A title deed is the proof of ownership of the property that is described in the deed. Generally, evidence of the ownership of a property is established on the basis of a series of documents that are collectively referred to as title deeds.
Establishing Title
When purchasing a property, the primary document is the sale deed /conveyance deed which is the title deed evidencing the basic ownership right of the vendor. But, it is also essential that all the documents that are referred to in the sale deed / conveyance deed should be in the possession of the vendor. There should be an unbroken link in the chain of documents dating back preferably 30 years, or an earlier date, where the property has been acquired by a Government or quasi-government authority.
Title Documents
These documents should include
- Earlier sale deeds / conveyance deeds
- Khata certificates and extracts thereof
- Mutation extracts issued by tehsildar
- No objection certificates issued by electricity board/pollution control board/water department, etc.
- Proof of payment of latest property taxes
- Possession certificates
- Encumbrance certificate for earlier period of 13 years
- Closure letter of bank in case of mortgaged property
- General power of attorney
- Sanctioned building plan
- Sale agreement/construction agreement between builder and original owner
- Payment receipts for purchase
- Building completion certificate and occupation certificate.
All title documents should ordinarily be available in original.
