10-Point Legal Checklist Before Buying Property
Our battle-tested legal verification protocol to protect your life savings from unauthorized layouts, disputed titles, and delayed possessions across Western UP.
UP RERA Registration & Quarterly Progress
Ensure the project has an active UP RERA registration certificate. Check the dedicated RERA escrow bank account where 70% of buyer collections must legally reside.
ADA / MVDA Master Plan Sanction
Confirm whether the land layout and architectural drawings are officially approved by Agra Development Authority (ADA) or Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA).
30-Year Title Search & Chain of Title
Trace ownership continuity for at least 30 consecutive years. Ensure that every prior sale deed, gift deed, inheritance partition, or power of attorney is recorded without broken links.
Non-Encumbrance Certificate (Barah Sala)
Obtain Form 15/16 Non-Encumbrance Certificate from the Sub-Registrar Office confirming that the property has no pending court attachments, mortgage pledges, or legal disputes.
Revenue Records Mutation (Dakhil Kharij / Khatauni)
Verify that the seller or developer's name is legally recorded in the local Tehsil revenue records (Khatauni & Khasra) via verified Dakhil Kharij orders.
Bank APF (Approved Project File) Status
When leading nationalized lenders like SBI or HDFC sanction project loans, their internal legal teams have already vetted the title. Always ask for the APF code.
Environmental & Fire NOCs
For multistory residential or commercial complexes, ensure Fire Department NOC, Airport Authority height clearance, and State Pollution Control Board environmental clearances are active.
Carpet Area vs Super Built-up Area Transparency
Under RERA rules, property pricing must strictly reflect the actual usable Carpet Area. Make sure your agreement clearly mentions Carpet Area, balcony area, and common areas separately.
Builder-Buyer Agreement Clause Inspection
Avoid unilateral, one-sided agreement clauses. Ensure the agreement contains equitable penal interest rates for possession delays matching the rate charged for buyer payment delays.
Completion (CC) & Occupancy (OC) Certificates
Before taking physical possession and moving in, ensure the local development authority has issued the official Occupancy Certificate confirming compliance with municipal building bye-laws.