Step by step guide for the property registration process in India

A house is one of our most prized and valuable possessions. One that makes us proud, takes care of our financial security and even defines our esteem in society. It makes sense, therefore, to ensure its legal safety and security from every angle. In many ways, that begins with the registration process. Yes, it’s vital to get the due registration process completed as soon as possible. 

Despite the recent changes that have made it easy for anyone to register one’s property, it is not uncommon to find people struggle with it. It’s a good time, therefore, to brush up on some of the thumb rules and basics when it comes to registration of one’s property. 

Before your registration process can begin, you need to have all relevant documents in place. These will need to be submitted to the Sub-Registrar of Assurances who is in charge of the jurisdiction in which your property is located. 

The purchaser, the seller as well as two witnesses will, each, have to produce a valid photo ID document such as Adhaar Card or Voter’s Card. 

Both the purchaser and the seller of the property need to submit a photocopy of their respective PAN cards. 

The previous owner, the new purchaser of the property and a couple of witnesses will have to produce two passport-sized photographs each. 

A duplicate copy of the municipal tax bill is required as well – to establish the year of construction of the property beyond any reasonable doubt. 

An Incorporation Certificate of both the purchaser and the seller is a must for situations where the buyer is a company and not an individual.

It needs to be established beyond doubt that the property is not under the ownership or aegis of the government, and for that, an updated Property Register Card must be provided. 

In the eventuality that the parties are acting on behalf of another party, a Power of Authority needs to be shared to prove that each party has, indeed, been empowered to take decisions.

The seller will now have to peg his or her property at a certain price point. While arriving at this price-tag, the seller must do a considered analysis of the current prices in the vicinity or neighborhood. To get a sense of perspective, this price must be compared with the price that was paid at the time of acquiring it. 

Once this has been done, non-judicial stamp papers need to be procured for the property that one is planning to purchase. The amount on this paper has to be the same as the value that has been decided (and agreed-to) for the property. Non-judicial stamp papers can be availed of at any licensed stamp vendor or advocate. These days, one can get it online as well from e-vendors.

Post finalization and formalization of the Deed, both seller and buyer have to pay a visit to the Sub Registrar’s office along with two witnesses to get the deed registered by the authority. It must be kept in mind that all the documents and papers discussed earlier needs to be present at this point to expedite the process. 

The process is now over. The Sub-Registrar’s office will summon the concerned party to pay another visit, this time to collect the Sale Deed – after an approximate timespan of a week.