Important Documents to Check Before Buying a House or Land
People are usually educated to check the deeds and survey plans before purchasing a land. Going further, they also verify the clear title at the Land Registry. Besides these, it is advisable to request the following documents to confirm that the land or property is genuinely good to buy.
Local authorities in Sri Lanka issue several certifications related to lands in their respective areas. They also provide facilities such as issuing certified copies of some of these certifications. These important documents include:
- Certificate of Ownership
- Non-Vesting Certificate
- Street Line Certificate
For lands that were previously paddy fields or used for agricultural purposes, it may be necessary to obtain an Agrarian Services Letter from the relevant authority.
If the property in question is an apartment, it is important to check for the following additional documents:
Registered Condominium Deed
- Registered Condominium Plan
- Certificate of Conformity (COC) certified by the Developer
- Letter issued by the Condominium Management Authority (CMA) certified by the Developer
- Certified Extract of the Resolution passed by the Developer or Owner Company authorizing the signing of Deeds of Transfer for individual apartments
These documents are not just formalities, even banks will request them when you apply for a loan for property purchases. It is the seller’s responsibility to provide all the necessary documents to establish clear ownership.
Therefore, even if the title appears clear at the Land Registry, the documents mentioned above further confirm that the seller has followed the proper legal procedures, ensuring the legality and security of your purchase.
