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Top 10 Property Documents to Check Before Buying a House in Hyderabad

Buying a house is a major milestone in anyone’s life. In a rapidly developing city like Hyderabad, the real estate market offers a wide range of opportunities, but it also comes with potential legal challenges. To protect your investment, it’s essential to verify all property documents before finalizing a deal.

This comprehensive guide will help you understand the key property documents you must check before buying a home in Hyderabad.

1. Title Deed

The Title Deed is the most important of all property documents. It proves the legal ownership of the property and confirms that the seller has the right to sell it. Ensure that the title is clear, dispute-free, and verified through legal channels. A clean title is the foundation of any real estate transaction.

2. Sale Deed

The Sale Deed is the legal document that records the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. It must include:

• Complete property details
• Sale price
• Terms and conditions
• Signatures of both parties
• Registration at the local sub-registrar office

This document officially validates your ownership.

3. Encumbrance Certificate (EC)

This crucial property document ensures the property is free from any existing loans, mortgages, or legal liabilities. You can request an Encumbrance Certificate from the sub-registrar’s office or check online. It reflects the financial history and guarantees a clear title.

Before buying any constructed property, check for:

4. Building Plan Approval & Occupancy Certificate

• Building Plan Approval: Confirms the structure is built as per sanctioned plans and local laws.
• Occupancy Certificate (OC): Certifies that the building is complete, safe, and legally fit for occupancy.

Both are vital property documents for ensuring the legal construction of the property.

5. Land Use and Zoning Certificate

Verify that the land is permitted for your intended purpose—residential, commercial, or mixed-use—by reviewing the land use certificate. This property document is issued by local planning authorities and prevents future legal issues related to zoning regulations.

6. Property Tax Receipts

Ask for property tax receipts for the past few years to ensure there are no outstanding dues. Unpaid taxes can lead to penalties or legal complications. Verifying these receipts is a critical step in reviewing the financial status of the property.

7. No Objection Certificate (NOC)

If you’re buying in a gated community or apartment, request an NOC from the:

• Builder (for new projects)
• Resident Welfare Association (for resale properties)

This document ensures that there are no disputes or legal issues related to the property within the community.

8. Agreement to Sell

This is a preliminary agreement between the buyer and the seller that outlines the price, payment terms, and conditions of the sale. While not a final property document, it helps establish the framework of the transaction and should align with the final Sale Deed.

9. Power of Attorney (PoA)

If the property is being sold by a representative (like a relative or legal agent), ensure a valid Power of Attorney is in place. This property document legally authorizes someone to act on behalf of the property owner.

10. Previous Title Documents

Reviewing the property’s ownership history is essential. Check older title documents to verify that all past transactions were legal and the chain of ownership is intact. This step minimizes future disputes and strengthens your legal claim.

Conclusion

Buying a home in Hyderabad is a rewarding investment, but only if the due diligence is done properly. Verifying all necessary property documents helps you avoid legal complications, financial liabilities, and ownership disputes.

For complete peace of mind, always consult a real estate lawyer or legal expert to thoroughly review the property documents before finalizing the purchase.