Checklist of what to consider when buying a property in Thiruvananthapuram, whether it's land, a house, or an apartment

1. Verify Property Title and Ownership

  • Check Title Deed (Sale Deed, Gift Deed, etc.).

  • Ensure the seller has a clear legal title with no disputes.

  • Review ownership history and chain of transfers.


2. Encumbrance Certificate (EC)

  • Obtain EC from the Sub-Registrar Office.

  • Minimum of 13 years recommended.

  • Confirms that the property is free from loans, legal liabilities, or disputes.


3. Land Use and Zoning Clearance

  • Check if the land falls under residential, commercial, agricultural, or industrial zones.

  • Refer to Trivandrum Master Plan or LSGD's zoning map.

  • Avoid wetland, paddy fields, forest land, or protected areas unless converted legally.


4. Check Government Approvals

  • For apartments/buildings: verify building permit, approved plan, and completion certificate from Corporation or Panchayat.

  • If a builder is involved, verify RERA registration at rera.kerala.gov.in.


5. Tax and Utility Records

  • Confirm latest land tax (property tax) paid at Village Office or online.

  • Check for pending electricity, water, and utility bills.


6. Physical Inspection of Property

  • Verify road access, width of access road, and boundary clarity.

  • Check availability of electricity, water connection, drainage, and telecom facilities.

  • For plots, get the land measured by a licensed surveyor.


7. Bank Loan Eligibility

  • If you are taking a home loan, banks will do their own:

    • Legal verification

    • Valuation

  • Choose reputed banks and compare interest rates & loan terms.


8. Location Advantages

  • Consider proximity to:

    • Schools, hospitals, markets, and public transport

    • Technopark, Secretariat, or key job hubs

  • Analyze future development potential in the area.


9. Builder Reputation (if applicable)

  • If buying an apartment or villa:

    • Research the builder’s track record

    • Visit past projects and talk to previous buyers

    • Check for delay history and construction quality


10. Registration Process

  • Execute a Sale Deed at the Sub-Registrar Office.

  • Pay stamp duty & registration charges (generally ~8% in Kerala).

  • Retain copies of all legal documents and receipts.


Bonus Tips

  • Hire a real estate lawyer for document verification.

  • Avoid cash transactions. Use bank transfers or cheques.

  • Talk to neighbors for real insights on the locality and the seller