1. Check the Title of the Property (Ownership)

What is the title?
Title means who legally owns the property and whether they have the right to sell it.
What you must verify

• Ownership history for the last 30–40 years
• Every transfer must be legal and registered

Documents involved

• Sale Deed
• Gift Deed / Partition Deed (if family property)
• Settlement Deed / Will (inheritance cases)

Why this is important
If the title is not clear, you may lose the property even after paying full money.

2. Encumbrance Certificate (EC)

What is EC?
EC shows whether the property has:

• Bank loans
• Mortgages
• Legal claims
• Sale agreements

What to check

• EC period: minimum 30 years
• Should ideally show “Nil Encumbrance."

Why it matters
If a previous loan is unpaid, the bank can claim the property, even after purchase.

3. Patta & Land Records Verification

What is Patta?
Patta is a government land record showing:

• Owner’s name
• Survey number
• Land type

Ensure

• Patta's name matches seller’s name
• Land classification is residential.

Why this matters
Wrong land classification can lead to:

• Construction issues
• Registration problems
• Demolition risk

4. Planning & Layout Approval (Very Important in Chennai)

Authorities involved

• CMDA
• Local body (Corporation / Municipality / Panchayat)

What to verify

• Approved layout (for plots)
• Approved building plan (for houses/flats)

Why this matters
Many Chennai properties are built on unapproved layouts. Such properties:

• May not get loans
• May face penalties or demolition

5. Completion Certificate & Occupancy Certificate (OC)

What is OC?
OC confirms:

• The building is constructed as per approved plan
• The property is safe for occupation

Required for

• Apartments
• Gated community houses

Why OC is crucial
Without OC:

• Water & electricity can be disconnected
• Resale becomes difficult
• Legal action possible

6. Litigation & Legal Dispute Check

What to check

• Pending court cases
• Family disputes
• Inheritance conflicts

How disputes arise

• Multiple legal heirs
• Unregistered wills
• Divorce or partition cases

Why this matters
A property under litigation can be blocked for years.
 

7. Builder Verification (For New Projects)

Must check

• Registration under RERA Tamil Nadu
• Project approval status
• Past delivery record

Why RERA matters
RERA protects buyers from:

• Delays
• False promises
• Fund diversion
   

8. Property Tax & Utility Dues

Ensure all dues are paid

• Property Tax
• Water & sewerage charges
• Electricity bills

Why this matters
Unpaid dues legally transfer to the new owner.
 

9. Physical Verification & Survey

What to match

• Survey number
• Land boundaries
• Actual measurement vs document size

Why this matters
Document mismatch can lead to:

• Boundary disputes
• Encroachment issues
   

Checklist

•  Clear title (30–40 years)
•  Nil Encumbrance Certificate
•  Correct Patta & land classification
•  CMDA / local approval
•  OC / Completion Certificate
•  No court cases
•  RERA registration (if builder)
•  All taxes paid
•  Lawyer’s legal opinion