What is this service?
A complete legal health check of a property before purchase.
Legal due diligence goes beyond title verification: it checks approvals, land-use, RERA registration, litigation, acquisition notifications, statutory dues and the seller's capacity to sell. It is standard practice for any significant purchase and essential for land, older properties and inherited properties.
Why and when you need it
- Why
- It surfaces defects while you can still walk away or renegotiate.
- Who needs it
- Buyers of any significant property; essential for land, resale and inherited property.
- When
- Before signing an agreement to sell or paying an advance.
Required documents
- Complete title document set
- Khatha, tax and EC records
- Approved plans, commencement and occupancy documents where applicable
- RERA registration details for developer projects
- Revenue records for converted or agricultural land
- Details of any pending litigation known to the parties
Identity and supporting documents
- PAN card of each applicant or party
- Aadhaar card or another government photo identity and address proof
- Passport-size photographs
- For companies and associations: incorporation documents, board resolution and authorisation letter
Step-by-step procedure
- Scope the diligence for the property type
- Verify title chain and revenue records
- Check approvals, land-use and RERA status
- Search litigation and statutory dues indicators
- Deliver a written diligence note listing risks and open items
Fees, stamp duty and timelines
- Government fee
- Government fees, where applicable, are paid only on the official portal or at the government office. Confirm the current amount on the official portal before payment.
- Assistance charges
- Professional assistance charges are quoted after understanding your requirement. Government fees and SRCHN service charges are always shown separately. Confirm the final quote before work begins.
- Processing time
- Processing time varies by office and case. No completion timeline is guaranteed.
Government fees and SRCHN assistance charges are always kept separate. Nothing here is an invented price - confirm current amounts on the official portal or with our team before paying.
Legal requirements
- Transfer of Property Act, 1882
- Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016
- Applicable municipal, planning and land revenue laws
Common rejection reasons
- Unapproved construction or land-use violations
- Pending litigation or acquisition notifications
- Seller not the sole or true owner
Important cautions
Diligence findings should be reviewed by an independent qualified lawyer before you act on them
Do not treat a bank's loan sanction as a substitute for your own diligence
FAQs
The bank approved a loan on the property - is diligence still needed?
Yes. A lender's check protects the lender. Your diligence protects you.
How long does diligence take?
It depends on the records and the property's history. No fixed timeline is promised - the written note tells you what was checked and what is still open.
Who gives the final legal opinion?
An independent qualified lawyer. SRCHN organises the records and the process; legal opinions are issued by independent qualified professionals.
