How to Verify a Property Before You Buy: A Complete Checklist

Property fraud and disputes are more common than most buyers realise. This checklist will help you verify a property properly before committing.

1. Title Documents

• Ask for the last 15 to 30 years of title chain documents.
• Verify the seller name matches the latest registry documents.
• Check for encumbrances (loans, disputes) at the sub-registrar office.
• An Encumbrance Certificate from the last 15 years is essential.

2. Land Use and Approvals

• Verify land use classification — residential, agricultural, commercial.
• For a plotted layout, check layout approval from the local development authority.
• Check RERA registration at up-rera.in for UP projects.
• Verify no acquisition or court case is pending on the land.

3. Site Verification

• Visit the site at least twice — at different times of day.
• Verify physical boundaries match the documents.
• Talk to neighbours and local residents about the area and developer.

4. Red Flags to Watch

• Pressure to pay before documents are ready
• Documents available only as photocopies — demand originals
• Prices significantly below market rate — usually signals a problem
• Unregistered or only MOU-based agreements