When you’re buying a plot of land, making sure the plot is legal is just as important as the price or location. If the land is not legally clear, you could face trouble later, such as being unable to build or losing part of your investment. Here are the key things you should check.

1. Clear Title and Ownership

Ensure the seller is the real owner of the plot. Check the title deeds and past ownership records.

Verify that the ownership has been transferred properly over time (mother deed, previous sale deeds).

Ask for an Encumbrance Certificate (EC) to see if there are any legal liabilities like mortgages or liens on the land.

Check whether all past taxes, dues and charges have been paid.

2. Land-Use and Zoning Status

Confirm what the plot is legally designated for: agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, etc.

If you intend to build a house, shop or factory, ensure the zoning allows what you plan to do.

If the land is classified as agricultural but you intend non-agricultural use (like a house or business), ensure the required conversion or permission for “non-agricultural” use is in place.

Check any local master plan or development authority map to make sure the plot is in the correct zone and is recognised for your intended use.
3. Approvals, Sanctioned Layout / Plan

If the plot is part of a layout or subdivision, check that the layout plan has been sanctioned (approved) by the relevant authority under the applicable Act.

The plot should belong to a legal layout — one that has been approved and registered, not one that is unauthorised or irregular.

Ensure the layout has proper infrastructure  (roads, drainage, electricity, water) — often the approving authority will only sanction a plan if basic infrastructure is planned.

If the plot is not in a proper approved layout, you might face issues later with building permissions or municipal services.

4.Compliance with the Relevant Act (Sanction Plan)

Many states or regions have a specific statutory Act which governs land subdivisions, layouts and sanctions of plans. You need to check that the layout/plot complies with that Act.

The sanction plan means that the layout has been approved by the competent development authority under the law. Without this, the plot may be considered unauthorised.

Once the plan is sanctioned, the developer or seller should provide you with the approved plan or layout map, showing survey numbers, plot boundaries, infrastructure, etc.

Confirm that the plot you’re considering actually matches the sanctioned layout map — sometimes plots deviate, or the map is tampered with.

5. Physical Verification and Possession

• Visit the site in person: check whether the plot boundaries match with the survey/plan, whether roads and access exist as promised.
• Confirm that the seller has actual possession (or the right to hand over possession) of the plot. If the land is occupied, contested or under construction, you may get delayed or blocked.
• Check connectivity: road access, electricity, water supply, drainage—all these matter for usability and future value.

6. Documents You Must Review

• Original title deed/mother deed (tracing ownership chain)
• Encumbrance Certificate for a reasonable number of years
• Approved layout plan / sanctioned plan under the relevant Act for the area
• Conversion certificate (if agricultural land is being used for a non-agricultural purpose)
• Zoning certificate/land-use certificate
• NOCs from relevant authorities, in case of requirement
• Seller's identity and authority to sell (especially if the land is inherited or part of a company)
• Tax receipts and all dues are paid up to date

In Summary

Purchasing a plot can be a wise financial decision or the starting point for your ideal home, but only if it is usable, authorised, and clear by the law.  You can guard against hidden dangers by confirming the document's authenticity, title, usage, approvals (including the approved layout plan under the relevant Act), and physical reality on-site.  Take the time to do the legal homework before paying, because nothing beats peace of mind when buying land.