Introduction
Buying a house is a significant investment, and it’s essential to ensure that the entire process is carried out correctly. One of the critical aspects of the transaction is the transfer of the property from the previous owner to the new one. If you are a buyer or seller, it’s essential to know how to check if the house has been transferred. In this article, we will discuss the steps you can take to verify the transfer of ownership.
Check the Sale Deed
The sale deed is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. It contains essential information about the property, including the date of transfer, the names and addresses of the parties involved, and the sale price. To check if the house has been transferred, you need to obtain a copy of the sale deed from the Sub-Registrar’s office where the property was registered. Once you have the sale deed, verify that the details match the ones provided by the seller.
Verify the Encumbrance Certificate
An encumbrance certificate is a legal document that shows if the property has any outstanding dues or legal disputes. It’s essential to obtain this certificate to ensure that the property is free from any liabilities. To obtain the encumbrance certificate, you need to visit the Sub-Registrar’s office and submit an application along with the required fee. The certificate will show all the transactions that took place on the property, including the transfer of ownership. If the certificate shows that the property has been transferred, it means that the house is now legally yours.
Check the Property Tax Receipts
Property tax is an annual tax levied by the local government on the property owners. It’s essential to check the property tax receipts to ensure that the previous owner has cleared all the dues before transferring the property. To obtain the property tax receipts, you need to visit the local municipal office and submit an application along with the required fee. The receipts will show the details of the tax paid, including the date and the amount. If the receipts show that all the dues have been cleared, it means that the house has been transferred legally.
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Buying a house is a significant investment in one’s life. However, it’s important to ensure that the ownership of the property has been legally transferred from the previous owner to the new owner. In this article, we’ll discuss how to check if a house has been transferred legally.
Check the Property Deed
The property deed is an essential document that signifies the ownership of a property. After the completion of the sale, the property deed is transferred to the new owner. To verify the transfer of ownership, you can check the property deed. You can obtain a copy of the property deed from the local land registry office or the county clerk’s office. The document will show the name of the new owner, the date of transfer, and the legal description of the property.
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Check the Government Records
Government records are another reliable source to verify the transfer of ownership. You can check the local property tax records to see if the new owner is listed as the taxpayer. If the new owner’s name is not listed, it may indicate that the transfer of ownership has not yet been completed. You can also check the property’s title at the land registry office to see if there are any liens or encumbrances on the property.
Check with the Previous Owner
In some cases, the previous owner may be able to provide you with proof of the transfer of ownership. They may have a copy of the property deed or other relevant documents that can confirm the transfer. However, it’s important to ensure that the documents are authentic and legally binding.
Conclusion
Verifying the transfer of ownership is an essential step in buying a house. By checking the property deed, government records, and contacting the previous owner, you can ensure that the transfer has been completed legally. It’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your investment and avoid any potential legal issues in the future.