Understanding the Property Sale History and Current Status in Real Estate Transactions

Buying a property is one of the most significant investments a person can make. Ensuring that the property you plan to purchase has not been sold to someone else is a vital step in the process, and there are several ways to verify this information. This guide will walk you through the process of confirming the sale history of a property and how to ensure its current status aligns with your expectations.

What is an Encumbrance Certificate?

Before delving into the process of verifying the property's sale history, it's important to understand what an encumbrance certificate is. An encumbrance certificate is a document issued by the local revenue department that provides detailed information about a property, including any encumbrances or liens that may affect its sale or mortgage. Properties can be encumbered for various reasons, such as liens, mortgages, or disputes related to ownership. The encumbrance certificate serves as a safeguard for potential buyers to ensure they are buying a property free from any outstanding legal issues.

How to Obtain an Encumbrance Certificate

The process begins by applying for the encumbrance certificate of the proposed property. To do this, you will need to gather the following details:

Boundary survey numbers Extent of the property Other relevant property identifiers

Once you have this information, you can submit your request to your local revenue department. The department will review the property records and provide you with the encumbrance certificate, which will indicate if the property has any existing encumbrances.

Reviewing Revenue Records for Property Sale History

Another crucial step in verifying the property's sale history is reviewing the revenue records. These records can provide you with invaluable information about the property's ownership and any recent changes. Some of the key records to review include:

Pattachitra: This is a document that records the land records and is maintained by the local revenue department. The pattachitra will provide you with a history of the property's ownership and any changes that have occurred. Adangal: Adangal is another register that documents the transfer of properties. It provides a detailed history of the property and shows any changes in ownership. Title Tracing: This involves looking into the title deeds and other relevant documents related to the property. Reviewing these documents can help you identify any recent transfers or changes in ownership.

Interpreting the Information in the Encumbrance Certificate

Once you have obtained the encumbrance certificate and reviewed the relevant revenue records, you need to carefully interpret the information. The certificate will provide details such as:

The day, month, and year of the sale The name of the vendor (the current owner) The name of the buyer (the new owner)

By comparing these details with your timeline and any other information you may have, you can determine if the property is currently on the market or has been sold to someone else. If the property has been sold, the encumbrance certificate will reflect the sale date, and the name of the new owner.

Ensuring the Property's Current Status

It's also important to ensure that the property's current status aligns with the information you have received in the encumbrance certificate and revenue records. Some additional steps you can take to verify the current status include:

Check with the revenue department: Contact your local revenue department to confirm if the property has been sold and if the sale has been registered. Visit the property: Conduct a physical inspection of the property to verify its current status and ensure it is as described in the records. Consult legal expertise: If you are unsure about any aspect of the property's sale history or current status, consulting with a legal professional can provide you with further clarity and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Verifying the sale history and current status of a property is a crucial step in the real estate buying process. By obtaining an encumbrance certificate and reviewing the relevant revenue records, you can ensure you are investing in a property that is free from any encumbrances and has not been sold to someone else. Taking these steps can save you from potential legal troubles and ensure a smooth and hassle-free transaction.

Key Takeaways

Obtain an encumbrance certificate for the proposed property. Review pattachitra, adangal, and title deeds to trace the property's sale history. Interpret the information in the encumbrance certificate to confirm the sale date and buyer's name.

Keywords: Encumbrance Certificate, Revenue Records, Property Sale History