• Check whether the seller has a right over the property.
• Verify patta and encumference certificate for the property
• Check whether the layout has been approved by the CMDA and sanctioned by the local body. (A copy of CMDA approved layout can be obtained from CMDA on payment of nominal fee).
• Check whether the roads and park area has been handed over to the local body through a gift deed.
• Check whether the abutting road of the plot has been maintained by the local body or has been handed over to the local body.
• Verify the land use zone as per master plan for the plot.
• Verify the completion certificate obtained for the building.
• Verify whether the plan has been prepared according to the development control rules.
• Check whether all the documents/certificates has been enclosed before submitting the plan for approval to CMDA/local body.
• Obtain planning permission from CMDA and building approval from the concerned local body.
• If not action will be taken against the unauthorized and deviated constructions.
• Kindly avoid unauthorized/deviated construction and stay free from the enforcement action of CMDA / local body.

• Check whether the details of approved plan have been displayed on the site.
• Check whether the flat has been constructed as per the approved plan.
• Check whether the promoter/power of attorney has a right to transfer the undivided shares of land.
• Verify whether entire undivided shares of land have been transferred by the land owner/promoter/power of attorney to you.
• Land owner/promoter/power of attorney has no right over the open spaces and in the terrace after entire undivided shares of land has been transferred.
• Check whether the completion certificate issued by the CMDA has been obtained after the completion of the building.
• If you have any further clarifications regarding the purchase of flat, kindly contact the counselling counter at CMDA.

This is an extract issued from the Register of Land holdings maintained, usually by the Office of the Tahsildar concerned. This is issued in the name of the person or persons in whose name the records relating to the holdings are maintained or may be available The issuance of patta signifies the lawful possession.

There are many types of patta. However, the most common are the “Extract from Permanent Land Register,” “Extract from Town Survey Land Register” and the patta issued in respect of holdings as per available records.

Usually, the Tahsildar issues the Patta. Other officers are also empowered to do so depending on the facts and circumstances of each case.

Normally, an application has to be made to the Tahsildar in the form of a simple requisition to issue the patta, providing necessary details and documents. It is issued in the name of the owner or in the case of joint holdings, in the names of the joint owners. If required, the officer concerned may require the applicant to furnish details in a particular format and may also hold an enquiry before granting the patta. A survey may also be made if so deemed fit.

In cases of patta which are “Extracts from Permanent Land Register" and “Extracts from Town Survey Land Register”, a topo plan is issued and is part of the patta. In the case agricultural holdings, the topo Plan is not usually issued.

In the case of properties which have buildings or structures, physical occupation and possession may be demonstrable. In case of vacant lands, this may not be possible. In such instances, patta is the main document for establishing lawful possession. Even in the case of properties with buildings and structures, Patta is the primary document to establish lawful possession. It also has other uses, especially when one is dealing with one's property, as it contains many other vital details including the extent of holdings and in many cases, the measurements.

Patta is a document relating to land and not buildings, although the patta may include particulars relating to the buildings. In respect of apartments the land is usually owned by the co-owners in undivided shares and Patta is not issued for undivided shares of land. However, it may be possible to get the patta in the names of all the co-owners jointly. Patta issued in the names of joint owners does not specify the shares of the individual owners and in such cases of joint patta, there is scope for confusion. Also, depending on the nature of holding, Urban Land Tax or other taxes may become payable on the basis of joint patta. Otherwise, as related to individual holdings alone, the same may not be payable.

There are a few instances when patta needs to be transferred. Take the case of an owner, having a patta, expiring without leaving a Will. In such cases, the legal heirs of the deceased person are entitled to have patta for the property in their names. In the case of a person leaving a Will, patta can be transferred to the beneficiary with the consent of others who will be the immediate heirs of the deceased person. The officer concerned may also require the production of Letters of Administration or Order of Probate in appropriate cases.

Although, it is possible to have the patta directly in the name of a purchaser or a transferee, after purchase or transfer, it is desirable that patta is available in the name of the seller or the transferor. To a certain extent, there could be an element of comfort if the seller is a known person or the transferor a close relative. It is also possible to ascertain whether patta will be issued in the name of the purchaser or the transferee and in cases where patta is not obtained by the seller or the transferor but documents are in order, it is best to check whether it will be issued directly in favor of the purchaser or the transferee.

This has to be approached on a case to case basis. It is also possible to obtain a correct patta if there is an error or omission or oversight. The decision may be taken after obtaining legal advice.

Encumbrance Certificate shortly called EC shows the property transaction details for a Particular Period. It is advisable to get an encumbrance certificate before effecting any transactions as it will give information about previous transactions. This will also help in arriving at the proper entitlement of the property.You can get the application online and detail of fee structure is given in Tamil Nadu Registration Department Website.

The details as provided in the Tamil Nadu registration department website follow these for trouble free Registration.

Which office has jurisdiction over the place where I am developing my land? The list as provided in The Directorate of Town & Country Planning (DTCP) website.