Q: Which documents are to be verified before purchase of a Flat?

A: Before you purchase a flat, you have to have a title and document search conducted by a competent advocate. It is a professional job to be done with professional assistance.

Q: What is the difference between built up area, super built up area, and carpet area?

A: Carpet Area: This is the area of the apartment/building which does not include the area of the walls.
Built up Area: This includes the area of the walls also
Super Built up Area: This includes the built up area along with the area under common spaces such as the lobby, lifts, stairs, etc. This term is therefore only applicable in the case of multi-dwelling units.

Q: What are all the important documents one should check before buying any property?

A: If you want to purchase a property, you have to look at the approved layout plan, approved building plan, ownership documents, carryout search, etc. Contact an advocate before you purchase a property so that he can advise you.

Q: In whose name is the stamps required to be purchased?

A: The stamps are required to be purchased in the name of any one of the executors to the Instrument.

Q: What is meant by the market value of the property and is Stamp Duty payable on the market value of the property or on consideration as stated in the agreement?

A: Market value means the price at which a property could be bought in the open market on the date of execution of such instrument. The Stamp Duty is payable on the agreement value of the property or the market value which ever is higher.

Q: Who is the appropriate authority for knowing the market value of the property?

A: The Sub-Registrar of the area, in whose jurisdiction the property is located, is the appropriate authority for knowing the market value of the property or the collector of the district.

Q: What exactly do we mean by a Freehold property (Plot or a Flat? What are the advantages and disadvantages, if any?

A: A freehold property (Plot or a Flat) is one where there is a whole and sole owner(s), ownership is full and unconditional (within the provisions of the laws of the land) and there is no lessor / lessee involved.

Q: How to verify the authenticity of the various documents submitted by the seller of the house, particularly with regard to the possibility that the house has not been sold earlier to a third party ?

A: Regarding authenticity of documents, again, you have to take the help of an advocate to verify.