Buying luxury flats in Kochi is an important milestone, but the journey does not end with the signing of the agreement. Once you have secured your dream home, it is important to follow essential legal and administrative steps to ensure a smooth transition to ownership. Ensuring proper documentation, regulatory compliance, and financial arrangements is crucial for securing your property rights. Here is a detailed guide on the steps you should take next.

Verify the Sale Deed and Get It Registered

The sale deed is an essential legal document in property transactions that serves as proof of ownership. It is required to be registered with the Sub-Registrar’s Office under the Registration Act of 1908. It is important to ensure that the sale deed is executed legally, signed by both parties, and stamped according to state regulations. The registration process involves paying a stamp duty and registration fee, which vary based on the property's assessed value. Upon registration, the sale deed formally verifies your ownership of the flat.

Obtain the Possession Certificate

Once the sale deed has been officially registered, the next course of action is to request a possession certificate from the builder or seller. This document is important because it verifies that you have taken physical possession of the flat. For newly constructed apartments, the builder is required to provide the possession certificate after all payments have been settled. Not having this certificate could complicate the process of proving ownership in the future.

Transfer Utility Connections to Your Name

After you have bought a flat, it is essential to have all utility services, including electricity, water, and LPG, transferred to your name. You should contact the respective service providers and submit the necessary documents, such as the sale deed, possession certificate, and proof of identity. Timely completion of these transfers will help maintain uninterrupted services and prevent any issues related to unpaid bills from the previous owner.

Check and Update Home Insurance

Buying a flat is a major financial undertaking, and securing it with home insurance is a sensible approach. If the builder has an active policy for the apartment complex, review its coverage and consider additional insurance if necessary. A reliable home insurance policy will protect your property from natural disasters, theft, and accidental damage. Be sure that your policy includes protection for both the structure and the valuable items inside your home.

Importance of Completion and Occupancy Certificates

For newly constructed apartments, it is important to confirm that the builder has received the Completion Certificate (CC) and the Occupancy Certificate (OC) from local authorities. The Completion Certificate (CC) serves as proof that the building has been constructed according to the approved plans and complies with safety standards. The Occupancy Certificate (OC) verifies that the property is ready for occupancy and has all necessary clearances. These documents are crucial for obtaining home loans, selling the property, and obtaining essential services like water and electricity.

Update Your Address in Official Documents

After purchasing a flat in Kochi, update your permanent address in important documents such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Bank Accounts & Loan Records. This ensures that all future communications, tax records, and official documents are sent to your new address. Many of these changes can be processed online through the relevant government websites. 

Conclusion

Buying an apartment in Kochi is an exciting venture, but it is vital to complete the legal procedures to ensure a trouble-free experience. At Kent Constructions, we are committed to making homeownership effortless by delivering exceptional apartments in prime locations within Kochi. Our commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction ensures that your journey from purchase to possession is both smooth and legally secure.