10 Jul 2025Buying a flat is a major milestone—and a big investment. But with so many legal formalities involved, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you’re buying property for the first time. The truth is, one mistake in documentation can lead to legal trouble or financial loss later.
To make your journey safe and hassle-free, here’s a simple checklist of important documents you must verify before buying a flat in India.
This is the most important document, as it proves ownership of the property. It shows that the seller has the legal right to sell the flat.
Check if the seller’s name matches the title.
Verify that the title is clear, with no disputes or claims.
This is a legal agreement signed between the buyer and seller, which mentions the agreed terms and conditions, like payment schedule, possession date, etc.
Though not proof of ownership, it’s a key document during the transaction process.
Issued by the local municipal authority, this certificate confirms that the builder has followed all construction laws and the building is ready to be occupied.
No OC = illegal to occupy, especially for under-construction or newly completed buildings.
This certificate confirms that the building has been constructed as per approved building plans and local rules.
Many homebuyers ignore this document, but it’s crucial if you want to avoid issues later, especially while getting home loans or selling the flat in the future.
This certificate shows whether the property has any legal or financial liabilities, like loans or disputes.
Ideally, the flat should have a “nil” encumbrance.
Check the certificate for the last 15–30 years.
Issued by the local municipal body, this shows the flat is part of a project that received official construction permission.
Ask for a copy of the sanctioned building plan and check if your flat matches the approved layout.
If you’re buying from a builder or developer, make sure the project is registered under RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority).
Visit the RERA website (or your state’s RERA site) to cross-check project details
RERA ensures transparency and protects buyers from fraud
If you’re buying a flat before completion, the builder should issue an allotment letter stating the flat number, area, and payment details.
This letter is needed to apply for a home loan and proves that the flat is allotted to you.
Given by the builder at the time of handing over the property, this letter confirms the date of possession.
Useful for legal records and when applying for tax benefits.
If you’re buying a resale flat in an apartment complex, check for:
Ask for the latest property tax payment receipts. This ensures there are no outstanding dues with the municipal body.
If taxes aren’t paid, the new buyer can be held responsible.
Verifying property documents may sound tedious, but it’s absolutely essential. One wrong step can lead to years of legal trouble or financial loss.That’s why smart buyers always take expert help when reviewing these documents. Whether you’re buying from a developer or an individual owner, make sure every paper is in order, because a safe property purchase starts with the right paperwork.
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