Complete Property Due Diligence Checklist: 50 Things to Verify Before Buying

Missing even one detail can cost you thousands. This comprehensive checklist ensures you've verified everything before committing.

Legal Documentation (15 checks)

1. Title deed: Verify authenticity and ownership chain 2. Encumbrance certificate: Confirm no liens or mortgages 3. Property tax receipts: Check if payments are current 4. Clearance certificates: From municipal corporation 5. NOC from RBI (if freehold conversion): Essential for certain properties 6. Inheritance/succession documents (if applicable) 7. Partition deeds (if property was partitioned) 8. Copy of will (if inherited property) 9. No objection from co-owners or heirs 10. Building plan approval 11. Occupancy certificate 12. Floor-wise plan verification 13. Common area layout verification 14. Society registration certificate 15. Society bylaws review

Physical Inspection (15 checks)

16. Structural integrity: Look for cracks, water seepage 17. Roof condition: Check for leaks or deterioration 18. Electrical wiring: Safe and updated? 19. Plumbing system: Pressure, drainage, leaks? 20. Windows and doors: Functionality and seals 21. Flooring: Cracks, water damage? 22. Walls: Paint condition, dampness? 23. Kitchen appliances: Working condition 24. Bathroom fixtures: Functionality 25. HVAC systems: Working order 26. Pest control history: Any infestations? 27. Termite damage: Common in older properties 28. Natural light: Windows properly positioned? 29. Ventilation: Adequate airflow? 30. Storage space: Sufficient?

Financial and Tax (10 checks)

31. Property valuation: Compared to market rates? 32. Transfer cost: Calculated and budgeted? 33. Property tax history: Arrears? 34. GST status (if applicable) 35. Capital gains implications 36. Stamp duty calculation 37. Registration fee 38. Legal fee estimate 39. Insurance premium estimate 40. Maintenance cost (if flat): Society fees

Neighborhood and Location (10 checks)

41. Commute time to workplace 42. School proximity (if relevant) 43. Hospital/medical facility access 44. Shopping and grocery stores nearby 45. Public transportation connections 46. Area safety record 47. Future infrastructure projects (metro, roads) 48. Air quality and pollution levels 49. Flood history of the area 50. Community demographics and development trajectory

Final Verification Steps

Don't skip the professional inspection. Hire a qualified engineer or surveyor to conduct a thorough assessment. They'll identify issues invisible to untrained eyes. Verify with neighbors too—they know the area's real issues and can give candid feedback about the building and neighborhood. Once you've checked everything, you can buy with confidence. Ishanya AI helps you find properties worthy of this thorough due diligence. We connect you to vetted options that meet your criteria.