Buying property is one of the largest investments most people will make. Yet many skip title verification, only to discover later that the property has legal defects, encumbrances, or competing claims. Title verification is the process of examining the chain of ownership and legal status of a property to ensure the seller has a clear, marketable title.
Documents to Examine
- Mother deed / parent document tracing ownership history.
- Sale deed or gift deed in favor of the current seller.
- Encumbrance Certificate (EC) for at least the last 15-30 years.
- Katha certificate and mutation entries.
- Approved building plan and occupancy certificate (for constructed property).
- Tax paid receipts.
- Release deeds from co-owners or heirs, if applicable.
- RERA registration (for under-construction projects).
Common Title Defects
- Fraudulent or forged sale deeds.
- Undisclosed liens or mortgages.
- Disputes among legal heirs.
- Government land or land under acquisition.
- Violation of zoning or land-use regulations.
Why a Lawyer’s Opinion Matters
A qualified lawyer examines the documents, verifies their authenticity with the sub-registrar, identifies defects, and issues a title opinion. This protects the buyer and is often required by banks before approving a home loan.
Conclusion
Title verification is a small investment that protects a large one. Never skip legal due diligence before purchasing property. At Gorav Law Associates, we provide comprehensive property title verification services across Rajasthan.