Buying land in India is considered a wise investment. It not only gives one property rights but also symbolises future security and self-reliance. However, there are some benefits to buying the land; at the same time, there are some mistakes that can cause huge losses.
If you are also thinking about buying land in India, then this article can benefit you a lot. Here we will talk about 5 mistakes people should avoid while buying land in India.
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Not checking the ownership and title of the land
Usually, people trust the seller’s word and or just see the photocopy of the land. And later they realise that the land owner is someone else or there’s a dispute going on the land.
What to do.
- Ask for the original title deed and check its authenticity.
- Get the Encumbrance Certificate (EC) from the Sub-Registrar’s office, to make sure that there are no encumbrances(loans) or legal encumbrances on the land.
- Check the mutation record, revenue receipts, and previous year sale deeds.
- Verify the documents from a good advocate lawyer.
2. Ignoring zoning rules and land use
Some buyers think that a house or a shop can be built on any plot, but the reality is that some of the lands are reserved only for agricultural, government, or green areas, on which construction is not allowed.
What to do:
- Check the land use and zoning classification of the land with the local development authority (like DDA, BDA, DTCP).
- If the land is registered as agricultural, check whether it has been converted for residential/commercial use.
- Obtain the conversion certificate for the land and also check for layout approval.
For example, it’s illegal to build a home on agricultural land in states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
3. Buying land without RERA registration and approval
The main purpose of RERA(Real Estate Regulatory Authority) is to ensure transparency and customer security in the real estate sector. Still, there are many developers who sell plots without RERA registration, and later the buyers face the consequences of it.
What to do:
- Ask if the project or layout is registered on RERA, or check the number on the RERA website
- Do check the layout approval from the Town Planning or Municipal Corporation.
- Ask for the NOC from the Electric, Water, or Fire department, etc.
Tip: A layout that is not approved by the government can cause you trouble in the future.
4. Do not go and see the land yourself
This is a mistake that the NRI and other state people usually make. They just buy land after talking with the real estate agent, or by seeing the photos of the land. But in reality, that land may be disputed, marshy, or unfenced.
What to do:
- Inspect the land in person.
- Find out about access roads, drainage, boundaries, and neighbourhoods.
- Talk with the locals so you can know that the land is not under any type of dispute.
Real case: Cases of the sale of land to multiple people at the same time have come to light in Maharashtra and Haryana.
5. Focus only on the cheap price while buying land
By looking at the very low price of the land, everyone thinks about buying it, but the land is in places where there is no road, no electricity, and no development. Such lands remain idle for years, and neither do they get a return, nor do they get rent for them.
What to do:
- Find out about the development projects, infrastructure, and government schemes happening in the area.
- Check if the land is near a highway, metro, school, hospital, or commercial area.
- Do not compromise on location. Even a slightly expensive piece of land in the right location will be worth much more in the future.
Conclusion: A cautious buyer is a smart buyer
Buying land in India is not just an investment; it’s a responsibility too. If a person makes any mistake, then they might have to fight legally for years.
Keep in mind – the right land is the one that is safe today and gives profits tomorrow.