1. Registered Sale Deed (Title Document)
The sale deed is the core legal document that officially transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer. It must be registered at the local Sub-Registrar’s Office.
- Contains property description, consideration, and seller/buyer details
- Must be executed on stamp paper and signed before witnesses
- Valid only after registration with applicable fees
- Forms the primary proof of ownership for buyer
2. Latest Encumbrance Certificate (EC)
The EC certifies that the land is free from legal dues, mortgages, or claims during a specified period (usually 13 to 30 years).
- Issued by the Sub-Registrar
- Shows history of transactions and ownership changes
- “Nil encumbrance” entry confirms clean title
- Required by banks and buyers before transaction
3. Patta / Khata / RTC / Record of Rights (RoR)
These land records reflect current ownership as recorded with the revenue department, and are required for property tax and mutation purposes.
- Patta (Tamil Nadu), Khata (Karnataka), RTC (Karnataka), RoR (many states)
- Contains survey number, land extent, usage type, owner name
- Must match sale deed for smooth transfer
- Used during mutation and for utility connections
4. Mother Deed / Chain of Title Documents
The mother deed traces the property’s entire ownership history, showing how the title passed from one person to another.
- Includes gift deeds, partition deeds, inheritance, prior sale deeds
- Needed for EC application and title certification
- Confirms that seller has lawful right to sell
- Helps lawyers and banks verify title continuity
5. Mutation Certificate / Revenue Records Transfer
Mutation is the process of updating land ownership in revenue records, and the mutation certificate confirms that the property has been transferred legally.
- Issued by Tehsildar, Municipal, or Panchayat office
- Required for property tax payment and land records update
- Reflects the buyer as the new owner in government records
- Needed post-registration to complete legal transfer
6. Possession Certificate or Possession Letter
This document certifies that physical possession of the land has been handed over to the buyer after the sale.
- Issued at the time of sale closure
- Especially useful in layout plots, industrial parks, and JDA deals
- Supports site control and construction rights
- Avoids encroachment or access disputes later
7. Land Conversion Certificate (if applicable)
If the land is converted from agricultural to industrial or commercial use, a conversion certificate from the local authority is required.
- Proves zoning compliance
- Required before development or resale in urban zones
- Issued by revenue or planning department
- Missing certificate may invalidate future approvals
8. Property Tax Paid Receipts and Utility Clearances
To avoid liability post-sale, the seller must show that property taxes and utility bills are fully paid up to the date of transfer.
- Latest property tax payment receipt
- No-dues certificate from municipality or panchayat
- Clearance from electricity and water boards
- Confirms that buyer won’t inherit old dues
9. Identity and Authority Documents of Seller
To prevent impersonation or fraud, sellers must provide government-issued ID and—if applicable—proof of authority such as Power of Attorney, Succession Certificate, or Resolution.
- PAN card, Aadhaar, passport for individuals
- Power of Attorney (if selling on behalf of owner)
- Company resolution for corporate sellers
- Legal heir/succession certificate in case of inherited property
