1. Sale Deed (Parent Deeds) – Minimum 30 Years
What to check
- Continuous chain of ownership for at least 30 years
- No missing links between owners
Why it matters
- Establishes clear and marketable title
- Banks insist on this for home loans
Red flags
- Gaps in ownership history
- Unregistered or handwritten deeds
2. Encumbrance Certificate (EC)
Period to verify
- Minimum 30 years, ideally till current date
What it confirms
- No existing loans, mortgages, court attachments, or sales
Special Chennai note
- Older transactions (pre-1987) may not reflect fully online—verify manually if needed
Red flags
- Mortgage entries not cleared
- Sale shown but deed missing
3. Patta (Land Revenue Record)
Must match
- Owner’s name
- Survey number
- Extent of land
Why it matters
- Proof that the government recognizes ownership
Red flags
- Joint patta when seller claims exclusive ownership
- Patta still in previous owner’s name
4. Chitta & Adangal (for Land / Vacant Plots)
Purpose
- Confirms land classification and usage
Verify
- Land type: Nanjai / Punjai / Residential
- Correct survey and subdivision number
Red flags
- Agricultural land sold as residential without conversion
5. Land Classification & Zoning
Check with
- CMDA / Local Planning Authority
Why important
- Chennai has strict zoning (Residential, Commercial, OSR, Waterbody zones)
Red flags
- Land classified as water body, lake, canal, or poramboke
- OSR (Open Space Reservation) plots sold illegally
6. Approved Layout / Plot Approval
Required from
- CMDA / DTCP / Local Panchayat (based on location)
Verify
- Layout approval number
- Whether roads and common areas are approved
Red flags
- “Unapproved layout”
- Approval shown but not traceable in authority records
7. Building Plan Approval (For Built Properties)
Issued by
- CMDA / Corporation of Chennai / Municipality
Why it matters
- Unauthorized buildings can face demolition or penalties
Red flags
- Extra floors beyond approval
- Flat constructed on stilt parking area
8. Completion Certificate / Occupancy Certificate
Mandatory for
- Apartments and new constructions
Purpose
- Confirms construction as per approved plan
Bank importance
- Required for home loan disbursement
Red flags
- OC “applied but not received” (very risky)
9. Power of Attorney (If Applicable)
Verify
- Registered POA
- Whether POA is still valid and not revoked
Red flags
- Unregistered POA
- Sale executed after POA holder’s death
10. Legal Heir Certificate / Succession Documents
When required
- Inherited property
- Ancestral land
Verify
- All legal heirs included and consenting
Red flags
- Missing heirs
- Minor heirs without court permission
11. Court Case & Litigation Check
How
- District court records
- Advocate search using survey number
Why critical
- Pending litigation can freeze resale or registration
Red flags
- Partition suits
- Stay orders or injunctions
12. Property Tax & Utility Bills
Check
- Property tax receipts
- Water & electricity bills
Why it matters
- Confirms possession and regular usage
Red flags
- Tax paid by someone other than seller
13. Land Ceiling & Government Acquisition Check
Verify
- Not affected by ULCRA (Urban Land Ceiling)
- Not under road widening, metro, or government acquisition
Red flags
- “Notice received but resolved” without proof
14. Physical Survey & Boundary Verification
Do this
- Measure land with surveyor
- Match boundaries with deed description
Why
- Chennai has many cases of boundary overlap and road encroachment
Red flags
- Fence or building outside survey limits
15. Bank Legal Opinion (Highly Recommended)
Why
- Banks conduct independent legal scrutiny
Tip
- Even if buying with cash, take a bank-style legal opinion
Common Chennai-Specific Risk Areas
- Waterbody encroachments (lakes, canals, tanks)
- OSR land sold as residential plots
- Unapproved layouts in outskirts
- Inherited properties without full legal heir consent
Best Recommendation
- Always engage a local property lawyer in Chennai
- Verify documents before paying advance
- Match survey number, extent, and boundaries across all records
