• Possession Certificate

I have bought a property from first owner.
The Flats in the building do not have Possession Certificates.
Will I be able to sell the property in future without Possession Certificate.
Asked 11 months ago in Property Law
Religion: Hindu

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14 Answers

The absence of a Possession Certificate (PC) may pose challenges but does not outright prevent you from selling the property. Here’s how it affects the situation and steps you can take:

Implications of Not Having a Possession Certificate


  1. Legal Compliance: A PC confirms that the builder handed over possession of the property legally. Its absence may raise red flags for prospective buyers or lenders.

  2. Resale Challenges: Many buyers prefer properties with proper documentation, including the PC. Lack of one could affect the property's marketability.

  3. Loan Approvals: Banks and financial institutions may hesitate to approve loans for buyers of properties without a PC.

Steps to Mitigate Issues

  1. Obtain a Possession Certificate:

    • Check with the builder or relevant local authorities for the possibility of obtaining the PC for your property. It might involve paying overdue fees or resolving pending issues.
    • If the builder is uncooperative, you can involve other flat owners to collectively approach authorities.

  2. Other Documentation: Ensure you have all other property-related documents in order, such as:

    • Registered Sale Deed
    • Title Deed
    • NOC from the builder or society
    • Property Tax Receipts
    • Approved Building Plans
    • Occupancy Certificate (if available)

  3. Legal Recourse: If the builder has defaulted in providing the PC for the entire building, residents can collectively file a complaint with the local authorities or approach RERA (if applicable) to resolve the matter.

  4. Selling Without PC:

    • Highlight the lack of a PC to prospective buyers and explain the situation transparently.
    • Consider pricing the property competitively to offset buyer concerns.

Future Prospects

While you can sell the property without a PC, addressing this gap now will enhance its marketability and value. Prospective buyers or authorities may demand it during future transactions.

For detailed, personalized advice, consider a phone consultancy. Hope you find the information helpful. You are free to contact me for further discussion. If you could spare two minutes of your time to write a review, it would be greatly appreciated and bring immense happiness to read it. Thank you.

Shubham Goyal
Advocate, Delhi
2073 Answers
14 Consultations

Kindly clarify whether OC has been issued or not 

 

if OC has been issued by municipal corporation you can. Sell the property 

 

 

Ajay Sethi
Advocate, Mumbai
99784 Answers
8145 Consultations

Yes, you can sell the property without possession certificate if you are in possession of title deed, e-khatha, latest tax paid certificate, encumbrance certificate.

Shashidhar S. Sastry
Advocate, Bangalore
5624 Answers
339 Consultations

The lack of OC or CC does not create hurdle in ownership of the property.

Therefore, if you want to sell the property there should not be any hindrance , at least, on this account. 

Devajyoti Barman
Advocate, Kolkata
23655 Answers
537 Consultations

If the property is B Khata and lacks an Occupancy Certificate (OC), obtaining a Possession Certificate (PC) from the builder may still be possible, but its absence complicates future sales. Here's a concise plan:


  1. Check Builder's Cooperation: Approach the builder for a PC, even if indirect ownership applies.

  2. Alternative Documentation: Ensure all other critical documents (Sale Deed, Title Deed, tax receipts, etc.) are in order.

  3. Legal Recourse: Team up with other owners to approach local authorities or RERA (if applicable) for missing certificates.

  4. Future Sale: Highlight the absence of a PC transparently to buyers and adjust pricing accordingly.

For B Khata properties, compliance issues may remain. Regularizing B Khata to A Khata can improve legal standing.

For detailed, personalized advice, consider a phone consultancy. Hope you find the information helpful. You are free to contact me for further discussion. If you could spare two minutes of your time to write a review, it would be greatly appreciated and bring immense happiness to read it. Thank you.

Shubham Goyal

Shubham Goyal
Advocate, Delhi
2073 Answers
14 Consultations

Based on the execution of registered sale deed in your favour by the first owner, contact the builder to issue possession certificate to you.

Shashidhar S. Sastry
Advocate, Bangalore
5624 Answers
339 Consultations

You should never purchase any flat in building which does not have OC 

 

registered sale deed has to be executed by first owner in your name .flat should be transferred in your name in society records 

 

then only would you be able to sell flat in future 

Ajay Sethi
Advocate, Mumbai
99784 Answers
8145 Consultations

It is highly advisable against it as it can lead to legal complications later on, as the buyer might not be able to prove their ownership of the property without a possession certificate, potentially facing issues with local authorities or difficulty in selling the property further down the line; it's crucial to investigate why the seller doesn't have a possession letter and ensure all necessary documents are provided before proceeding with the purchase. 

T Kalaiselvan
Advocate, Vellore
89985 Answers
2492 Consultations

Even without a possession letter, the sale deed legally transfers ownership of the property to the buyer. 

