Where should legal review of terms happen?

The legal review of terms in a property transaction is a crucial step that ensures all deal clauses are lawful, enforceable, and aligned with the interests of both buyer and seller. This review must take place in a controlled, neutral, and confidential setting, ideally handled by professionals familiar with real estate law, registration rules, and regional compliance.

1. At a Qualified Legal Office or Law Firm

• The most appropriate place for a legal review is the office of a registered property lawyer or law firm with real estate experience.
  
• Here, professionals can:
  
  • Examine the draft agreement
    
  • Cross-check title documents
    
  • Verify compliance with local laws
    
  • Suggest protective clauses for the client
    

2. During a Joint Legal Meeting Between Both Parties

• A joint session involving legal advisors from both the buyer and the seller is often arranged to:
  
  • Resolve clause disagreements
    
  • Finalize wording of sensitive terms (payment schedule, default clause, possession handover)
    
  • Review annexures such as site plans, approvals, and indemnities
    
• These meetings typically occur at neutral venues like a law office or real estate consultant’s boardroom.
  

3. Through Virtual Consultations and Secure Document Exchange

• With digital convenience, legal reviews are also conducted via:
  
  • Encrypted emails
    
  • Online document-sharing platforms (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox)
    
  • Virtual meetings through video conferencing
    
• Parties exchange marked-up drafts with track changes and legal comments, ensuring all revisions are mutually acknowledged.
  

4. Before Agreement Finalization and Notarization

• The review must happen before the Agreement to Sell or Sale Deed is signed or notarized.
  
• Once signed, any change may require:
  
  • Fresh documentation
    
  • Additional registration cost
    
  • Mutual consent for amendment
    

5. Prior to Submission to Registrar or Authority

• If the document is to be submitted for registration, mutation, or project approval, it should be reviewed beforehand by:
  
  • Legal counsel
    
  • Document writer (only for formatting)
    
  • Sub-Registrar guidelines (to verify stamp duty and legality)
    

6. In Real Estate Advisory Setups (Optional)

• Reputed real estate consultants often offer legal vetting services through their in-house or partner legal teams.
  
• While advisory inputs are helpful, it is still advisable to conduct a dedicated independent review by a licensed lawyer.