Nowadays, numerous cases of fraud related to property and land purchases are coming to light. If you are planning to buy a plot, farmland, or any other piece of land, avoid rushing into the decision. The Madhya Pradesh Revenue Department has highlighted several crucial points to raise public awareness; proceeding with a land deal without verifying these details could lead to financial loss.

**Essential steps to take before buying land**

**First, verify the land documents**
Before purchasing land, thoroughly examine the *Khatauni* (record of rights), *Khasra* (plot-wise land record), and other land records. These documents reveal the registered owner and confirm the accuracy of the records.
Land is often subject to ongoing litigation or disputes. Therefore, before buying, ensure there are no pending court cases involving the property.

Check whether the land you intend to buy is mortgaged to a bank or encumbered by any debt; this verification is crucial.
Do not rely solely on paperwork. Visit the site personally to verify who holds possession of the land and to identify its boundaries.

Compare the map recorded in official department files with the actual physical status of the land on the ground. This minimizes the risk of future boundary disputes.
Verify whether the seller is the genuine owner. Also, determine whether the land falls under the agricultural, residential, or commercial category.

Examine the previous sale deeds and registration documents of the land.
Ensure the documents are verified before the final registration takes place.
Have all documents reviewed by a knowledgeable lawyer or the concerned official before paying stamp duty and proceeding with registration.

**Points to consider before paying the earnest money (advance)**

The Revenue Department has clearly stated that one should never pay an advance or earnest money without verifying the *Khatauni*, *Khasra*, map, actual possession status, and any litigation history. A little caution can save you from significant financial loss.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from NDTV India. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.