KERALA LAND BUYER'S COMPANION HANDBOOK
Architect Shahdad Karim
PART I: Getting to Know the Property
Chapter 2: Ownership and
Legal Status
Congratulations on taking the
exciting step towards buying a piece of land in Kerala! Before you start
daydreaming about building your dream home or a vacation villa, there are
several important steps you should take to ensure that you are making a sound
investment. One of the most critical of these steps is to check the ownership
and legal status of the land you are considering purchasing. In this chapter, we
will discuss why this step is important and how you can go about it in a
friendly and informative manner.
First things first, what does it mean
to check the ownership and legal status of a property? This step involves
verifying that the person or entity selling the property is the rightful owner
and that there are no legal issues or disputes related to the land. This
verification is important for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that you are
not buying a property that is already owned by someone else that you are
unaware of. Secondly, it can help you avoid any legal issues that may arise
after the purchase, such as boundary disputes or title claims. Finally, it
provides you with a clear understanding of any existing legal obligations or
restrictions associated with the property.
So, how can you go about checking the
ownership and legal status of a property in Kerala? Here are some steps to
follow:
1. Ask for documentation
The first step in checking the
ownership and legal status of a property is to ask the seller for all relevant
documentation. This documentation may include the property title deed, survey
plans, and any other documents related to the ownership or history of the
property. Make sure that you carefully review these documents and seek professional
help if necessary.
2. Verify the
authenticity of documents
Once you have received the
documentation, it is important to verify the authenticity of the documents. You
can do this by checking the registration numbers and dates on the documents
with the land registry office. This step can help you ensure that the documents
are genuine and not fraudulent.
3. Check the property
title
The property title is one of the most
critical documents you should review when checking the ownership and legal
status of a property. The property title provides information about the owner
of the property, the property boundaries, and any encumbrances or restrictions
on the property. You should ensure that the property title is in the name of
the seller and that there are no liens or mortgages on the property.
4. Verify the seller's
identity
Verifying the identity of the seller
is another essential step when checking the ownership and legal status of a
property. You should ensure that the seller is the person or entity listed on
the property title and that they have the legal authority to sell the property.
5. Check for any legal
issues
Finally, you should check for any
legal issues related to the property. This can include verifying that all taxes
related to the property have been paid, ensuring that there are no pending
lawsuits related to the property, and checking for any zoning or land use
restrictions that may affect your intended use of the property.
Conclusion
In conclusion, checking the ownership
and legal status of a property is a crucial step in the home buying process. It
can help you avoid any legal issues or disputes that may arise after the
purchase and provide you with a clear understanding of any existing obligations
or restrictions associated with the property. By following the steps outlined
above, you can ensure that you are making a sound investment in your dream home
or vacation villa.
