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NRI Buyer’s Essential Land Checklist: 10 Mandatory Checks Before Buying Land in India10 Common Mistakes First-Time Land Buyers Make — and How to Avoid Them
Buying land is one of the most important financial decisions many people make — especially first-time buyers. Land can be a great investment or a future home site, but it also has unique risks that many buyers overlook.
Here’s a simple guide to the 10 most common mistakes first-time land buyers make — and how to avoid them.
1. Inadequate Title Verification
Many purchasing individuals regard the seller's word as sufficient. Nevertheless, incorrect details about ownership, disputes, and/or unsecured documentation could cause future problems.
It’s always important to ensure the title of the land being purchased is valid.
There must be no pending lawsuits or claims, and the ownership must be cleared.
2. Ignoring the Authorisation of the Government
The buyers may overlook the verification of Government approvals for the use of the land. The land may be set for acquisition, reserved, or withheld for future use by the Government.
Ensure that you have the necessary approvals, such as RERA, Layout Sanction, and Land Use Permission, before signing.
3. Overlooking Land Use and Zoning
Different land types have different uses: agricultural, residential, commercial, etc. Mistaking one for another can cause major issues.
Confirm the land’s zoning and permitted use with local authorities.
4. Failure to Check the Encumbrance Certificate
The EC reveals whether there are any loans, mortgages, or disputes associated with the property. Failure to investigate this aspect might bring unexpected purchases.
One should always ask for an Encumbrance Certificate that is at least 10-15 years old.
5. Falling for Low Price Traps
Even if the land is cheap, if it lacks approval, title, and connectivity, it may become a source of even greater losses.
Compare local rates to ensure the offer does not sound "too good to be true."
6. Not Visiting the Land in Person
Relying solely on photos or maps can be dangerous. Photos don’t show the exact condition, access roads, encroachments, or surrounding development.
Visit the land multiple times at different times of day.
7. Skipping Soil and Survey Reports
The soil type and ground condition matter — especially if you plan to build a home. Poor soil quality can increase construction costs dramatically.
8. Disregard of Access and Connection
A plot without a proper road, streetlights, and reliable connectivity to all key places quickly loses value.
Check road access, nearest highways, water supply, and public transport.
9. Not Budgeting for Hidden Costs
Purchasing land involves more than just the sale price. You have to consider stamp duty, registration fees, brokerage, conversion charges, taxes, and verification of documents.
Prepare a complete budget that includes all additional costs.
10. Not Taking Legal or Expert Help
Many first-time buyers try to handle everything alone. But land law and property documentation can be tricky.
Consult a lawyer or genuine Plots before closing the deal.
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INDIA’S LAND BOOM: THE BIG PICTURE
1. What is an Occupant?
- A person who legally holds and uses government land (unalienated land).
- Not a tenant, not a trespasser, not a temporary user.
- The Maharashtra Land Revenue Code (MLRC 1966) divides such landholders into classes.
Class I, Class II and Class III (Government Lessee)
2. Occupant – Class I
- Full rights over the land.
- Can sell, gift, transfer or mortgage the land without restrictions (in most cases).
- Land is almost like freehold land.
- Land is highly valuable and easy to transfer.
- People who had strong land rights before 1966 usually fall in this class.
3. Occupant – Class II
- Have land in perpetuity (permanent), but with restrictions.
- Cannot sell or transfer land freely.
- They need Collector / Government permission for any sale or transfer.
- If they transfer without permission, the land can go back to the government.
- Land value is lower due to restrictions.
- Some older leaseholders (long-term leases) also fall under this class.
4. Class II Land Conversion (Upgradation to Class I)
- Class II land can be changed to Class I by applying to the Collector.
- Requires paying a premium (a fee decided by the government).
- After conversion, the land becomes fully transferable and more valuable.
5. Occupant Class III (Government Lessee)
(Commonly known as Class III, although legally called Government Lessee)
- This land is leased by the government to a person or institution.
- You do not own the land — you only have the right to use it.
- Very strict rules and almost no right to sell or transfer.
