Property Safety Tips

Before engaging with any seller or agent:

• Verify their identity with government-issued ID (Aadhaar, PAN) • For agents/brokers, check their RERA registration (mandatory in most states) • Search the seller's name in local court records for pending cases • For developers, check their RERA project registration and track record • Be wary of sellers who refuse to meet in person or insist on only digital communication

Never transfer money to an individual's personal account — use the builder's company account or pay via demand draft for resale transactions.

Common document fraud indicators:

• Mismatched fonts or alignment in sale deeds and ECs • Spelling errors in legal documents (often a sign of forgery) • Missing or tampered watermarks on stamp papers • EC from a sub-registrar office that doesn't match the property's jurisdiction • Old documents that look too new (no aging of paper)

Always verify documents independently — get your own EC from the sub-registrar's office, don't rely on seller-provided copies. Cross-check property tax receipts with the municipal corporation's online portal.

Watch out for these frequent real estate scams in India:

• Same property sold to multiple buyers — always check the latest EC before paying • Unapproved layouts sold as "approved" — verify with the local planning authority (BDA/BBMP/DTCP) • Inflated carpet area — measure the actual carpet area yourself or hire a surveyor • Fake RERA registration numbers — verify on the state RERA portal directly • "Limited time" pressure tactics — legitimate deals don't disappear overnight; take your time • Advance fee fraud — never pay large advances without a registered agreement

Follow these practices for safe property transactions:

• Always transact through banking channels (cheque/NEFT/RTGS) — avoid cash payments • Get receipts for every payment, no matter how small • Use an escrow arrangement for large resale transactions • Register all documents promptly — don't delay registration • Keep multiple copies of all documents (physical + digital) • Insist on a registered rental agreement even for short-term rentals

If something feels off about a deal — the price is too good, the seller is evasive about documents, or you are being pressured — walk away. There are always other properties.