A checklist of the land documents to verify before buying a plot in Hyderabad or anywhere in Telangana — title deeds, EC, layout approval, LRS and more.
Most construction problems start before construction — with a plot that has a weak title or an unapproved layout. Verify these documents before you pay an advance.
1. Title deed and link documents
The seller's sale deed, plus the chain of previous deeds going back 30 years or more. Every transfer in the chain should be registered and the names should match.
2. Encumbrance Certificate (EC)
The EC shows registered transactions on the property — sales, mortgages, gifts. Get it for at least 30 years from the Registration and Stamps Department website or the sub-registrar office. Any open mortgage must be cleared before purchase.
3. Land records
For agricultural-origin land, check the revenue records on the state land portal (Bhu Bharati, formerly Dharani) to confirm ownership and survey number.
4. Layout approval
- In the HMDA area, the layout should be HMDA-approved; elsewhere, DTCP or the local municipality.
- Check that your plot number appears in the approved layout plan, and that roads and open spaces match.
- Larger layouts must be registered with Telangana RERA — check the RERA website.
5. LRS and conversion
Plots in unapproved layouts may need regularisation (LRS). Agricultural land must be converted for residential use. Without these, getting building permission is difficult.
6. Tax receipts and no-dues
Latest property tax receipts, and confirmation that there are no pending dues.
7. Physical checks
Visit the plot, check the boundaries and measurements against the documents, and ask neighbours about disputes.