- Mostly given for special purposes like:
- School, hospital, public use land
- Temple or religious land (Devsthan Inam)
- Old service-related grants (Saranjam)
- Banks usually do not give loans on such land.
- Market value is very low because it cannot be sold freely.
6. Why Understanding These Classes is Important
- Helps you know whether you can buy or sell the land.
- Helps you understand whether you can get a loan on the land.
- Helps avoid legal problems if land has restrictions.
- Helps you plan construction, development, or investment safely.
7. How to Check the Land Class
- Check the 7/12 extract or land documents.
- Ask at the Talathi office, Tehsildar office or Collector office.
- A property lawyer can confirm the land class easily.
8. Summary
- Class I = Full rights, free to sell, best for investment.
- Class II = Restricted rights, need government permission to sell.
- Class III (Government Lessee) = No ownership, cannot sell, very restricted.
Understanding land type is very important before buying, selling, or developing land. In Maharashtra, the government has clear rules that tell whether land is agricultural or non-agricultural (NA). Here is a simple guide.
1. Check the 7/12 Extract (Satbara Utara)
This is the most important document for land in Maharashtra.
- It shows land ownership, type of land, and current use.
- If it says “agricultural land”, then the land is legally for farming.
- Always check the latest or updated 7/12 extract.
2. Check the Zoning in the Development Plan / Regional Plan
- Every area has a Development Plan (DP) or Regional Plan (RP).
- This plan shows which land is for agriculture, housing, commercial use, green zone, etc.
- If the zoning allows non-agricultural use, the land can be converted or may already be NA.
3. Look for NA Permission (Non-Agricultural Permission)
As per the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, land used for non-agricultural purposes MUST have NA permission.
- NA permission is given by the Collector of the district.
- If the land does not have NA permission, it is still agricultural by default.
Some lands with approved building permissions automatically get an NA certificate under the newer rules.
4. Check the Land Tax / Assessment Records
- Agricultural land has an agricultural tax.
- Once land becomes NA, the government charges non-agricultural assessment (N.A. tax).
- If the NA tax is charged, the land is officially non-agricultural.
5. Observe the Current Use of the Land
- If crops are grown, it's probably agricultural.
- The construction of homes, businesses, or factories may result in NA or improper use of the land.
- Verify the documents thoroughly if the land has been plotted and sold for development.
6. Check Conversion Documents
To change land from agricultural to NA, the owner must apply to the Collector's office.
- After approval, the Collector issues a Conversion Order.
- A fee or premium must be paid for conversion.
- Ask the owner for a copy of the conversion order if they claim the land is NA.
7. Meet Local Authorities or Experts
- Visit the Talathi, Tehsildar, or Collector’s office to confirm the land status.
- Town Planning departments can confirm zoning and permitted land use.
- A property lawyer or consultant can help check all documents properly.
8. Stay Updated with New Government Rules
- Maharashtra has recently made some processes easier.
- In certain cases, separate NA permission is not required if building permission is already approved.
- Check the latest state circulars before purchasing land.
Summary (Quick Checklist)
✔ Check 7/12 extract
✔ Check zoning in DP/RP
✔ Verify if NA permission exists
✔ Check tax records for NA assessment
✔ Ask for conversion order
✔ Visit local government offices
✔ Consult a property expert
✔ Stay updated with the latest rules
Understanding the types of agricultural land in India helps farmers, investors, and land buyers make better decisions. India’s land is broadly divided into five main categories based on how it is used.
1. Arable Land
- This is land used for growing regular seasonal crops such as wheat, rice, pulses, and vegetables.
- It is also called the net sown area — land that is ploughed and cultivated every year.
- This is the most important land type for India’s food production.
2. Horticultural Land
- Used for fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and herbal plants.
- Often provides higher income than regular crops because fruit and vegetable farming can be more profitable.
- Commonly used for orchards (mango, banana, pomegranate), flower farms, and vegetable fields.
3. Pasture / Grazing Land
- Land where cattle, sheep, and goats graze naturally.
- Essential for the dairy and livestock industry.
- The land may not be suitable for crop farming, but it supports rural livelihoods through animals.
