List of Documents to Verify Before Purchasing Land in Kerala – A Complete Guide
Buying land in Kerala can be a rewarding investment—but only if done right. One of the most important steps in any land transaction is document verification. It ensures that you are investing in a legal, dispute-free property with clear ownership. Here’s a complete checklist of documents you must verify before buying land in Kerala.
📑 1. Title Deed (Sale Deed / Ownership Document)
- Confirms the legal ownership of the land.
- Check that the seller has the right to sell the property.
- Ensure the title is clear, marketable, and free of disputes.
Tip: Ask for a certified copy from the Sub-Registrar Office for authenticity.
📝 2. Encumbrance Certificate (EC)
- Shows whether the land is free from legal dues or liabilities.
- Obtain from the Sub-Registrar Office for a period of 13 to 30 years.
- Look for mortgages, leases, or pending loans on the property.
🗺️ 3. Land Sketch and Survey Plan
- Confirms the boundaries and dimensions of the land.
- Should match with the title deed and physical inspection.
- Issued by the Village Office or Revenue Department.
🏠 4. Possession Certificate
- Issued by the Village Officer.
- Confirms that the seller is in actual possession of the property.
📄 5. Land Tax Receipt
- Verify that all land taxes are paid up-to-date.
- Issued by the Village Office or Revenue Department.
📋 6. Basic Tax Register (BTR)
- Confirms the land’s tax classification and ownership history.
- Used to check if the land is agricultural, commercial, or residential.
🚫 7. Release Certificate (if mortgaged)
- If the land was previously pledged or mortgaged, ask for a Release Certificate from the bank.
- This certifies that the loan has been cleared.
🏘️ 8. FMB Sketch (Field Measurement Book)
- Shows the exact survey number and measurements of the land.
- Useful in boundary disputes or legal verifications.
🛣️ 9. Access and Right of Way
- Check if the land has a proper access road.
- If access is through private property, ensure legal right of way exists.
📌 10. Patta / Adangal Extract
- Official revenue records indicating land classification, owner details, and cultivation data.
- Useful for agricultural land transactions.
⚖️ 11. Legal Verification by Advocate
- Always get all documents legally verified by an experienced real estate advocate.
- Helps identify forged documents, ownership disputes, or other red flags.
📍 12. Identity and Authority of Seller
- Check Aadhaar, PAN Card, or Passport of the seller.
- If selling on behalf of someone else, verify Power of Attorney (PoA).
🏛️ 13. RERA Registration (If Part of a Project)
- For plotted developments or gated communities, check RERA registration details for compliance.
✅ Do Not Skip Document Verification
Buying land without verifying proper documentation can lead to legal battles, financial loss, or loss of ownership. Take your time, consult professionals, and ensure every paper is in place.
📞 Need help verifying land documents in Kerala?
Our expert legal and property team can guide you through a safe, transparent, and verified purchase process.