Verify the seller and chain of title
Match the seller’s identity with the title documents and examine how ownership moved between earlier owners. If a company, trustee, heir or attorney signs, verify the legal capacity and authority relied on.
Check land, revenue and municipal records
Obtain the records relevant to the state and property type, such as record-of-rights, mutation, survey, municipal assessment or property-tax information. Online records are useful starting points, but names and entries should be reconciled with the title documents.
Investigate mortgages, claims and proceedings
Ask for encumbrance and loan-release documents where applicable, and check whether the property is affected by litigation, attachment, acquisition, tenancy, family claims or society restrictions. The searches required depend on the property and jurisdiction.
Review approvals and the physical property
For constructed property, review sanctioned plans, completion or occupancy documents where applicable, society or association records and utility status. Compare the documents with the actual area, access, boundaries and possession.
Have the transaction documents reviewed
A property advocate can review the agreement to sell, payment schedule, representations, indemnities, default terms, possession, registration and original-document handover. Do not transfer substantial funds based only on a broker’s summary or photocopies.
Key takeaways
- Trace ownership, not only the latest deed
- Reconcile state and municipal records
- Check loans, claims and proceedings
- Compare approvals with the physical property
- Review the sale documents before payment
Official sources
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws, procedures and deadlines vary by location and circumstances. Sources and procedures should be checked for later updates.
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