DDA leasehold to freehold conversion: How to apply and track application status?

In September 2015, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) introduced an online system to make property conversion more transparent and efficient. This system allows people who own DDA flats or are part of group housing projects to start the conversion process, whether they are the original allottees or hold a power of attorney.

As of August 13, 2020, this online service was expanded to include land owners. Now, plot holders can also apply online to convert their property from leasehold to freehold (e-conversion) or extend their time (e-EOT). Applications are processed in the order they are received, and applicants can track their status online in real-time.

 

DDA property conversion scheme: Key points

Eligible flats

• Includes Janta, EHS, LIG, MIG, HIG, and SFS flats allotted by DDA.
• Also covers flats in the Asian Games Village Complex built before 1992 on leasehold basis.

Discounts

Original allottees may receive discounts on conversion charges as listed in Annexure-“A”.

Conversion charges

One-time charges for converting from leasehold to freehold are detailed in Annexure-“B” for cases involving purchasers or attorneys.

Application process

Submit your application along with the required documents to apply for conversion to freehold.

Mortgaged flats

If your flat is mortgaged, you need a no-objection certificate from the mortgagee or financial institution to process the conveyance deed.

Legal disputes

If there’s a legal dispute over the title of the flat, conversion cannot proceed until the dispute is resolved.

Pending applications

If there are pending applications for mutation or submissions with DDA, the conveyance deed will only be processed after these issues are resolved.

Possession and power of attorney

If you’ve transferred possession of the flat:

• The person with power of attorney or agreement to sell can apply for the conveyance deed.
• Proof of possession must be provided.
• If there are multiple powers of attorney, ensure proper documentation linking the original allottee to the final purchaser is submitted.
• General Power of Attorney or Agreement to Sell dated September 24, 2001, must be registered with the Sub-Registrar.

Application handling

Once your application is received, it will be processed by the relevant branch.

 

Steps to convert leasehold flats to freehold

Get the application form

Visit your local authority office or their website (e.g., Delhi Development Authority, DDA, if you’re in Delhi). Look for the application form for converting leasehold property to freehold.

Fill out the form

Complete the form with your details. If you’re the original owner (allottee), use one form. If you’re acting on behalf of someone else (e.g., with a power of attorney), use the other form.

Prepare and submit documents

• Proof of identity and address (e.g., Aadhar card, passport).
• Copy of the lease deed.
• No-objection certificate from the bank if the property is mortgaged.
• Proof of payment for conversion charges.
• Submit these documents along with your completed application form.

Pay conversion charges

The charges for converting to freehold vary based on location and property type. Pay these charges at designated banks (e.g., Central Bank of India, State Bank of India).

Submit your application

Hand in the completed form and documents at your local authority’s office (e.g., DDA counter). Keep a copy of the receipt for future reference.

Track your application

You can usually track the status of your application online via the authority’s website.

Receive and execute the conveyance deed

• Once your application is approved, you will receive the conveyance deed. This document transfers the property from leasehold to freehold status.
• Get the deed stamped at the Collector of Stamps within 45 days of receiving it.
• Submit the stamped deed back to the authority.

Register the deed

After submitting the stamped deed, get it registered at the local sub-registrar’s office. You will need to pay stamp duty and registration charges.

Follow up

If you don’t receive your conveyance deed within 45 days, contact the Nodal Officer or Deputy Director of Housing at the local authority office during public hearing hours (e.g., Monday and Thursday, 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM).

 

Obtaining the required documents

Affidavit

• What to do: Get an affidavit from the person who owns the property or their representative.
• Where to get It: Have it signed and stamped by a Notary Public or a 1st Class Magistrate.
• Form: Use the format provided in Annexure “C” of the application booklet.

Indemnity bond

• What to do: Obtain an Indemnity Bond from the property owner or their representative.
• Where to get It: Have it signed and stamped by a Notary Public or a 1st Class Magistrate.
• Form: Use the format in Annexure “D” or, if applicable, Annexure “E”.

Proof of physical possession

• What to do: Provide proof that the property is in your name. This can be one of the following:

Passport, Voter ID Card, Electricity Bill, Water Bill, House Tax Receipt or Ration Card

• Where to get It: Have a copy of this proof attested by a Notary Public or a Gazetted Officer.

Demand-cum-allotment letter

• What to do: Provide a copy of the letter from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) that confirms your allotment.
• Where to get It: Get this copy attested by a Notary Public or a Gazetted Officer.

Possession letter

• What to do: Provide a copy of the letter from DDA confirming that you have taken possession of the property.
• Where to get it: Get this copy attested by a Notary Public or a Gazetted Officer.
• Note: If you have a registered lease deed, you don’t need to provide this letter or the NOC for utilities.

Photograph and signatures

• What to do: Submit one passport-sized photograph and three signed specimens of your signature.
• Where to get it: Have these attested by a Notary Public or a Gazetted Officer.
• Form: Use the format in Annexure “F”.

NOC from mortgagee

• What to do: If the property is mortgaged, get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the mortgage lender.
• Where to get It: Have the NOC attested by a Notary Public or a Gazetted Officer.

No dues certificate (For hire purchase)

• What to do: If you bought the property on hire purchase, provide a No Dues Certificate or copies of all payment receipts.
• Where to get It: Ensure that all payments are documented, including premia, deposits, and installments.

