Frequently Asked Questions

• Freehold: Full ownership of the land and property. You can sell, transfer, or renovate without government permissions (subject to local laws).

• Leasehold: The land belongs to a government body (like DDA in Delhi), and you hold rights for a fixed term (usually 99 years). You may need permission for resale or modifications.

Circle rate is the minimum value at which a property can be registered.

• Set by local authorities (like Delhi government for Delhi NCR).

• Stamp duty and registration charges are calculated based on this.

• Transactions below the circle rate are not legally allowed.

You typically need:

• Sale Agreement

• Title Deed

• Identity Proofs (PAN, Aadhaar)

• No Dues Certificate

• Possession Letter

• Occupancy Certificate (for new projects)

• Registered Sale Deed from the Sub-Registrar’s office

The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) Act makes property transactions more transparent.

• All builders must register their projects under RERA (like Delhi RERA for NCR)

• Ensures delivery timelines, proper approvals, and accountability

• Buyers can file complaints online if there’s a delay or misrepresentation

Stamp duty varies from state to state. For example:

• In Delhi, it’s 4% for women and 6% for men (on sale value or circle rate, whichever is higher).

• Some states like Maharashtra or Rajasthan offer rebates for female buyers.

Always check the current rate on your state government’s portal.

Yes, NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) can buy residential and commercial properties, but cannot buy agricultural land.
They must use Indian bank accounts (NRE/NRO) and follow FEMA guidelines. Delhi and other metro cities are popular NRI investment hubs.

You can access state land record portals:

• Delhi: https://dlrc.delhigovt.nic.in

• Maharashtra: https://mahabhulekh.maharashtra.gov.in

• UP: http://upbhulekh.gov.in

Always cross-check with the Sub-Registrar’s office for latest ownership records.

Yes, builder floors are legal if:

• Constructed as per municipal by-laws

• Have building plan approval (e.g., from MCD in Delhi)

• Have completion and occupancy certificates

• Properly registered with clear title

Avoid purchasing if built on unauthorized colonies or lal dora land without regularization.

If you own a DDA or MCD property, you can apply for freehold conversion by:

1. Submitting the allotment and possession letters

2. Clearing dues

3. Paying conversion charges

4. Getting a registered conveyance deed from the Sub-Registrar

You may be liable to pay:

• Stamp Duty & Registration Fees

• GST (only on under-construction properties)

• TDS (1% on property above ₹50 lakhs)

• Capital Gains Tax (if selling within 2/3 years)

It’s a document issued by the local municipal authority that certifies a building is:

• Constructed according to approved plans

• Safe for occupancy
  Without this, banks may not sanction loans, and future resale could be difficult.

• Always insist on registered documents

• Verify approvals from authorities (e.g., DDA, RERA)

• Avoid cash payments

• Buy through trusted developers or agents

• Conduct due diligence and legal verification

• To legally transfer ownership of a property, you must register it at the local Sub-Registrar of Assurances under the Indian Registration Act, 1908. Here’s the standard procedure:

  ✅ Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Prepare the Sale Deed on non-judicial stamp paper (as per stamp duty of your state — in Delhi, via e-stamp).

  2. Calculate Stamp Duty & Registration Charges (e.g., in Delhi: 4%–6% stamp duty + 1% registration fee).

  3. Book an Appointment Online at the Sub-Registrar’s office (Delhi users can use: https://srams.delhi.gov.in).

  4. Appear in Person with the buyer, seller, and 2 witnesses on the appointment date.

  5. Submit Documents like identity proofs, PAN, photographs, property papers, and payment proofs.

  6. Biometric Verification and photo capture at the registrar office.

  7. Receive Registered Sale Deed, either physically or digitally depending on state.

  📌 Delhi-Specific Notes:

  • Digital e-stamping is mandatory (via StockHolding Corporation of India – SHCIL).

  • Delhi also allows certain property registration steps to be pre-verified online.

  • Registration must be completed within 4 months of signing the sale deed.

  ⚠️ Important Tips:

  • Always check encumbrance status before buying.

  • Never delay registration — unregistered sale deeds hold no legal value in court.

  • Take professional help from a legal consultant or a verified agent like Maurya Associates for smooth processing.