Important Documents to Check When Buying a Plot of Land in Chennai

Buying a plot of land, especially in a large urban hub like Chennai, can be a smart choice. However, it is also important to stay alert during the plot buying process to avoid nasty legal surprises down the line. One must especially make sure that all necessary documents are in place when buying a property. 

Investors searching for a budget-friendly property for sale in Chennai often opt to buy a plot of land in one of the well-connected and developed areas of the city. Plots tend to have a lower price point than other types of residential properties, and hence would be ideal for newbie investors and those with a limited budget. However, even though investing in a plot of land is much more affordable than buying a villa or an apartment, this purchase does require the same amount of planning. There are several important documents that have to be checked and verified prior to buying a plot. 

Sale Deed

This is among the most important documents necessary for buying a plot. The sale deed should be produced in the original as it helps establish the ownership of the property title. Buyers have to register the sale deed in the Sub-Registrar’s Office of the neighbourhood where the property is located.

Patta

Patta is a document that records the land ownership's legal details, which is quite important for property transactions in Chennai. It is generally a part of the Register of Land holdings, which is maintained by the Tahsildar. The Patta has to be in the name of the current owner of the land, basically, the one who is selling the land to the buyer. At times, sellers may claim that the Patta document is in the previous owner’s name. But the buyers have to be careful, and shouldn’t accept a Patta that is not in the current owner’s name. 

Encumbrance Certificate

An Encumbrance Certificate or EC is a document that serves as proof that there is no claim on the land, and it is free of any kind of legal holdings.  This certificate shows the previous transactions that have taken place, along with the names of the buyers and sellers. The EC also highlights whether any loans have been taken out on the property. 

Certificates Of Approval

For a plot of land to go up for sale in Chennai, it is crucial for the property to be approved by regulatory bodies like the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) and the District Town and Country Planning (DTCP). CMDA approval shall be necessary if the plot is located within the city limits. In case it is outside the city limits, then DTCP approval would be required. Buyers must check for these approvals when buying plots in Chennai. They also must see to it that the land is located outside the Coastal Regulation Zone limits.

Non-Agricultural (NA) Order

All land in India is agricultural land, unless it is converted to Non-Agricultural (NA) land. The government issues a document called the Non-Agricultural Order, also called the NA Order, which proves that a certain piece of land is not agricultural land. Buyers must check the NA Order and see to it that the land aligns with their intended use. 

No matter whether you are interested in buying land for sale in Manali, Madhavaram, Thirumazhisai, Porur, Tambaram, or some other thriving part of Chennai, it is imperative to have a good understanding of the documents mentioned above.