Property documents to check in Kerala
Whether you are buying a plot, a house or a flat, these are the papers to ask for in Kerala.
For the land
- Title deed (aadharam) in the seller's name, and the earlier deeds going back about 30 years, so you can follow the chain of ownership.
- Encumbrance certificate from the sub-registrar office for the same period, showing any mortgage or sale registered on the land.
- Possession certificate and thandaper from the village office, confirming who holds the land and its survey details.
- Land tax receipt for the current year.
- Land type. Make sure the plot is not paddy land or wetland listed in the data bank; such land generally cannot be built on.
For a building
- Building permit and the approved plan from the panchayat or corporation.
- Occupancy certificate and the latest building tax receipt.
- For flats, the RERA registration and the sale agreement draft.
Our team helps you collect these before any advance changes hands.
This is general information, not legal advice. Have a lawyer check the papers before you pay an advance.