How to verify property documents in Karachi (Guide)

While investing in a property, the main thing you should be aware of is whether the property is legally registered or not. Verifying the documents is the only way to make sure about that. It may not be pretty much as simple as it seems as though individuals might attempt to camouflage the actual picture. Sometimes, sellers and purchasers don’t know about the documents that decide the authenticity of a property according to the property laws of Pakistan. In that case, there are higher chances of being victimized and scammed.

For your convenience, here’s a rundown of the property documents you need to know about:

  • Title Deed:

This is the basic document that ensures the right of the proprietor who has the authority to sell the property. Title deed is the legitimate method of saying you own a right to something.

For real estate purposes, the title alludes to ownership of property, meaning that you reserve the privileges to utilize that property.

A purchaser should look at the original deed and affirm that the land is in the name of the developer, to guarantee that no other person has the privilege to sell it. It is prudent to get the title audited by a lawyer.

  • Mother Deed:

A mother deed is a document that lists all the previous owners’ names. It acts as the main authoritative document and proof of ownership for the property. It additionally goes about as the principle document for further sale by the purchaser as it sets up proof of his own since ownership changes each time a property is bought or sold.

If because of any situation this deed is missing then, the party should get a certified copy from the lawful authorities as a substitute.

  • Sale Deed:

A sale deed is one of the most significant and fundamental legal property documents in Pakistan which is needed during the process of transfer of property. The document is endorsed by the two parties dealer and purchaser with common assent that begins the transfer process from the purchaser to the seller. It is a record that is important to demonstrate the ownership of property and serves as a lawful assertion of the title of the property

The sale deed is usually executed before the sale agreement and after the brief consistency of the terms and conditions in the sale agreement as consented to by the people concerned.

  • Construction Approval:

For purchase of apartment or land with constructed buildings, the purchaser should also investigate the structure plan/design plan endorsed by the local municipal authorities, alongside approval given by the government, statutory and administrative authorities, for giving infrastructure facilities, water, sewage, power, natural leeway, fire safety approval, and so on.

It is a necessary document for underdeveloped structures and housing and communities which includes various permissions. For instance, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from selective local authorities.

  • Bank Approval Certificate:

It is also one of the mandatory property documents in Pakistan that are delivered by a bank once a property is investigated and checked for legitimate issues in light of the predefined development laws set by the local authorities.

  • Encumbrance Certificate:

Looking at the jurisdictional sub-enlistment center office or the authority online interface of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs will reveal data of any enrolled encumbrance on the property. An encumbrance certificate guarantees you that your property doesn’t have any kind of mortgage and pending loans related to it.

  • Occupancy or Completion Certificate:

The dealer must acquire the completion or occupancy certificate from the competent authority, before passing on the property. It is given at the end of the development by a local government agency or arranging authority. The legal reports are evidence of the structure’s consistency with relevant construction codes and laws. The developer is answerable for getting completion and occupancy certificate and is issued just once the structure has been finished in all regards and is ready to be occupied.

Utilization of the property, without acquiring occupancy, exposes the purchaser to penalty under the relevant structure bye-laws, other 

than the danger of demolition of the property.

  1. Status of Tax Payment:

Non-installment of property taxes comprises a charge on the property, influencing its marketability so ensure that Before you purchase plots or any property, the proprietor has paid every one of the vital taxes.

Do request to show the receipts of all utility bills from the seller and Go through all the property taxes to make yourself fully satisfied because once the property is transferred in your name, you will be responsible to pay all pending obligations against the property, utility, or in any case.

Online Verification of Property documents:

The government has made the process simple for dealing and trading properties by giving an online facility for checking the ownership privileges in Pakistan. With the assistance of these online portals Land Records Management Information Systems (LRMIS), residents of Punjab and Sindh can verify their properties while sitting easily at home.

You can utilize their official pages by the government for this reason. You should simply sign on to the site, choose your area, and enter your CNIC number. That’s t it!