Pointers for purchase

Investment in land is generally believed to fetch higher returns as compared to other forms of investment, however, one has to be very careful in land dealings. Here’s a legal check list to follow prior to the purchase of land in India: ∙ Check preceding parental documents for last 30 years to ascertain the correct flow of title. ∙ Check latest patta/pahani/property card issued in the name of the present owner along with the land area extent so as to cross verify the mutation made in the revenue records in the name of the present owner of the land. ∙ Take a look at the land use maps to know the land use pattern fixed by the concerned authorities ∙ Check whether the layout is approved or not. ∙ Check whether there is no restriction in purchase of land in that respective state in case if the layout or scheme land exceeds certain specific area prescribed by the respective state ∙ Crosscheck the genuineness of present owner land revenue record online ∙ Check whether any land tax has been assessed in the name of the present owner and paid to the concerned authorities ∙ In case if the present owner had executed a power of attorney in favour of the power agent, check whether the said power of attorney document is still in force and also ensure that the principal is alive before registration of the sale deed for the land.