Answer Book question
Obtain the encumbrance certificate for at least 30 years, the prior title deeds in the chain, the current land tax receipt and thandaper details, the possession certificate, building permit and completion documents if constructed, and a legal opinion from a lawyer who has examined the originals. Check for pending litigation and bank charges. Never rely on the seller's lawyer alone.
Obtain the encumbrance certificate for at least 30 years, the prior title deeds in the chain, the current land tax receipt and thandaper details, the possession certificate, building permit and completion documents if constructed, and a legal opinion from a lawyer who has examined the originals. Check for pending litigation and bank charges. Never rely on the seller's lawyer alone.
A buyer in Kottayam pays an advance on a plot. A lawyer's search reveals a 1994 partition that was never properly registered; one heir's consent is missing. The deal is unwound; the advance is recovered with difficulty.
Title is a chain; a break anywhere breaks it. The EC shows registered transactions; the deeds show the chain; the tax receipt shows possession; litigation searches show disputes.
30-year EC Prior deeds Tax receipts and thandaper Possession and location certificates Building permit, occupancy certificate Bank charges and litigation search Independent lawyer's opinion
Skipping the independent lawyer to save a small fee on a large purchase.
Kerala land records have particular complexity. old partition deeds, unregistered family settlements, survey number changes. Kerala Rising's document service can pull the EC and tax records; a lawyer gives the opinion.
Search cost: a small fraction of the property value. Unwinding a bad purchase: years.
None.
Pull the EC Collect the deed chain Get an independent legal opinion before any advance
I own property in Kerala but live abroad. What should I organise? Real estate or financial investments?
Documents & property
Kerala Registration Department procedures · Income Tax Act provisions on gifts and clubbing · Hindu Succession Act / Indian Succession Act / personal laws as applicable · RBI guidance on joint accounts and minors' accounts · Kerala Rising is not a law firm; property and succession matters need a lawyer Rates, limits and whether you may qualify change. Confirm with the official source. Ask Kerala Rising: Send us the situation. who, what, how much, and what you are worried about.
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