Legal & Title Verification Guide — Safe Property Buying | Riddhi Siddhi Properties

Why Legal Verification Matters

A significant number of property disputes in India arise from title defects, unapproved constructions, multiple ownership claims, or builder fraud. Spending time and ₹5,000–₹20,000 on proper legal verification can protect an investment of ₹20 lakh to ₹1 crore. Never skip this step.

Step 1: RERA Registration Check

All residential projects with 8+ units or land over 500 sq.m. must be registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) under the RERA Act, 2016. A RERA-registered project gives you significant buyer protections including escrow of 70% of funds, penalty for delays, and defined handover obligations.

How to Check RERA Registration (Maharashtra)

Visit maharera.mahaonline.gov.in
Click on “Search Projects”
Enter the project name, builder name, or RERA number
Verify: Registration number, expiry date, project status, escrow account details
Check if the project is registered, rejected, or lapsed

Verify RERA number is valid and not expired

Check that builder details match what you were told

Verify number of approved units vs. what's being sold

Check if any complaints have been filed against the project

Step 2: Title Document Verification

Title verification confirms that the seller (builder/developer/owner) has a clear and legal right to sell the property. This involves checking the chain of ownership going back 15–30 years.

7/12 Extract (Satbara Utara)

For land/plot purchases in Maharashtra — the 7/12 extract shows current ownership, survey number, area, and any encumbrances on the land. Obtain from the District Sub-Registrar office or the Maharashtra government portal.

Index II / Property Card

Confirms the registered owner of the property. All past transactions are recorded here. Match the name of the current seller with the Index II record.

Encumbrance Certificate

Shows all registered transactions (mortgages, liens, court orders) against the property. A clear encumbrance certificate means no outstanding financial or legal claims.

Property Tax Receipts

Ensure all property taxes are paid up to date. Outstanding tax dues become the new owner's liability.

Legal Title Opinion

Engage a local property lawyer (fee: ₹5,000–₹20,000) to give a written legal opinion on the title. This is the most important step before signing any agreement.

Complete Pre-Purchase Legal Checklist

RERA registration valid and active

Builder's past projects delivered on time

Title is clear — no ownership disputes

No court cases or injunctions on the property

Building plan is approved by municipal authority

Occupancy Certificate (OC) issued (for completed projects)

No mortgage or loan on the property

Encumbrance certificate is clear

Property tax dues are fully paid

Legal opinion from a licensed property lawyer

Agreement of Sale is stamped and registered

All previous sale deeds are original and accounted for

Need Help with Legal Verification?

We guide you through the complete verification process and can recommend trusted property lawyers in the Shahapur–Asangaon area.

+91 80079 81876