Buying land is exciting, but it requires extreme caution during title verification. Unlike constructed apartments, land boundaries and deeds require thorough verification. Here are the five key documents you must check before closing a land transaction:
1. Sale Deed (Link Documents)
The primary document that establishes ownership transfer. Check the registered sale deed at the local Sub-Registrar Office. You must also trace previous ownership link documents for at least 30 years to verify a clear lineage.
2. Pattadar Passbook & Dharani Records (for Telangana)
For agricultural lands in Telangana, verify the Pattadar Passbook and check the Dharani portal using the Survey Number. The Dharani record is the ultimate source of truth for current land ownership, boundaries, and liabilities.
3. Encumbrance Certificate (EC)
The EC tracks all registered transactions on the property for a specified period. Request an EC for the last 30 years to confirm the land has no outstanding mortgages, disputes, or legal claims.
4. Survey & Boundary Map
Ensure a government-authorized surveyor measures the land. Verify that the physical boundaries match the boundaries documented in the registry.
5. Land Use Zone (Non-Agricultural NA Certificate)
If buying farmland for residential or commercial use, verify the zone classification. Farmlands must be officially converted to Non-Agricultural (NA) status through local land administration.
