What Is a Certificate of Title? Definition & Examples

 A Title Certificate is a legal document issued by a qualified Advocate (usually a property lawyer), which certifies that a particular property has a clear, marketable, and legally valid title. This certificate is crucial for property purchase, bank loans, redevelopment, or any property transaction in Maharashtra.

Purpose of a Title Certificate:

• Confirms that the seller is the rightful owner

• Ensures the property is free from legal encumbrances

• Required for home loans, property registration, or builder projects

• Used in Redevelopment, MHADA, SRA, and Collector land approvals

What a Title Certificate Contains:

• Property details (address, CTS/Survey Number)

• Chain of ownership (last 30–50 years)

• Details of registered documents (sale deed, gift deed, etc.)

• Encumbrance status (any pending loans, liens, litigation)

• Mention of government dues, mortgages, or legal restrictions

• Advocate’s legal opinion on whether the title is clear or not clear

Documents Required for Title Search:

1. 7/12 extract / Property card

2. Index II / Mutation entries

3. Previous sale deeds / gift deeds / will

4. Society share certificate (if applicable)

5. Tax paid receipts

6. Layout plan / sanction plan (for buildings)

7. Encumbrance Certificate (EC)

8. Any court case or legal notice (if applicable)

Who Issues Title Certificate?

• A practicing Advocate after thorough Title Search and document verification

Time Required:

• Usually 7 to 15 days, depending on availability of documents and property complexity

Why Is It Important?

• Prevents fraud, disputes, or litigation later

• Ensures buyer is investing in a legally clean property

• Mandatory for bank loans, redevelopment, and legal clearance

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Case Study:

📄 Title Certificate – A Real Estate Story from Mumbai

Neha was all set to buy a 2BHK flat in Kandivali. The deal looked perfect — right price, great location, and all papers seemed in order.

But her lawyer advised,
"Before paying the token amount, get a Title Certificate from a legal expert."

She contacted DRS Group, who thoroughly examined the property's documents:
✅ Chain of ownership
✅ Encumbrance check
✅ Pending litigations or mortgages
✅ Government records

The result? The Title Certificate showed a missing link in past ownership — a legal risk Neha would’ve never caught on her own.

She backed out just in time — saving lakhs and future headaches.

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📌 The Takeaway:

A Title Certificate confirms whether a property is legally clear for sale. Don’t buy property without it.

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DRS Group – Experts in Title Search, Verification & Certificate Issuance.
Buy safe. Buy smart.