How to verify if the property title is legal in Maharashtra?

Whenever a home buyer buys a property, the first step when it comes to due diligence is to verify the legality of the property’s title. While brokers may vouch that the property you are interested in has a clean title, unless the title verification is done, it is never recommended to go ahead with a property deal. This important step will ensure that there are no legal troubles that you will get into and the property transaction is worth the money and wait. 

Previously, getting these verified involved personally going to the stamps and registration department office, submitting documents and doing multiple rounds of the office. Now, in this digital world and age, property title can easily be checked from the comfort of your house using your laptop or smartphone. Remember that no expertise is required and basic knowhow of following steps online will help you with this job. Since, this is such an easy task, one should never bypass this crucial step. In this guide, we walk you through how to verify the property title in Maharashtra. 

Why is it important to verify the property title?

Cities such as Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur have real estate markets that are surging. However, while the market is growing, there are also fraudsters in the market, who may scam you out of your money by getting you to invest in a property that is under litigation. If caught in this scenario, the home buyer may lose all his money (for some, it is their entire life savings). The key to avoid these problems is to verify the project title. By verifying the property title in Maharashtra, one knows that the property has a clear title, the property does not have any encumbrances attached etc. and ensures that the investment you do is secure. 

Documents required to verify property title in Maharashtra

• Property deed
• Proof of identity
• Proof of address
• Property tax receipt
• NOC from the housing society 
• Home loan documents

How to verify property title in Maharashtra online?

• To verify the title of the property located in Maharashtra visit the IGR Maharashtra website at https://igrmaharashtra.gov.in/Home

Under online services, click on e-Search.

• You will reach https://freesearchigrservice.maharashtra.gov.in/

• Select year, district and village from the dropdown box, enter village name, property number and captcha. Select yes if you want to take name based search. 

• Select either ‘Notice of Intimation Result’ or ‘Registration Result’ as applicable. Enter the buyer/seller’s first and last name. 

• You can also search these details in Marathi by clicking on link for Marathi typing. 

What is CERSAI?

This is an online search that is done on the Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India (CERSAI) portal. This helps verify if a property has been mortgaged or used as a collateral for a home loan or personal loan. 

• Click on ‘CERSAI Search’ to know whether the property has financial obligations.

How to get paid property verification in Maharashtra online? 

• Click on Paid Process under e-Search. 

• Enter user id, password, captcha and click on login. 
• For this, one has to pay a search fee and download document fee. 
• According to the IGR Maharashtra website, the data extracted from the e-Search system is not certified. This data is only for information purposes and is not an ownership certificate.

How to get property verification offline?

• Go to the sub-registrar’s office and conduct the property search offline. Note that the money paid online can also be used for an offline property search. 

Housing.com POV

Buying a house is a big expense. So, any amount of due diligence is important. One can easily do this by visiting the IGR Maharashtra online website and checking for the free and paid search. Also, Aaple Sarkar helps check the land records and property details. This exercise is imperative as it will save much of the trouble that one will face in case of a bad property investment.