Frequently Asked Questions

One cent equals 435.56 square feet. It is commonly used in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. So 5 cents = 2,178 sq.ft, and 1 acre = 100 cents = 43,560 sq.ft.

1 ground = 2,400 sq.ft (approx 5.5 cents). The "ground" unit is widely used in Coimbatore and Chennai for residential plots.

1 hectare = 2.47 acres. One acre = 100 cents = 4,047 sq.m. Hectares are used in government documents; acres are more common in local transactions.

DTCP = Directorate of Town and Country Planning. DTCP approved plots have been officially sanctioned for residential use by the state government. Always buy DTCP or Panchayat approved plots — avoid unapproved land.

DTCP approval is from the state government and is preferred for urban and semi-urban plots. Panchayat approval is from the local Gram Panchayat — valid in rural areas. Both are legal, but DTCP is generally stronger for bank loans.

An EC (Encumbrance Certificate) shows all registered transactions on a property — mortgages, sales, gifts etc. A clean EC (no encumbrances) means the land has no loans or legal disputes. Always get EC for at least 30 years before buying.

Patta (also called "Adangal") is a government record that establishes who the owner of the land is in official records. Before buying, confirm the patta is in the current seller's name. It's the primary proof of ownership in Tamil Nadu.

Checklist: (1) Title Deed / Sale Deed, (2) Encumbrance Certificate (30 years), (3) Patta in seller's name, (4) DTCP / Panchayat approval document, (5) Property Tax Receipt (up to date), (6) Survey sketch from Sub-Registrar office, (7) No Objection Certificate if near government land.

As of 2025, stamp duty in Tamil Nadu is 7% of the guideline value plus 1% registration fee (capped at ₹4,000). The total comes to about 8%. This is calculated on the Government's guideline value, not the actual market price.

Step 1: Find the plot. Step 2: Verify all documents with your advocate. Step 3: Agree on price and sign a Sale Agreement. Step 4: Pay advance (usually 10–20%). Step 5: Balance payment and registration at Sub-Registrar office. Step 6: Patta transfer within 3 months of registration.

Yes, NRIs can buy residential and commercial properties in India (including Tamil Nadu) under FEMA guidelines. Agricultural land can only be inherited, not purchased by NRIs. A Power of Attorney (POA) can be used if the buyer cannot visit in person.

Yes. Many banks offer loans for DTCP approved plots. Generally, banks finance up to 70–75% of the property value. Loans are easier to get if the plot is in a registered DTCP layout with clear documents. Agricultural land purchases typically don't qualify for home loans.

Registration at the Sub-Registrar office typically takes 2–4 hours on the day of registration. Both buyer and seller (or their POA holders) must be present along with two witnesses. The registered document is usually issued the same day.