A sale agreement is a legal commitment, so verify the paperwork before you sign, not after.
Start with the title deed and chain of ownership — your lawyer should confirm the seller (or developer) genuinely owns the land, free of disputes. Ask for the encumbrance certificate to rule out pending loans or legal claims on the property.
For under-construction projects, check the commencement certificate and the RERA registration number, and cross-verify both on the state RERA portal. For ready-to-move-in homes, insist on the occupancy certificate — without it, the building is technically unauthorised for use.
Keep copies of every document your lawyer reviews; you'll need them again at registration and, later, for resale.
