Legal Document Checklist for Flat Buyers in Kerala

List of Legal Documents Required in Flat Buying Process

To safeguard your investment and steer clear of any potential legal issues, it is crucial to make certain that all legal documents are in place when buying an apartment, particularly in Kerala. The following is a detailed inventory of all the legal paperwork needed when purchasing an apartment:

Title Documents and Its Type

Title documents are legal documents that the property owner takes into consideration to transfer property ownership rights to the respective buyer for a specific amount. This document consists of the property description, transfer rights, and the amount paid by the buyer. It is important to make sure that you have obtained each of the title documents. It is highly advisable to contact a legal expert to help you check your title documents. Here is the list of title documents:

Encumbrance Certificate: This certificate shows whether the land where you prefer to buy the flat has any liabilities or not. Hence, it is a must-have legal document that ensures the property sale remains valid. You need an encumbrance certificate to update the land tax, to get a loan and also it is evidence for ownership title.

Mother Deed/Prior Deed: The land where your property presides may change times over the years. A mother deed traces the history of ownership, keeping a record of every relevant transfer. By doing so, it helps you avoid future legal entanglements and provides peace of mind. To obtain a mother's deed, you will need to visit the sub-registrar's office. You can also get it online, by visiting the website of Govt. of Kerala’s registration department.

Sales Deed: This is the most important title document you need. The sale deed verifies the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. This essential document ensures that the property you are purchasing legally belongs to the seller and not to someone else, safeguarding you from potential legal issues in the future.

Title Certificate: This document specifically includes details on your existing mortgage, condition, litigation, or other property claims. An advocate issues the title certificate after verifying that the flat you plan to purchase has a clear and marketable title.

Power of Attorney Documents

It is a legal document that lets one person appoint another to decide or take on the former’s behalf. The person granting the Power of Attorney is the donor and the one who gets it is the attorney-in-fact. This document must have the donor's signature, details of powers, the reason for granting power and attorney details. Below is the list of documents required to register for Power of Attorney for buying a flat in Kerala:

Identity proof document – Aadhaar card, driving licence, or voter ID
Address proof – Utility bill, bank statement, or tax receipt.
Passport-size photos of donor and attorney-in-fact.

Building Approval Documents

Building approval documents include essential paperwork such as the completion certificate, building plan approval, and occupancy certificate. These documents ensure that the construction is legal and the flat is safe to buy.

Building Plan Approval: To begin construction, the owner must obtain building plan approval. For flats in Kerala, securing this approval is a straightforward process. It can be obtained either offline or online by submitting elevation, floor plan, and section drawings. Also, they need to submit a land tax receipt, original deed photocopy, and the sanction drawing to the corporation. Before you buy a flat in Kerala, make sure the owner has got building plan approval.

Property Tax Receipts: Property tax or building tax is the tax amount that property owners have to pay. You can choose to pay it either annually or semi-annually, according to your convenience. Failure to pay or payment delays will result in penalties. In addition, neglecting property tax payments can lead to legal complications in the future. For example, if you wish to sell a property with outstanding tax dues, you may face serious legal issues. To avoid such problems, ensure you pay your property tax on time and keep the receipts for your records.

Occupancy Certificate: The occupancy certificate is issued by the local authority. Keep in mind that it is a crucial document. It ensures that the property you are purchasing complies with construction standards. Also, confirms that it includes all necessary facilities, and has received an NOC from the fire department. You must obtain this certificate before moving into your flat in Kerala.

Title Documents and Its Type

Planning to buy a flat in Kerala? No doubt, Kerala is the most beautiful and peaceful place to have a home. Whether for vacations or permanent living, the state is the best choice. Kerala also has a high demand for housing property projects. So, it is likely that you will get your desired house here. However, before you plan to buy a flat, you need to be aware of the legal paperwork involved. There are many legal documents involved in the flat-buying process. As a buyer, you need to prepare and keep the documents ready before proceeding. To simplify your buying journey, we have brought a legal document checklist for flat buyers in Kerala:

Documents for Home Loan

It is common for several homebuyers to take home loans to buy their dream property. So, if you are applying for a home loan, you need to submit several documents to the bank to get your loan successfully. Having all the legal documents ready ensures that the loan will be sanctioned without any hassles. Here is a list of the legal documents necessary to apply for a home loan to buy a flat successfully;

->Identify proof

->Proof of residence

->All documents associated with the property

->Bank account statement for the previous 6 months

->Personal assets and liabilities statements 

->Original salary certificate or proof of business address

->IT returns and copies of assessment orders of the recent three years

->Challans as evidence of advance income tax payment

->3 passport-sized photographs 

Also read: Financing Your Affordable Luxury Home in Thrissur: Tips and Advice

Summing It Up

The above is the list of legal documents the buyer must keep ready for buying a flat in Kerala. Make sure you have all the documents with you for a successful buying process. Better take legal advice from an expert to prepare all these documents.
Vishraam Builders not only build homes but also trust and long-lasting relationships with their customers. Choosing us for your new flat or apartment in Kerala means opting for a hassle-free and secure property-buying experience. We ensure that all legal aspects are meticulously handled, providing comprehensive documentation and support throughout the purchase process. Vishraam Builders not only build homes but also trust and long-lasting relationships with their customers. Contact us for more information.