he property has been bought after a long and thorough scrutiny, and now the registration is finally completed — a moment of relief after crucial negotiations and verifications. But the journey doesn’t end here.
Now comes the most overlooked yet critical step: checking if you have every single document and bill in hand. These papers are not just formalities — they are the proof of your ownership, your shield in case of future allegations, and your safe pass whenever you need to sell, mortgage, or defend your property rights.
Here’s the complete handover checklist, divided into important documents and essential bills/receipts, that every buyer must collect.
📂 Section 1: Must-Have Documents
1. Parent Deeds / Mother Documents
Traces the full ownership history of the property. If it’s split land, insist on a color xerox of the entire parent deed to avoid disputes later.
2. Registered Sale Deed
The legal proof of your purchase. Keep the embossed original safe, as it is the core of your ownership rights.
3. Patta (Land Revenue Record)
Government record showing legal ownership of land. Collect the seller’s Patta first, then apply for mutation to your name.
4. Encumbrance Certificate (EC)
Confirms whether the property is free from loans, mortgages, or claims. Get a fresh 30-year EC updated with your registration.
5. Registration CD from SRO
The Sub-Registrar provides a CD/soft copy of your registration. It’s useful for easy verification and loan purposes.
6. Building Plan Approval (for houses/apartments)
Proves the construction is legally sanctioned by CMDA/DTCP or the local body.
7. Completion or Occupancy Certificate
Confirms that the building was constructed as per approval and is safe to occupy.
8. Apartment Association NOC (for flats)
Shows the seller has cleared all dues with the apartment association.
9. Bank Loan Clearance / Release Deed (if applicable)
If the seller had a mortgage, get the Bank NOC and registered release deed, and cross-check it in the latest EC.
10. Layout / Sub-Division Approval Copy
Ensures the plot or subdivision has official approval by CMDA/DTCP/Panchayat.
11. FMB Sketch & A-Register Copy
Revenue records proving survey number boundaries and land classification.
12. No-Dues Certificate from Seller
Written declaration that no taxes, loans, or legal disputes are pending.
💰 Section 2: Essential Bills & Receipts
1. Property Tax Receipts
Latest paid municipal/Panchayat property tax receipts — ensures no arrears.
2. Water Tax & Drainage Tax Bills
Proof that all civic dues are cleared. Unpaid bills can block name transfers.
3. Electricity Bills & Meter Transfer
Collect 3–6 months of paid bills. Ensure no arrears, and get consent for meter transfer.
4. Registration Fee Receipt / Stamp Duty Challan
Proof of payment of registration and stamp duty charges. Important audit and resale record.
Final Word
Property buying doesn’t end with registration. Your real strength as an owner lies in having a complete handover file with every supporting document. Each of these records serves as your proof, protection, and future safeguard.
👉 On Verified.RealEstate, you can double-check documents with tools like Patta Verification, Encumbrance Certificate Check, and Layout Approval Search to ensure your property remains legally bulletproof.
⚠️ Red Flag Reminder
- Never rely on xerox sale deeds or handwritten receipts.
- Parent document gaps or missing tax receipts = risk of hidden encumbrance.
- Always cross-check Patta + EC + FMB against what’s written in the sale deed.