Without a possession certificate, proving your ownership to local authorities or a bank for a home loan can be difficult. 

In some cases, local authorities might consider your occupancy as illegal without a possession certificate.

B Khata certificate is considered not fully valid as it signifies a property that does not comply with building regulations and is considered illegal according to a Karnataka High Court ruling while it allows for property tax payment, it does not grant the same legal rights as an A Khata, meaning you cannot easily sell, transfer ownership, or obtain loans on a B Khata property; to fully utilize the property, it must be converted to an A Khata by addressing any violations.

If there are any legal issues with the property, the seller's lack of a possession letter could complicate your situation. 

T Kalaiselvan
Advocate, Vellore
89985 Answers
2492 Consultations

 

Your situation involves several legal and procedural aspects regarding the sale of a property without key documents like a Possession Certificate (PC) or Occupancy Certificate (OC). Here’s a breakdown of your concerns:

  1. Sale of the Property Without a Possession Certificate:
    While it is legally possible to sell the property in the absence of a Possession Certificate, it may reduce its marketability. Prospective buyers often view such properties as risky due to the lack of evidence that the property was handed over by the builder to the original owner. Additionally, banks and financial institutions may hesitate to offer loans for properties lacking a PC or OC.

  2. Transfer of Possession Certificate:

    • If the builder provides the PC, you can request them to issue a new one in your name. This would typically involve presenting your sale deed and proof of ownership.
    • Since the first owner is no longer in contact, the builder’s records will play a critical role in establishing the chain of ownership. Ensure that your purchase is adequately documented and registered with the relevant authority.

  3. Challenges with a B Khata Property:
    B Khata properties often lack certain statutory approvals, including an OC, which reflects compliance with local building regulations. This can further complicate matters when selling. While it is possible to sell such a property, buyers may demand a discounted price due to these limitations.

  4. Steps to Enhance Saleability:


    • Regularise the Property: Check if your local municipal authority offers a scheme for regularisation of B Khata properties to upgrade to A Khata. This often involves clearing outstanding dues and meeting specific conditions.

    • Maintain a Transparent Record: Keep all sale-related documents, tax receipts, and ownership proofs ready to address buyer concerns.

    • Legal Assistance: Consider engaging a lawyer to help resolve documentation issues and ensure the sale process is smooth and compliant with local laws.

In summary, while the lack of a Possession Certificate and OC may complicate the sale, addressing documentation gaps and maintaining a clear ownership record can improve the property's marketability.

Thanks and Regards,
Advocate Aman Verma, Legal Corridor

Aman Verma
Advocate, Delhi
502 Answers

You will be able to sell but the title will be defective in above case 

Prashant Nayak
Advocate, Mumbai
34520 Answers
249 Consultations

Dear Client,   

Thank you for sharing the details with us. The Possession Certificate and Occupancy Certificate (OC) are essential components in real estate transactions. Given that your property holds a B Khata classification, acquiring an OC may be challenging since it is generally associated with properties constructed without proper authorizations or those situated on revenue land. Although you can legally proceed to sell the property without a Possession Certificate, doing so might adversely affect its marketability and value, as potential buyers typically seek comprehensive legal documentation. 

Should the builder agree to issue a Possession Certificate, you should ask them to reissue it in your name by submitting your sale deed and other evidence of ownership. While the lack of communication with the original owner presents some difficulties, your sale deed remains a pivotal document confirming the transfer of ownership for any future resale. 

To enhance the property's legal status, it's advisable to pursue regularization through relevant schemes such as Akrama-Sakrama (if available in your area). Additionally, consulting a property lawyer will help verify your title, confirm the legitimacy of your ownership, and assist you through any necessary processes for ensuring a smooth resale in the future. 

I hope this information proves helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further clarification or assistance. 

 

Anik Miu
Advocate, Bangalore
11014 Answers
125 Consultations

1. Hope you have registered sale deed while buying the said flat.

 

2. You shall have to sell the same way as you have purchased.

Krishna Kishore Ganguly
Advocate, Kolkata
27703 Answers
726 Consultations

- Occupancy Certificate evidences the completion of the building as per the approved plan and compliance of local laws.

- If the builder is unable to obtain the occupancy certificate, it means that the builder has violated building law or deviated from Construction Plan, and further it is illegal to occupy in a building or apartment that doesn’t have an occupancy certificate.

- Further, It is illegal to occupy in a building or apartment that doesn’t have an occupancy certificate. Buildings without OCs are not given a water connection and are charged a higher property tax.

- However, if the property is transferred in your name by a registered deed then the possession letter is not mandatory for selling the property and even to take loan. 

- Further, on the ground of the registered transfer document you can apply for mutation of the property in your name.

Mohammed Shahzad
Advocate, Delhi
15814 Answers
242 Consultations

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