Propway guide
Documents to check before buying a property in India
By Propway's editorial and legal desk · Reviewed 12 October 2026 · 6 min read
In short: Before you pay, verify that the seller owns the property and can sell it: the title deed and previous chain of deeds, an encumbrance certificate, approved building plan and occupancy or completion certificate, paid property tax and utility bills, and for a flat, the society's NOC and share certificate. An advocate's title check is the safest way to confirm them.
Ownership
- Sale deed or title deed in the seller's name, and the earlier deeds showing how ownership passed (chain of title).
- Encumbrance certificate from the sub-registrar for the relevant period, to see registered loans or charges.
- For inherited property: will, probate or succession documents and the consent of all legal heirs.
- Identity of the seller matching the deed; power of attorney checked carefully if someone signs for the owner.
Approvals
- Approved building plan and any revisions.
- Commencement certificate for under-construction projects; occupancy or completion certificate for completed ones.
- RERA registration for projects that must register.
- Land use or conversion permission for plots, where applicable.
Dues and the building
- Latest property tax receipts and electricity and water bills, with no arrears.
- For a flat: society NOC for transfer, share certificate and maintenance dues statement.
- Loan closure letter and release of documents if the property was mortgaged.
Why a title check matters
Documents can look complete and still hide problems: a missing link in the chain, a pending case or an unregistered agreement. An advocate's title check reads the full chain and searches records before you pay a token amount.
Questions, answered.
What is an encumbrance certificate?
A certificate from the sub-registrar's office listing registered transactions on a property for a period, such as sales and mortgages. It helps confirm there is no registered loan or charge.
Is a title check necessary for a resale flat?
It is strongly recommended. A resale flat has changed hands before, and each transfer must be valid for your purchase to be safe.
Sources
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules differ by state.
