Whether you are buying, selling or applying for a loan, the same set of documents comes up again and again. Here is what each one is and how to obtain it in Tamil Nadu.
Patta
A patta is a revenue record issued by the Tahsildar that shows who holds a piece of land and its extent. It is proof of possession, not by itself proof of title, but a clean patta in the seller's name is essential. You can view and download a patta / chitta extract from the TN e-Services (eservices.tn.gov.in) portal using the survey number and village.
Chitta and Adangal
The chitta records the land type (wet / dry / natham) and ownership; the adangal (village account) records crop and usage details. For agricultural land you want to confirm the classification, because building a house needs the land use converted to residential.
Encumbrance Certificate (EC)
The EC is a list of every registered transaction on the property for a chosen period. Get it for 15–30 years. It reveals prior sales, mortgages and court attachments. Available online (tnreginet.gov.in) or from the sub-registrar office. A 'nil encumbrance' certificate for a long period is reassuring; any live mortgage must be cleared with a release deed.
FMB sketch (Field Measurement Book)
The FMB is the survey department's measurement sketch for a survey number. It shows the shape and sub-divisions of the land. A licensed surveyor uses it to physically demarcate your plot.
Approved layout plan / building plan
For a plot, the DTCP or local body approved layout plan with your plot number marked. For a house or apartment, the sanctioned building plan and, ideally, the completion certificate. Construction that deviates from the sanctioned plan can cause problems with loans and future sale.
Parent document and chain of title
The document by which the current owner acquired the property (sale deed, partition deed, gift deed, settlement), plus earlier documents going back several transfers. This chain shows ownership passed legally at each step.
Property tax and utility receipts
Recent property tax receipts from the panchayat, municipality or corporation, and the latest EB (electricity) bill and water charges. These confirm the property exists on the local body's records and that dues are cleared.
For apartments and gated communities
Also ask for the mother deed, the undivided share (UDS) details, the sale and construction agreements, the RERA registration number, the association's no-dues certificate, and the maintenance agreement.
This guide is general information based on how property transactions commonly work in Tamil Nadu. It is not legal or financial advice. Verify current rules and rates with the relevant department or a qualified professional.