A clean Encumbrance Certificate is the backbone of safe land buying in Tamil Nadu. Whether you are eyeing a villa plot in Padappai or a resale unit near Oragadam, learning to read the EC correctly can save you from costly title issues later.
What is an Encumbrance Certificate
An Encumbrance Certificate is an official record from the Sub Registrar Office that lists all registered transactions affecting a property for a chosen period. It shows if the plot has any mortgage, sale, gift, lease, court attachment, or release deed. In Tamil Nadu you will usually see two formats
- Form 15 which lists encumbrances when entries exist
- Form 16 which is commonly called Nil EC when no entries exist for the searched period
Why EC matters for DTCP and RERA approved plots
For plotted developments like Velammal Garden in the Padappai Oragadam belt, buyers often review multiple documents. The EC confirms that the developer has marketable title and that plots are free from liens during the period you search. Even with DTCP approval and RERA registration, the EC is your on ground check to ensure there are no fresh mortgages or attachments on the specific plot number you plan to buy.
The EC sections to read line by line
Each EC page follows a simple structure. When you open it, scan these fields in order.
Identification details
- Property location village and taluk
- Survey number and sub division number or patta reference
- Door number and street for urban pieces if available
- Extent area and boundaries north south east west
Make sure these match the layout plan and sale deed draft for your chosen plot at Velammal Garden.
Search period
- From date and To date
Choose a period that comfortably covers at least the last 30 years where practical, or from the original layout purchase to today for new layouts. For bank loans, lenders often insist on a longer look back.
Document index for each entry
Every encumbrance row will usually show
- Document number and year
- Nature of document sale mortgage lease gift release settlement court attachment
- Consideration value amount
- Parties involved executant vendor mortgagor and claimant purchaser mortgagee
- Registration office where it was registered
- Schedule of property confirming survey and boundaries
Read the schedule text carefully to ensure the entry truly relates to your plot and not a neighbouring sub division.
How to interpret common entries
Sale deed
This confirms a transfer of ownership. Check that the seller chain is continuous. For example the person selling to you must be the current owner as per the last sale deed listed in the EC.
Mortgage by deposit of title deeds or simple mortgage
A mortgage means the owner has pledged the property to a bank or financier. You should not proceed until you see a corresponding Release Deed registered later which clears the charge.
Court attachment or order
This is a red flag. It means the property is tied up in a legal claim. Avoid until cleared and supported by a fresh EC showing the release.
Gift, settlement or release
These are family transfers. They are fine if they create a clear chain to the current owner. Cross check names and relationships.
Nil EC Form 16
A Nil EC does not automatically prove absolute title. It only confirms there were no registered transactions in the searched period. Always combine with the parent documents chain, DTCP approval copy, and RERA registration details.
Step by step checklist for buyers in Padappai and Oragadam
- Identify the exact plot number and sub division on the layout plan
- Get the latest EC for at least 15 to 30 years if possible
- Confirm that survey, sub division, extent and boundaries match your plot map
- Verify the seller chain using the sequence of sale deeds listed
- Watch for open mortgages, attachments, or leases without release
- Ask for the parent documents copy sale deeds, partition, release, PoA if any
- Cross check DTCP approval number and RERA registration with your booking form
- After agreement, before registration, pull a fresh EC again to rule out last minute entries
- For loan cases, align your EC period with the bank requirement
If you need help mapping your EC to the exact plot schedule or want a second pair of eyes on legal documents, the team at velammalgarden.com can guide you with local context and practical tips.
Typical mistakes people make while reading EC
- Matching only survey number and ignoring sub division
- Ignoring boundary descriptions that actually point to a different corner of the parent survey
- Assuming Nil EC equals marketable title without checking parent deeds
- Not extending the search period far enough for older village records
- Overlooking spelling errors in owner names that break the title chain
- Missing the difference between a general mortgage on the parent land and a release only for a different plot
How EC interacts with DTCP and RERA in Tamil Nadu
- DTCP layout approval ensures the planning authority has approved the subdivision. It does not certify individual title chains of each plot
- RERA registration brings transparency on the project and protects buyers from delays and unfair practices
- The EC is still required to verify that your specific plot number is free from encumbrances at the time of purchase and registration
- For new layouts like Velammal Garden near Padappai, developers usually clear mortgages before launching retail sales. Your EC should reflect that with a recorded release deed where applicable
Practical tips for a clean closing in Chennai’s southwest corridor
- Time your final EC pull within 48 to 72 hours before registration
- Ensure the schedule in the sale deed matches the EC wording including measurements and boundaries
- If you see any mortgage entry, request the release deed copy and recheck with a fresh EC after the release is registered
- Keep a printed and digital copy of the EC in your home file along with patta, chitta adangal, and the registered sale deed
For personalised assistance on plots in Velammal Garden and the wider Padappai Oragadam belt, reach out through velammalgarden.com and our team will support you through document checks and site visits.
FAQs
What is the meaning of Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu
It is an official record of all registered transactions connected to a property for a selected period. It helps you confirm if the land is free from loans, court attachments or other burdens.
How many years EC should I check for plot purchase in Padappai
Try to check at least 15 to 30 years where possible. For new layouts, cover from the developer’s land purchase up to the current date. Banks may specify their own period.
Is Nil EC enough for loan approval
Nil EC Form 16 only means no registered transactions were found in that period. Lenders still verify the parent documents, DTCP approval, RERA registration, and sometimes ask for legal opinion.
What if I see a mortgage entry on the EC
Ask for the bank’s Release Deed. After the release is registered, obtain a new EC showing the release. Proceed only when the encumbrance is cleared.
Do DTCP and RERA eliminate the need for EC
No. DTCP and RERA relate to planning and project transparency. The EC is still necessary to verify that your specific plot number is free from encumbrances at the time of purchase.
Buying a plot can be simple when you know where to look and what to ask. Mastering the EC gives you confidence to move ahead without surprises. If you are exploring plots inside Velammal Garden or near Oragadam SIPCOT, our local team can help you read your EC, compare layout options, and complete registration smoothly. Visit velammalgarden.com to get started today.
