The document outlines six key legal documents necessary when buying a resale apartment, including the sale deed, mother deed, encumbrance certificate, khata certificate and extract, occupancy certificate, and possession certificate. It explains the significance of each document in establishing ownership, legal compliance, and the readiness of the property for occupancy. The resale apartment market offers benefits such as strategic location and better pricing, making it an attractive investment despite potential age of the property.

1. 6 Important documents to c
heck before buying a resale
apartment
Buy, Sell &Lease

2. Buying a resale property has always proven to be advant
ageous from choosing a strategic location to acquiring fi
ner properties at better prices. Although a resale ap
artment may be old, it is a good investment option owi
ng to the low availability or supply of new prop
erties in the area.

3. Documents required buy a resale
apartment
Sale Deed
Mother Deed
Encumbrance Certificate (EC)
Khata Certificate and Khata Extract
Occupancy Certificate (for a constructed
property)
Possession Certificate (PC)

4. Sale Deed
One of the core legal documents that evidence the proof
of property sale and transfer of ownership between the
seller and the buyer is the Sale Deed. It is important that
a Sale Deed should be registered and before it is
executed, one should execute a ‘sale agreement’ and
should ensure that all the conditions between the seller
and the buyer are complied with.

5. Mother Deed
Mother Deed is the second most important
document that traces and evidences the origin/
antecedent ownership of the property from the
beginning, in case the property has changed
various hands. Mother Deed also helps in
smooth selling of the property by establishing
the current ownership.

6. Encumbrance Certificate (EC)
Encumbrance means charges in the ownership or
liabilities created on a property that is held against a
home loan as security. An EC consists of all the
registered transactions done on the property during the
period for which the EC is sought. Simply put, it is a
certificate sought for a particular period evidencing
the property purchase/sale, the presence of any
transaction or mortgage. One should submit a copy of
the Sale Deed to obtain an EC.

7. Khata Certificate and Khata Extract
Khata is derived from the word ‘account’. It is an account of a
person owning a property. It typically consists of
(a) Khata Certificate and
(b) Khata Extract.
A Khata Certificate is mandatorily required for the
registration of a new property and the transfer of a
property. Khata Extract is nothing but obtaining the
property details from the assessment registrar. It is
needed while property buying and acquiring trade
license.

8. Occupancy Certificate
When the builder applies for this Certificate, an
inspection is carried out by the authorities to ensure
that the construction meets all the specified norms.
This certificate is obtained after the completion of
the construction. It is important at the time of buyin
g a property, seeking a home loan, before the builder
allows people to take possession of the property and
, for the transfer of Khata. Basically, it certifies that
the project is ready for occupancy.

9. Possession Certificate (PC)
A Possession Certificate has to be mandatorily
issued by the Builder / Developer to the first
owner. A PC confirms proper construction and
allows people to take possession of the property.
This document is not reissued at the time of
resale; however, it is passed on to the successive
owner.