What Red Flags Should You Watch for in Chennai Properties Deals?

Investing in Chennai properties can be a smart decision. But like any real estate transaction, there are certain warning signs you need to be aware of. Ignoring them may lead to legal, financial, or long-term issues with your property.

Here, we will go through the major red flags to watch for when dealing with properties in Chennai. This will help you make better decisions and avoid problems in the future.

1. Missing or Incomplete Property Documents

Every property must have proper legal documentation. If any important papers are missing, you should treat it as a serious concern.

What to Check

· Title deed: This should clearly state the name of the current legal owner.

· Sale deed: Check whether it is registered and not just a draft or agreement copy.

· Encumbrance certificate: This shows the property is free from loans or legal claims.

· Patta and chitta: For land properties, these documents are crucial in Tamil Nadu.

· Building approval: If it’s a constructed property, it must have approval from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) or Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP).

If any of these documents are missing or the seller delays providing them, avoid moving forward until they are verified.

2. Discrepancy in Property Measurements

Some properties might advertise a larger area than what is available legally. This is especially common in apartment units or land plots.

What to Do

Hire a licensed surveyor or request a site visit with a technical expert. Match the measurements on the documents with what is physically present. If there is a mismatch, discuss it with the seller. Never rely solely on verbal assurances.

3. Unclear Property Ownership

If more than one person claims ownership or if a property has been passed through multiple hands in a short time, it may be a sign of dispute.

Signs of Trouble

· Frequent change in ownership within a short period

· Joint ownership without clarity on who can sell

· Properties owned by companies or trusts without clear authorization

In such cases, consult a legal advisor. Do not proceed unless the title and ownership chain are verified.

4. Promises Without Written Proof

Many sellers or agents might promise additions like car parking, extra water lines, or interior fittings. These should not be taken at face value.

What You Should Do

Ask for every promise in writing. It should be included in the sale agreement. If it is not mentioned there, you cannot legally claim it later.

5. Low Price Compared to Market Value

If the price seems too low compared to similar Chennai properties in the area, it could indicate hidden issues.

Possible Issues

· Legal disputes

· Poor construction quality

· Lack of proper approvals

· Property located in flood-prone or restricted zones

Always compare with similar listings in the area and be cautious of deals that seem too good.

6. Incomplete Construction or Approvals

Many builders start selling before the entire project receives approval. Buying such properties can result in long delays or legal hurdles.

What to Verify

· CMDA/DTCP approval for the layout

· Building completion certificate

· Occupancy certificate

If the builder cannot provide these, it is better to avoid the deal or wait until approvals are finalized.

7. Unregistered or Unapproved Layouts

Some land parcels might be offered at lower prices because they are part of unapproved layouts.

Risk Factors

· No access to basic amenities like roads, drainage, or electricity

· No legal protection

· Trouble selling in the future

Buy only in government-approved layouts. You can check with local development authorities or look up the registration status online.

8. Delayed Registration Process

If the seller is hesitant to go for immediate registration or asks for full payment before documentation, treat it as a red flag.

Ideal Process

· Token advance

· Signed agreement with terms

· Payment in stages as per agreement

· Final settlement and registration on the same day

If there are delays or the seller keeps changing timelines, it might be part of a larger issue.

9. Hidden Charges and Unclear Costs

Apart from the sale price, there may be other costs like registration, stamp duty, maintenance fees, and legal charges.

How to Avoid Surprises

Request a written breakdown of all costs involved. Ask about charges that may come later such as future development charges or property tax dues. If the seller is unwilling to give this, reconsider the deal.

10. Poor Quality Construction

Even if a property looks good from the outside, the internal quality may not meet expected standards.

What to Check

· Cracks in walls or ceilings

· Weak plumbing and wiring

· Substandard flooring and fittings

· Poor ventilation or lighting

Visit the property more than once, preferably at different times of the day. If it’s an under-construction building, ask to visit other completed properties by the same builder.

Conclusion

Buying Chennai properties requires attention to detail. You need to be alert to signs that something might not be right. Skipping proper checks could lead to long-term issues. Always take time to verify documents, inspect the property, and get everything in writing. Avoid being rushed by sales pressure. By carefully watching out for these red flags, you can protect your investment and find a property that meets your needs without unnecessary trouble.