4. Plantation Land
- Used for long-term commercial crops like tea, coffee, rubber, coconut, and sugarcane.
- These crops grow for many years and require large, well-managed farmland.
- Plantation land is usually found in regions with a suitable climate and good rainfall.
5. Fallow Land
- Land that is left uncultivated for some time so that the soil can rest and regain fertility.
- Farmers leave land fallow to restore nutrients and improve future crop yield.
- Some land may be fallow for one year, and some may remain unused for a longer period.
Why These Categories Matter
- Helps farmers choose the right type of farming.
- Helps buyers understand what kind of land they are purchasing.
- Helps the government plan water usage, irrigation projects, and agricultural policies.
- Ensures sustainable use of land and better crop management.
What Does “Abadi Land” Mean?
Abadi land = land in a village or town that is built-up and residential, not for farming.
It covers: plots for houses, small shops, and community use.
This type of land is usually within the “inhabited” area of a village or town.
Key Characteristics of Abadi Land
- Purpose: Mainly for living (homes), not for agriculture.
- Location: Inside the populated area, not in farm fields.
- Ownership: People can own it, but local (village) authorities or government/Gram Panchayat often manage it.
- Legal Status: Governed by land revenue laws. Property disputes go to civil courts.
Why Registration Alone Isn’t Enough
Registering a sale deed proves a transaction happened, but it does not mean you are listed in the government land records.
After registration, your name isn’t automatically written in revenue documents like khatuni or jamabandi.
Mutation (Name Change in Government Records) — Why It’s Important
Mutation = process to update your name in the official land revenue records.
In many places, this is now mandatory for abadi land.
The mutation process is called Dakhil Kharij.
Once the mutation is done, your name appears in land records such as khatuni.
What Happens If You Don’t Do Mutation
Even with a registered deed, your name may not appear in official records.
Without a mutation, banks may refuse to offer a home loan because you aren’t the “legal” owner in government records.
Your ownership is less secure; future problems can come up in resale or inheritance.
What the New System Clarifies
Legal ownership no longer just depends on the deed — mutation is essential.
The rules now make it clearer who owns the land, who can sell it, and who has legal rights over it.
These changes protect buyers. With mutation, your name is officially recorded in government documents.
What You Must Do as a Buyer
- Make sure you get a registered sale deed when you buy abadi land.
- Immediately apply for mutation (Dakhil Kharij) with the local revenue office.
- Verify in land revenue records (khatuni/jamabandi) that your name appears.
- Only after these steps will you have full legal ownership rights.
Buying land is a significant decision that involves several key steps. Here’s a simple guide to help you make the right move.
1. Determine your budget.
- Set your budget first, before launching your search.
- Include the cost of the land, registration cost, stamp duty, and all other legal expenses.
2. Pick the Right Location
- Look for areas with good connectivity, upcoming infrastructure, and access to social amenities.
- Check for future growth potential and resale value.
3. Verify Land Documents
- Always check the ownership papers.
- Ask for documents like the sale deed, property tax receipts, and encumbrance certificate.
4. Check Land Use and Zoning
- Verify that the land is fit for your intended purpose: residential, commercial, or agricultural.
- Please check with your local municipal office or town planning department for verification.
5. Seek Legal Assistance
- Hire a property lawyer who will help you review documents and go through the legal processes.
- This cuts down the risk of fraud and implies that the land is dispute-free.
6. Organise Your Finances
- Determine how you'll pay—through savings, a loan, or both.
- Check loan eligibility and interest rates before submitting a loan application.
7. Negotiate the Deal
- Land prices are often negotiable.
- Compare local prices and then bargain before sealing the deal.
8. Registration and Stamp Duty
- Along with the stamp duty, register the sale deed at the local sub-registrar's office.
- Keep all receipts and documents safe for further reference.
9. Take Possession
- Once you are registered, take legal possession of the land.
- Get the property transferred to your name in the local records.
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping legal verification
- Ignoring plans for future development
- Forgetting hidden costs such as registration or stamp duty
- Choosing land only because it is cheap
Final Tip
Buying land is generally a long-term investment, so take your time, verify everything, and make an informed decision.
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