Top Legal Documents You Must Check Before Buying Property in Tamil Nadu

Buying a property is a major life decision, especially in a dynamic real estate market like Tamil Nadu. While location, price, and amenities are often top-of-mind, one crucial aspect that is often overlooked is legal documentation. Whether you're buying a flat in Chennai or a plot in Coimbatore, ensuring that all legal documents are verified is essential to safeguard your investment and avoid future disputes.

This blog will guide you through the top legal documents you must check before buying property in Tamil Nadu—be it residential, commercial, or agricultural.

1. Sale Deed

What it is:
The sale deed is the core legal document that serves as proof of sale and transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer.

Why it matters:
Without a registered sale deed, your ownership is not legally recognized. It should be executed on non-judicial stamp paper and registered at the sub-registrar's office.

What to check:

• Name of buyer and seller

• Property details and boundaries

• Sale consideration amount

• Signatures of both parties

• Witness details

2. Encumbrance Certificate (EC)

What it is:
The Encumbrance Certificate provides information on whether the property is free from legal or monetary liabilities such as loans, mortgage, or litigation.

Why it matters:
It ensures that the property is not under any encumbrance and that you’re buying from a clean title holder.

Where to get it:
From the local Sub-Registrar Office or online via the TNREGINET portal.

Pro Tip:
Ask for Form 15 (if there is any transaction) and Form 16 (if there’s no transaction).

3. Patta

What it is:
A Patta is a land revenue record that establishes the rightful ownership of a piece of land.

Why it matters:
It proves that the land you're buying belongs to the seller and is not part of government land or encroachment.

What to check:

• Owner’s name

• Survey number

• Sub-division number

• Land classification (wet/dry)

• Area in acres/sq. feet

Where to get it:
Revenue Department Office or online at eservices.tn.gov.in.

4. Chitta

What it is:
Chitta is another land revenue document, which categorizes land into Nanjai (wetland) and Punjai (dry land).

Why it matters:
Understanding the land type helps in assessing usage possibilities (residential, agricultural, or commercial).

What to check:

• Land category

• Owner’s name

• Survey number

• Area details

Note: Patta and Chitta have now been merged into a single document under the TN Government.

5. Property Tax Receipts

What it is:
These are receipts issued by the municipal corporation or local body confirming that property taxes have been paid.

Why it matters:
Helps verify that there are no pending dues and that the seller has a clear ownership record.

What to check:

• Upto-date payments

• Owner’s name

• Property address

6. Approved Building Plan

What it is:
This is the blueprint of the property approved by CMDA, DTCP, or local municipality.

Why it matters:
Any unauthorized construction may lead to demolition or penalties.

What to check:

• Plan approval from respective authority (e.g., CMDA for Chennai)

• Property address

• Construction area vs. sanctioned area

7. Completion Certificate & Occupancy Certificate

What it is:

• Completion Certificate certifies that the building has been constructed as per the approved plan.

• Occupancy Certificate certifies that the building is fit for occupation.

Why it matters:
OC is essential to occupy a property legally. Without it, water and electricity connections can be denied.

8. Mother Deed

What it is:
A Mother Deed traces the ownership history of the property, ideally for the past 30 years.

Why it matters:
It helps verify the authenticity of the title and whether it has passed through legal transactions.

Pro Tip:
Consult a legal expert to verify the chain of ownership.

9. Power of Attorney (if applicable)

What it is:
If the seller is not available in person, they may have given Power of Attorney (PoA) to someone else.

Why it matters:
Ensure the PoA is legally registered and specifically authorizes the transaction you are entering.

10. No Objection Certificates (NOCs)

What it is:
NOCs from various departments like:

• Fire Department

• Pollution Control Board

• Electricity Board

• Water and Sewerage Board

Why it matters:
For large apartments or commercial properties, these are mandatory for legal occupation and resale.

Bonus: RERA Registration

If you’re buying a new property from a builder, make sure it is RERA registered.

Why it matters:
RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) ensures that:

• Project is legally compliant

• Delivery timelines are met

• Your investment is protected

Check the RERA status at TNRERA Website.

Conclusion

When it comes to property investment, especially in a state like Tamil Nadu, due diligence is everything. While you may fall in love with a home’s design or location, ignoring the legal documents can lead to years of financial and legal troubles.

Before signing on the dotted line:

• Consult a real estate lawyer

• Get documents verified

• Cross-check everything from EC to Patta

• Ensure the builder or seller provides complete transparency

Taking these steps not only protects your money but also gives you peace of mind for the years to come. After all, buying a home is not just a transaction—it’s the foundation of your future.