Buying land can be one of the best decisions you make — or one of the most expensive mistakes. Plots have fewer protections than apartments, so due diligence is everything. Run through this 10-point checklist before you pay a rupee.
The document checklist
- Patta — confirms ownership in the seller's name. Verify it on the TN e-services portal.
- Chitta & Adangal — land classification and revenue records; check the land isn't classified as agricultural if you plan to build.
- Encumbrance Certificate (EC) — proves the land is free of loans or legal dues, ideally for the last 13–30 years.
- Parent / title documents — trace the chain of ownership back several transactions.
New to these? Our guide on Patta, Chitta & EC explains each one.
The approval checklist
- DTCP / CMDA approval — an approved layout is essential; unapproved plots are cheaper for a reason and hard to get loans or building permits on.
- Guideline (registration) value — check the government value so you know the stamp duty and aren't overpaying on paper.
- Road access & width — confirm a legal approach road; landlocked plots are a nightmare to build on or resell.
The ground-reality checklist
- Site visit & boundaries — physically verify the dimensions match the documents.
- Water, drainage & flooding — ask neighbours about water-logging and groundwater before you commit.
- Loan eligibility on the plot — confirm a bank will actually fund it (many won't fund unapproved layouts).
Before you sign
Once you've cleared the checklist, estimate your registration cost with the Stamp Duty Calculator, and convert the area between cents, grounds and square feet with the Land Area Converter. Then browse verified plots on FIVES.
Always confirm documents with a lawyer and at the Sub-Registrar Office (SRO) / tnreginet before purchase.