Legal Documents Required for Purchase of Property in India: Complete Checklist

Buying a property is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re purchasing a plot, apartment, villa, or resale property, verifying the legal documents required for purchase of property in India is critical to avoid fraud, disputes, and future losses.

This complete checklist will help you understand which property documents are mandatory, why they matter, and how to verify them before you invest.

Why Legal Document Verification Is Crucial Before Buying Property

Many buyers focus only on location, price, and amenities—but legal due diligence is what protects your investment.

If even one key document is missing or incorrect, it can lead to:

• Ownership disputes

• Loan rejection    

• Mutation Disputes

• Registration issues

• Legal notices or Stay Orders

• Difficulty in resale
  
  

That’s why knowing the documents required to buy property in India is non-negotiable.

Legal Documents Required for Purchase of Property in India (Checklist)

1. Sale Deed (Most Important Document)

Primary proof of ownership

The Sale Deed legally transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer.

• Must be registered at the Sub-Registrar Office

• Should clearly mention buyer, seller, property details, and consideration value

Always verify:

• Seller’s name matches title records

• No spelling or survey number errors

2. Title Deed & Chain of Title Documents

Confirms legal ownership history

Title documents establish whether the seller has clear and marketable title.

• Verify ownership history for at least 30 years

• Ensure there are no missing links in previous transactions including Legal heir certificates, death certificates, Will etc.

• Incase of land title, one should check with Pahanis and RORs

This is one of the most critical property purchase documents.

3. Encumbrance Certificate (EC)

Shows whether the property is loan-free or disputed

The Encumbrance Certificate confirms:

1. No outstanding loans

2. No legal disputes

3. No third-party claims
   
   

• Obtain EC for minimum 10–15 years

• Mandatory for property registration and bank loans

4. Approved Building Plan / Layout Approval

Confirms government approval

Depending on the property type:

• DTCP / HMDA / CMDA / Local Authority approval (for plots)

• Sanctioned building plan (for apartments)
  
  

1. Ensures the property is legally constructed

2. Prevents demolition or penalties

Mandatory when buying plots or flats from builders.

5. RERA Registration Certificate (For New Projects)

Mandatory for under-construction projects

Under RERA:

• Builders must register projects

• Project details must be transparent
  
  

1. Verify RERA number on the official portal

2. Check delivery timelines and approvals

This is a key document when buying apartments from builders.

6. Final Approvals

Confirms the building is fit for occupation

• Completion Certificate – Project built as approved

• Occupancy Certificate – Safe for occupation
  
  

Confirms the Plot is fit

• Layouts - Final Layout No.

Mandatory for:

• Water connection

• Electricity

• Home loans

• Resale value
  
  

  Avoid properties without OC.

7. Property Tax Receipts

Confirms no pending dues

• Latest property tax paid receipts

• No arrears or penalties

Unpaid taxes can legally transfer to the new owner.

8. Khata / Patta / Property Card (State-Specific)

Government record of ownership

• Khata (Karnataka)

• Patta (Tamil Nadu)

• Property Card / Dakhil Kharij (other states)
  
  

  Confirms property is recorded in local municipal records

9. No Objection Certificates (If Applicable)

Depending on location and project:

• Pollution Control Board NOC

• Fire Safety NOC

• Irrigation NOC

• Airport Authority NOC

• Environmental clearance
  
  

Important for large projects and gated communities.

10. Agreement to Sell

Legal intent to sell the property

• Signed before Sale Deed

• Specifies payment terms, possession date, penalties

Acts as legal protection if either party defaults.

Additional Documents for Specific Property Types

For Apartments

• Builder-Buyer Agreement

• Allotment Letter

• Share Certificate (for society properties)
  
  
  

For Plots / Land

• Conversion Certificate (Agricultural → Non-Agricultural)

• Layout approval

• Land use certificate
  
  

For Resale Property

• Previous Sale Deeds

• Loan closure certificate

• Seller’s ID proof & address proof

Common Mistakes Buyers Make (Avoid These!)

• Relying only on builder assurances

• Not verifying original documents

• Skipping legal opinion

• Buying property without approvals

  Always get documents legally verified by an expert before paying any advance.

FAQs – Legal Documents Required for Purchase of Property

1. What are the most important legal documents to check before buying property?

Sale Deed, Title Deed, Encumbrance Certificate, and government approvals are the most critical.

2. Is RERA mandatory for all properties?

RERA is mandatory for new and under-construction real estate projects above the specified size.

3. Can I buy property without Occupancy Certificate?

It is risky. Properties without OC may face utility issues and resale problems.

4. How many years of Encumbrance Certificate should I check?

Ideally, verify EC for 10–15 years or more.

5. Should I consult a lawyer before buying property?

Yes. Legal verification by a property lawyer significantly reduces risk.