What is Property Mutation? Its Application Procedure & Documents Required

Property Mutation: Definition, Application Procedure, Documents Required

Buying or selling a real estate property is one of the most tedious tasks, as it comes with a number of legal formalities. There are so many things that need to be checked off the to-do list before any real estate transaction. Whether you are buying a property or selling one, it is important to understand all the formalities that are being done. One such thing is property mutation, which is an important part of almost every real estate transaction.


What is Property Mutation?

Often referred to as ‘Dakhil Kharij’ in common language, property mutation is a process of getting land revenue records updated. It needs to be done when there is some kind of change in the property’s ownership or in some other details. Usually, people miss out on getting the property mutation done after purchasing a property. But it should be processed as soon as the transaction is done and the property is registered in the buyer’s name.


Other than real estate purchases, mutation of property is also required when the ownership gets changed because of inheritance or partition. Or if someone is transferring their property rights to another person for some other reason, property mutation needs to be done.

Importance of Mutation of Property

Property mutation is a legal requirement that helps in ensuring that the government records have accurate information about a particular property. This information can be related to the landowner or something else, such as the property size, details of previous owners, etc.


Here is why it is an important part of any real estate transaction:

  • Property mutation validates the ownership transfer of a property from one person to another.
  • Mutation records are used by the tax authorities to calculate property taxes and maintain their records.
  • If you want to obtain a loan against the property, a mutation certificate is among the necessary documents. It helps financial institutions to check details about the property.
  • In cases of inheritance, property mutation is required to ensure the seamless transfer of ownership to legal heirs.
  • Property mutation helps in reducing the chances of fraudulent activities related to that property, such as double-dealing or any kind of legal dispute.
  • Property mutation also ensures that any changes made in the property, such as renovations or expansions, are documented in government records.
  • Property mutation certificate is a document that allows the new buyer to check the ownership history and legal status of a real estate property.

What is the procedure for mutation of property?

Although the process of getting mutation of a property done remains the same at almost all locations, there can be slight variation between the processes in different states. For example, if you’re looking for ‘land for sale in Chennai’ or ‘plots for sale in Tambaram’ the process will be the same as both places are a part of Tamil Nadu.


Here is a detailed step-wise guide that you can follow to obtain a property mutation certificate:


Step 1 - Collect All Necessary Documents

The very first thing you need to do, even before initiating the process of property mutation, is to gather all the essential documents. Always make sure that the documents you have are up-to-date and have accurate information about the property.


Step 2 - Submit the Mutation Application Form

The next step in the process is to submit an application for mutation of property. For this, you can either go for an online land mutation application or obtain a form from the office of the municipal corporation. In this application form, you need to enter all the relevant details about the property and its current ownership accurately to avoid any delays or discrepancies.


Step 3 - Document Submission and Payment of Fees

Now you need to upload all the required documents along with the application form and pay the applicable mutation fees. In addition to this, one affidavit also needs to be made and submitted. Most Indian states, including Tamil Nadu, have an online platform for the same where you can upload your documents. It is recommended to adhere to the specified format of affidavit for mutation of property and other guidelines related to document submission.


Step 4 - Get an Acknowledgement Receipt

Upon successful submission, you’ll receive an acknowledgement receipt that works as a confirmation that your mutation application has been submitted.


Step 5 - Verification and Processing

Once done, the authorities perform detailed background verification before processing the mutation request. It involves cross-checking the details provided by you and conducting any necessary inspections as well.


Step 6 - Mutation Entry

When your mutation request gets approved, the details are entered into the official records of the municipal corporation. This is essentially the last step in the process of transferring property ownership in government records.


Step 7 - Obtain the Mutation Certificate

You can easily obtain the mutation certificate from the municipal corporation. This certificate serves as the legal proof of your updated ownership status.

Required Documents for Property Mutation

Here is a list of all the documents required for obtaining a property mutation certificate:


  • Identity Proof (Aadhar Card/PAN Card/Voter ID)
  • Address Proof (utility bills/driving license/passport/Aadhar card)
  • Property Documents (property title deed, property tax receipts, sale deed)
  • Affidavit for Property Mutation
  • Ownership Documents (indemnity bond, registration deed)
  • Death Certificate of the Owner (in case of mutation of property after the previous owner’s death)
  • Succession Certificate
  • Encumbrance Certificate

Conclusion

In conclusion, property mutation is a vital process that validates the ownership of a property. Whether you’re buying a property or getting it transferred from a family member as a gift or inheritance, obtaining a mutation certificate is a must.

FAQ


Yes, someone can dispute the mutation of property if there are either discrepancies in ownership particulars, fraudulent entries, or improper documentation. If a person questions the land records or claims prior ownership, the authorities can review, and correct or modify the mutation. However, a mutation of property that is properly executed and legally verified is significant evidence of ownership. In the case of a dispute, the challenge will generally be handled via proper documents, revenue records and proofs of rights to the property.

The land mutation process in Tamil Nadu allows for the conditions of ownership to be updated in the revenue records after land has changed hands via transfer, inheritance, or gift. The process is initiated by submitting an application at either the local revenue or taluk office; accompanying this application must be proper documents. After reviewing the applicants' documents, the officials will verify the property, ownership and approvals of the land, and then approve & update the land records. A successful land mutation process will allow the new owner to be legally recognized for tax purposes in the future, as well as recognized for rights over the property.
A mutation certificate in Tamil Nadu is an official document issued by the revenue department in the area. This document serves as confirmation of ownership of property. It provides proof the name of the owner of the property has changed in the governmental records, and this is necessary after purchasing a property, inheriting property, or by gift. The mutation certificate in Tamil Nadu is critical to pay property taxes, obtain utilities, and process any further legal transactions. It is important to note that the mutation certificate does not provide ownership rights but does provide documentation for the transfer of ownership rights.
Property mutation online can be done using Tamil Nadu's official e-governance website. The interested applicant must first register and provide property details and may be required to upload scanned documents, such as sale deeds, tax receipts, and proof of identity. The mutation request is verified and completed by the revenue authorities before it is reflected in the digital records. The property mutation online system allows property owners to perform the paperwork at home and produce less paperwork, and allows owners to check the status of their mutation application.
The documents for mutation of property often consist of a sale deed or gift deed, evidence of ownership, tax receipts, government-issued identification, and address proof of the applicant. If the property is inherited, a succession certificate or a certificate of legal heir may also be required. Providing complete documents for mutation of property is essential in facilitating a smooth process for allowing property changes to take place at the local revenue office or taluk office while limiting the possibility of delays. These records are essential for proper ownership verification and land records updates.