Legal diligence is the work of confirming, on paper, that a property can be sold to you cleanly and that nothing undisclosed sits against it. Done in sequence, it removes most of the risk that buyers later regret skipping.
1. Establish the chain of title
Trace ownership through the mother deed and successive sale deeds. Each transfer should be documented and consistent. An unexplained gap is a reason to pause and seek a lawyer's view.
2. Obtain an Encumbrance Certificate
The Encumbrance Certificate lists registered charges against the property over a defined period. A clean certificate suggests no undisclosed mortgage or sale.
3. Confirm approvals
For a project, verify RERA registration on the state portal, the commencement certificate, and the approved building plan. For a ready unit, confirm the Occupancy Certificate.
4. Check municipal records
Confirm the Khata and that property tax is paid up to date. In Bangalore, note whether the property holds an A Khata or a B Khata.
5. Review the agreement
Read the sale agreement for the price basis, the completion date, the delay clause, and what the booking amount secures.
When to involve a lawyer
For title verification and the final agreement, a property lawyer's opinion is worth the cost. The checklist narrows the risk; professional review confirms it.