Buying

Documents to Check Before Buying a Plot

A practical document map — what to collect, what each record can tell you and where buyers over-assume.

In this guideIdentity and authority to sellTitle chainProperty and land recordsApproval recordsDocuments are cross-checksBefore paying an advance
A document checklist is useful only when you understand why each record is being checked. Collecting a thick file is not the same as establishing a clean, transferable title.

Identity and authority to sell

Confirm the seller’s identity and how they acquired the property. If someone acts through a power of attorney, company, trust or estate, verify their authority to complete the sale.

Title chain

Collect the current sale deed and the earlier instruments needed to trace ownership. A lawyer should assess continuity, execution, registration and any gaps.

Property and land records

The record set may include survey information, revenue records, conversion orders, municipal entries and tax receipts. Their names and significance depend on the property.

Buyer checklist

Approval records

Ask for the actual approval order and sanctioned plan. Verify that the approving authority had jurisdiction and that the property being sold is within that approval.

Documents are cross-checks

RecordUseful forNot enough to prove alone
Sale deedCurrent transfer documentEntire title is clean
ECSpecified registered transactionsEvery claim or defect
Tax receiptTax payment and account detailOwnership
KhataMunicipal accountMarketable title
Sanctioned planApproved layout or constructionPhysical compliance today

Before paying an advance

Give your lawyer enough time to review originals or authenticated records. Put document delivery, due-diligence conditions and refund consequences into the written agreement.