Mutation letter

• What to do: If the property has been transferred to your name, provide a copy of the mutation letter issued by DDA.
• Where to get it: Get this copy attested by a Notary Public or a Gazetted Officer.

Details of ground rent

• What to do: Provide details about any ground rent payable.

Form: Use the format in Annexure “G”.

 

Charges for DDA flat conversion

For allottees

Category of flats	East zone	North/west and Rohini zone	South and Dwarka zone	Central zone
LIG	Rs 9,450	Rs 28,080	Rs 37,530	Rs 46,845
MIG/SFS-I	Rs 13,365	Rs 39,825	Rs 53,055	Rs 66,285
SFS-II/HIG	Rs 19,575	Rs 58,590	Rs 78,030	Rs 97,470
SFS-III	Rs 23,490	Rs 70,200	Rs 93,555	Rs 1,17,045

Stamp duty of 6% in case of men and 4% in case of women, has to be paid on the consideration amount mentioned in the conveyance deed. Registration fee is 1% of the total value of the conveyance deed.

For GPA holders

Category of flats	East zone	North/west and Rohini zone	South and Dwarka zone	Central zone
LIG	Rs 21,000	Rs 62,400	Rs 83,400	Rs 1,04,100
MIG/SFS-I	Rs 29,700	Rs 88,500	Rs 1,17,900	Rs 1,47,300
SFS-II/HIG	Rs 43,500	Rs 1,30,000	Rs 1,73,400	Rs 2,16,600
SFS-III	Rs 52,200	Rs 1,56,000	Rs 2,07,900	Rs 2,60,100

For flats in Asian Games Village Complex allotted by the DDA

Plinth area (in sq  metres)	Conversion charges
Upto 140	Rs 69,300
140-175	Rs 92,400
Above 175	Rs 1,15,500

 

How to calculate conversion charges online

You can also calculate conversion charges for your DDA flat online. Follow the process below:

Step 1: Visit the DDA Online Challan Generation for group housing flats page.

Step 2: Mention the zone in the first column. If you do not know the zone of your locality, you can search for it in the filter available next to it.

Step 3: Fill the flat category and select if your property was allotted before April 1992.

Step 4: Mention if the freehold will be in the favor of the allottee or GPA holder.

The conversion charges will be calculated automatically. You can also generate the challan from here, for making the payment.

 

How to apply online for the conversion process

Step 1: Visit the DDA freehold conversion portal.

Step 2: Click on ‘New Applicant Registration’ and fill the registration form

Step 3: Fill the form correctly as you won’t be able to edit it later. Mention the Aadhaar Card details, property type and contact information for OTP generation.

Step 4: Once you have created your User ID, you can login and select the services from the given options, which include mutation, online appointment booking, extension of time and conversion. You need to select ‘Conversion’ for property conversion.

Step 5: To check the list of documents required, click here.  Prepare all the documents and upload them on the portal.

Step 6: Now, click ‘Make other type of online payment’. Enter the login and password generated in Step 4. You will be asked to fill up the payment details with the challan number.

Step 7: Submit your application. The receipts will be sent to you through SMS and e-mail. You can now track the progress of your application through an online system by quoting your acknowledgement/ receipt number.

 

How to track your freehold conversion application status

Step 1: Visit the DDA Freehold Status portal.

Step 2: Select the property type.

Step 3: Mention the Request ID, User ID or Challan Number.

Step 4: Search for the application.

The results will indicate if your application has some deficiency or has been accepted. You will get 45 working days to complete your application, if it has been deemed incomplete by the authorities.

 

What are the benefits of converting to freehold?

• Complete Ownership: You own the property and the land it sits on forever, with no time limits.
• Higher Value: Freehold properties are usually worth more and are more appealing to buyers.
• No Lease Worries: You don’t need to worry about renewing the lease or dealing with lease expiration issues.
• Easier to Sell: It’s simpler to sell or transfer a freehold property because there are fewer legal issues.
• No Ground Rent: You don’t have to pay ground rent, which is often required for leasehold properties.
• More Control: You can make changes or improvements to the property without needing permission from anyone else.

 

Disadvantages

The main problem is that most of the allottees are senior citizens and are finding the process of conversion of their plot from leasehold to freehold a very complicated process. To help them in this regard they have approached the DDA which is working towards reducing the pendency. However, it hasn’t taken any decision with regards to relaxing any norms related with the DDA leasehold to freehold conversion, which citizens have demanded for.

 

DDA freehold conversion: Contact details

For any query related to DDA leasehold to freehold conversion, you can contact

Commissioner (LD), DDA:

Phone No:- 011 24698350

Email ID:- commrlnddisp@dda.org.in

DDA Call Center: 1800110332

 

FAQs

What is the difference between leasehold and freehold property?

Leasehold property is held on a lease from the landlord (DDA in this case) for a specific period. Freehold property is owned outright by the individual.

Why should I convert my DDA leasehold property to freehold?

Conversion to freehold provides full ownership rights, allowing you to sell, mortgage, or bequeath the property freely without restrictions.

Is conversion of DDA leasehold to freehold mandatory?

No, it is optional. However, it can provide several benefits as mentioned above.

How can I pay the conversion fee?

Payment options usually include online payment, demand draft, or other specified methods.

Will I get possession of the property immediately after conversion?

Yes, the conversion process doesn't change physical possession. You continue to occupy the property as before.

Can I sell my DDA flat before conversion?

Yes, you can sell it as a leasehold property. However, the buyer will also need to go through the conversion process.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com