated revenue records in the name of the seller.

🔹 4. Latest Tax Receipts

Always verify whether the seller has paid:

• House tax/property tax

• Water tax

• Sewerage dues

Non-payment may lead to penalties and issues in name transfer.

🔹 5. Encumbrance Certificate (EC)

An Encumbrance Certificate shows whether the property is free from:

• Loans

• Mortgages

• Court attachments

• Legal charges

An EC of at least 12–30 years is recommended (depending on state).

🔹 6. Approved Building Plan & Layout Approval

For constructed properties, check whether the:

• Building plan is approved by the authority

• Setbacks, height, zoning, parking align with regulations

• Construction is as per approved layout

Unauthorised constructions can lead to demolition notices or penalties.

🔹 7. Completion Certificate (CC)

Issued by the development authority after verifying that the building is constructed as per the approved plan.
Lack of CC may mean structural or legal irregularities.

🔹 8. Occupation Certificate (OC)

An OC certifies that the building is fit for occupation and has:

• Water and electricity connections

• Fire safety compliance

• Structural safety approval

Without an OC, the building may be considered “unauthorised.”

🔹 9. NOC from Society / Builder

For flats or builder floors, check:

• Society NOC

• Builder NOC

• No dues certificate

• Maintenance dues

This prevents disputes after purchase.

🔹 10. Allotment Letter & Possession Letter (If Applicable)

For properties from development authorities or private developers, verify the:

• Original allotment letter

• Possession letter

• Payment receipts

• Builder–buyer agreement

These establish legitimate ownership and possession.

🔹 11. RERA Registration (For New Projects)

Under the Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, new projects must be RERA-registered.
Check:

• RERA No.

• Compliance status

• Project timeline and delivery history

This protects buyers from delay and fraud.

🔹 12. Physical Survey and Boundary Verification

Match documents with the actual site by verifying:

• Boundaries

• Dimensions

• Location

• Access road

• Encroachment (if any)

• Utility connections

Surprises on-site can lead to major disputes.

🔹 13. Identity Verification of Seller

Verify whether the seller is legally competent to sell:

• Aadhaar card

• PAN card

• Ownership capacity

• Legal heirs (if property is inherited)

• Power of attorney authenticity (if applicable)

Fake sellers or impersonation cause major fraud.

🔹 14. Power of Attorney (POA) Verification

If the sale is through POA, check:

• Whether POA is registered

• Whether POA is still valid

• Whether POA is revoked

• Whether POA includes sale rights

Unregistered or invalid POA transactions are risky.

⭐ Conclusion

A property may look perfect from the outside, but its legal safety depends entirely on the documentation chain.
Verifying title deeds, revenue records, tax receipts, approvals, EC, and seller identity ensures that your investment is secure and free from future disputes.

A complete chain of documents is the strongest protection a buyer can have before purchasing any property.