A clear title means the seller has the legal right to sell and that the property is free of disputes and undisclosed claims. Title problems are among the hardest to unwind after a purchase, which is why this check is worth doing carefully and, where possible, with a property lawyer.
The chain of ownership
The mother deed traces ownership back through successive transfers. Each link should be documented and consistent. A break or an unexplained gap in the chain is a point to investigate before proceeding.
Documents to review
- Sale deed and title deed for the current owner.
- Mother deed establishing the chain of title.
- Encumbrance Certificate showing registered charges or mortgages over a period, commonly thirteen to thirty years.
- Khata confirming the property is recorded with the municipal body for tax purposes.
Reading an Encumbrance Certificate
The Encumbrance Certificate lists registered transactions against the property. A clean certificate over the review period suggests no undisclosed mortgage or sale. An entry you were not told about is a reason to pause.
A note on caution
Title verification is the area where professional advice pays for itself. The checks above narrow the risk; a lawyer's opinion confirms it.