Buying land is a dream for many — a step toward financial independence and building a secure future. But before making the purchase, it’s crucial to verify land ownership.
Land scams, disputed properties, and unclear titles are common issues in real estate. A single missing document or ownership mismatch can lead to years of legal trouble.
That’s why it’s essential to ensure the land you’re buying is legally owned, title-clear, and transferable. Here’s a complete guide on how to verify land ownership before buying — especially if you’re investing in property in Nagpur.
🧾 Step 1: Check the Title Deed
The title deed is the most important document that defines who owns the land.
✅ Ensure that:
- The seller’s name on the title matches their government ID.
- The title is “clear and marketable” — meaning no disputes or joint ownership issues.
- The property isn’t mortgaged or pledged to any financial institution.
💡 Tip: Ask for the original sale deed, not just a photocopy, and get it verified by a property lawyer.
🧭 Step 2: Verify Land Records Online
In Maharashtra, land records are now digitized. You can easily check ownership details online through the MahaBhulekh (Maharashtra Land Records Portal).
Visit: https://mahabhulekh.maharashtra.gov.in
Steps:
1️⃣ Select your district (Nagpur).
2️⃣ Choose 7/12 Extract (Satbara) option.
3️⃣ Enter the survey number or owner’s name.
4️⃣ Verify the owner’s details, land type, and area.
This record shows the official name of the landowner, any encumbrances (loans, disputes), and whether the land is agricultural or residential.
📜 Step 3: Review the Mother Deed (Ownership Chain)
The mother deed or chain of ownership traces how the property has changed hands over time.
Check that:
- Each transfer or sale is properly documented.
- There are no breaks or missing links in ownership history.
- All previous owners’ names are correctly recorded.
This step helps confirm that the current seller has legitimate ownership rights to sell the land.
🏛️ Step 4: Obtain an Encumbrance Certificate (EC)
An Encumbrance Certificate verifies that the property is free from loans, mortgages, or legal liabilities.
You can get an EC from the Sub-Registrar Office or online through the Maharashtra IGR website.
The EC includes:
- Details of all registered transactions for the property.
- Confirmation that no bank or person has a financial claim over it.
Always check for at least 30 years of encumbrance history before buying.
🏗️ Step 5: Verify NMRDA / RERA Approvals
If the land is part of a plotted layout or township, ensure it has:
- NMRDA Sanction (Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority).
- RERA Registration Number (Real Estate Regulatory Authority).
- RL Certificate (Residential Land).
These approvals confirm that the land is legal for residential construction and recognized by government authorities.
Projects like Sainagri 12, 13, 16 & 17 by Saidham Builders are fully RERA-approved, NMRDA-sanctioned, and title-clear — ensuring 100% legal ownership for buyers.
📑 Step 6: Cross-Check Property Tax and Utility Bills
Ask the seller for recent property tax receipts, electricity, or water bills.
These should be in the seller’s name — a strong indication that they are the legal owner and that there are no unpaid dues.
⚖️ Step 7: Visit the Property & Confirm Boundaries
A physical visit is as important as document verification.
Check that the land boundaries match the official map and plot layout.
You can hire a licensed surveyor to measure the property and ensure no encroachments or illegal occupations exist.
💡 Final Thoughts
Verifying land ownership isn’t just about checking papers — it’s about protecting your investment.
When you buy title-clear, RERA & NMRDA-approved plots from trusted developers like Saidham Builders, you ensure that every legal requirement is already fulfilled.
In Nagpur’s rapidly growing property market, making a legally sound purchase means securing your future with confidence.
✅ Transparent Documentation
✅ Verified Ownership
✅ Hassle-Free Registration
Invest Smart. Invest Secure. Invest with Saidham Builders.
