How to Verify Title Deed, Sale Agreement, and Occupancy Certificate Before Buying a Flat in Hyderabad (2025 Guide)

How to Verify Title Deed, Sale Agreement, and Occupancy Certificate Before Buying a Flat in Hyderabad (2025 Guide)

Before investing in a flat, it’s essential to verify three of the most critical documents: the Title Deed, Sale Agreement, and Occupancy Certificate (OC). This step-by-step guide will show you how to check each document legally, accurately, and confidently.

📜 What Are These Documents and Why Are They Important?

Document	Purpose
Title Deed	Proves legal ownership of the land/project
Sale Agreement	Binds buyer and builder, outlining price, timeline, and terms
Occupancy Certificate (OC)	Confirms legal permission to occupy the completed flat

✅ How to Verify a Title Deed

What to Look For:

• The seller or builder owns the land legally
• No ongoing litigation or mortgage on the land
• Land classification is residential, not agricultural or disputed

Steps to Verify:

1. Request a copy of the Title Deed from the builder or seller
2. Visit the Sub-Registrar Office (SRO) or use the Telangana Registration website
   🔗 https://registration.telangana.gov.in
3. Ask for a certified copy of the registered Title Deed
4. Match seller/builder name, survey number, and boundary details
5. Cross-check with the Encumbrance Certificate (EC) to ensure no pending legal claims

🛡️ Avoid any project where the title deed is missing, unclear, or under third-party ownership.

✅ How to Verify a Sale Agreement

What Should Be Included:

Clause	Why It’s Important
Flat details	Unit number, floor, size, tower
Price breakdown	Base price + GST + amenities + maintenance
Payment schedule	Linked to construction or fixed dates
Possession date & penalties	Compensation clause if delayed
Cancellation & refund policy	Exit terms clearly mentioned
Approvals list	RERA, GHMC/HMDA, OC, water/fire/NOC
Stamp duty clause	Who pays registration charges?

How to Check:

1. Ask for a draft copy of the Sale Agreement before paying more than 10%
2. Check that both buyer and builder details are correct
3. Verify that RERA number and flat specs match earlier promises
4. Prefer registered sale agreements (especially if builder demands >10% upfront)
5. If needed, get the agreement reviewed by a property lawyer

🛑 Do not sign or pay without understanding all terms — especially cancellation and delay penalties.

✅ How to Verify the Occupancy Certificate (OC)

What Is an OC?

An Occupancy Certificate is issued by GHMC/HMDA after the construction is completed according to approved plans. It legally confirms that the building is fit for living.

OC Must Be:

• Issued by local authority (GHMC or Municipality)
• Provided for each block or tower individually
• Given only after completion certificate is approved
• Mandatory before registration or taking possession

How to Verify:

1. Ask the builder for a copy of the OC
2. Check:
   • Issuing authority (GHMC/HMDA)
   • Date of issue
   • Project and tower/block name
   • Builder and project match registered details
3. Visit the local GHMC office or call to cross-verify if needed

🛡️ No OC = illegal occupation. Avoid taking possession without it.

🔍 Sample Red Flags to Watch Out For

Document	Red Flag
Title Deed	Land is mortgaged or under litigation
Sale Agreement	No compensation clause or missing RERA number
Occupancy Certificate	Builder claims “OC in progress” for ready flats

🧾 Final Document Verification Checklist

Document	Must Verify
Title Deed (Original + Copy)	✅
Encumbrance Certificate	✅
Sale Agreement	✅ (Stamped + Clear Terms)
RERA Registration	✅
OC (Ready Projects Only)	✅

💬 FAQs – Verifying Title, Agreement & OC

1. Can I get the Title Deed online in Telangana?
   ➡ No, only at the SRO. But you can check ownership and EC online.
2. Is OC mandatory for home loan or resale?
   ➡ Yes. Most banks won’t approve a loan without it, and resale becomes legally risky.
3. What if the builder says “OC will be given after possession”?
   ➡ That’s a red flag. Never take possession before OC is issued.

📞 Final Thoughts + CTA

Buying a flat without verifying these documents is like driving without brakes. Protect your investment by verifying the Title Deed, Sale Agreement, and Occupancy Certificate thoroughly.

💬 Need help reviewing property documents before booking a flat?
👉 Chat with our legal expert on WhatsApp or Upload your document here — we’ll verify them for you within 24 hours.

✅ Categories:

• Legal Guide
• Buying Guide
• Real Estate Documents

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