The most expensive mistake in a property purchase is buying a property with a defective title. A careful title verification before you pay an advance identifies breaks in the chain of ownership, pending disputes, undisclosed heirs, mortgages and missing approvals — while you can still walk away or insist on corrections.
Adv. S. Mohamed Yunus verifies property titles for buyers, NRIs, families and lenders in Coimbatore. Title reports are prepared after a careful study of the chain of documents and revenue records, and written in language the client can understand and act upon.
Scope
Matters handled
- Title verification before purchaseScrutiny of the chain of title, parent documents and encumbrances before buying land, plots, houses or flats.
- Title opinion for loansLegal scrutiny reports for home loans and loans against property.
- Encumbrance & litigation checkChecking the EC for mortgages and transactions, and enquiring into pending cases.
- Revenue record verificationMatching patta, chitta, adangal and FMB sketch with the title documents.
- Approval verificationChecking layout and building plan approvals and their conformity.
- Heirship & succession checkConfirming that all legal heirs have joined in where the property was inherited.
- Flats & apartmentsVerification of the land title, builder's rights, approvals and the undivided share.
Process
How the process works
- 1
Collecting documents
Obtaining copies of title deeds, EC, patta and other relevant records.
- 2
Verification
Examining documents, checking records at the relevant offices and identifying gaps.
- 3
Queries
Raising specific queries or requirements to be fulfilled by the seller.
- 4
Title report
A detailed written report with conclusions and recommendations.
Documents to keep ready
- Sale deeds and parent documents covering the chain of title
- Encumbrance certificate for the relevant period
- Patta, chitta, adangal and FMB sketch
- Approved plan / layout approval, if any
- Property tax and electricity receipts
- Identity documents of the seller(s)
Relevant laws
- Transfer of Property Act, 1882
- Registration Act, 1908
- Indian Stamp Act, 1899 (as applicable in Tamil Nadu)
- Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016
- Hindu Succession Act, 1956 and Indian Succession Act, 1925
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
For how many years should property title be verified?
Title is commonly traced for about 30 years where records permit, supported by an encumbrance certificate for the same period. Longer verification may be needed where the history is complicated.
Is the bank's legal verification enough when I buy property?
A bank's legal scrutiny is done primarily to protect the bank's security. An independent title verification obtained by the buyer focuses on the buyer's own interests and risks.
What are common title defects?
Common issues include breaks in the chain of documents, unregistered or insufficiently stamped documents, pending litigation, undisclosed legal heirs, mismatch between deeds and revenue records, and lack of required approvals.
How long does title verification take?
Once all documents are available, a title report is usually prepared within a few working days. The time can vary with the number of documents and verification needed at government offices.
The information on this page is general in nature, based on the law as generally understood, and is not legal advice. Legal positions change and outcomes depend on the facts of each case. Please consult before acting on any information.
