Buying any property is always a big investment for an individual. No matter if you buy a house, a flat, a plot, or commercial property, it is always essential that all the formalities are completed. The process of mutation of the property is one of those formalities.
There might be many people who might have heard the word mutation while buying property, but do not understand what it means and why it is necessary to mutate your property. Mutation of property simply means that the name of the property owner is updated.
Mutation of property is very useful for keeping track of the land and properties. The process becomes quite necessary when someone owns the property by buying, inheriting, or receiving it as a gift.
In this blog, we will talk about the process of property mutation, importance, process, documents required, and much more.
What Is Property Mutation?
Mutation of property means the amendment in the records of the ownership of the property by the authorities of the municipal corporation, revenue department, or any other government department of that particular locality.
For example, in case you acquire a property from some person, then the sale deed becomes the evidence of the transfer of the ownership of the property. But after acquiring the property, you need to apply for mutation so that you can update your name in the concerned government records.
Mutation of the property is called by various names in different states of India like Dakhil-Kharij, name mutation, or property record mutation.
The thing to be noted here is that mutation of the property is basically connected with the updating of the records of the government.
Why Is Property Mutation Important?
Mutation of property is a very significant process after the purchase of the property in order to update the records of the government. Some of the advantages of the process are listed below:
1. Updates Government Records
The basic aim of the mutation is to make sure that the government records reflect the name of the new owner of the property.
2. Helps in Updating the Property Tax Records
This mutation process makes it possible for the property tax records maintained by the local authority to be updated in the name of the owner.
3. Facilitates the Future Property Transactions
This process is helpful in making the future property transactions easy as it helps in maintaining updated records of the property.
4. Easy Documentation of Sale of Property
Whenever there is a need for selling the property of the owner, the owner can take advantage of the updated government records.
5. Helpful in Case of Inherited Property
If there is a property which is inherited by the legal heirs of the owner in case of his death, then the legal heirs can apply for updating the property records on the basis of legal documents.
When Should You Apply for Property Mutation?
Property mutation is compulsory in many cases. These include:
- Buy/Sell of property
- Inheritance of property
- Giving property as gifts
- Legal transfer of property
- When the owner of the property dies
- Some cases of property partition/settlements
- And others
The procedure may vary according to place and nature of the property.
Documents Required for Property Mutation
The documents that will be required for property mutation in India may vary depending on the place. The most commonly used documents may include the following:
- Registered Sale deed
- Documents proving ownership of property before mutation
- Identity proof of the individual applying
- Address proof
- Passport sized photograph if required
- Tax payments proof of property
- Application form
- Certification of death if there is inheritance
- Will/Succession certificates and other documents if required
- Gift deed if there is gift of property
- And others
Property owners should make sure that they know the exact documents required.
How Does the Property Mutation Process Work?
Mutation Process may typically be done just by submitting the application for the concerned authorities. The process depends upon the concerned states and places.
Here is the simple step by step guide to it:
Step 1: Document Collection
Initially, the concerned documents related to the concerned property and the transfer of ownership of the property need to be collected.
Step 2: Filing Mutation Application
The concerned document needs to be submitted for mutation purpose by the owner of the concerned property or mutation application applicant to the respective authorities.
Mutation applications may be filed through the online government website in some places.
Step 3: Documents Verification
The concerned authorities check the documents submitted along with the mutation application.
Step 4: Mutation Approval
After checking, the concerned authorities enter the name of the new owner in their records.
Step 5: Obtaining Mutation Records
Lastly, the concerned mutation certificate, receipt or property records shall be obtained by the applicant after mutation.
Is Property Mutation the Same as Property Registration?
Applications for mutation could be easily made simply by filling out an application form with the concerned authorities.
This will depend on states or places.
Here is a brief procedure on how this can be done:
Step 1: Collection of Documents
One has to first gather all the necessary documents pertaining to the property and property transfer.
Step 2: Filing of Mutation Application
Mutation application has to be filed either by the property owner or the applicant for mutation with the concerned municipal authority, revenue department, or any other concerned authority.
At some places, even mutation applications can be filed through the official website of the government.
Step 3: Verification of Documents
The concerned authority will then have to verify the documents submitted along with the application as well as the property.
Step 4: Mutation Approval
The authority will then register the name of the new owner after verifying the documents.
Step 5: Receipt of Mutation Certificate
Finally, the applicant will be able to obtain the appropriate mutation certificate or receipt/record of property after the mutation is approved.
What Happens If Property Mutation Is Not Done?
Incomplete mutation may cause challenges in ensuring the property record is captured by the authorities.
For example, the name of the previous owner will appear in the property record in the local authority. This means that any transactions with the property will need more paperwork.
When it comes to inheritance property, incomplete mutation may cause additional problems especially when there are several people inheriting the property.
It is advisable to do property mutation after property transfer due to the procedures set out by the area where you live.
How Long Does the Process of Mutation Take?
Mutation period will depend on the location, nature of property, and the verification process.
Some applications for property mutation are processed fast, whereas others take long to be processed.
In order to save on time, it is advisable to ensure that all documents provided are accurate.
Can Property Mutation Be Done Online?
Yes, property mutation facilities via the internet can be availed in some places in India. Yet, this depends on the state and the local administration in charge.
For places where online facilities are available, one may apply for the mutation, upload relevant documents, check the application status, and get updates online.
In case an online facility is not available, then the application might have to be submitted in the concerned government office.
Conclusion
Property mutation is a very important property process. It ensures that the government documents are updated after there is a change in the owner. Irrespective of whether you are buying a new house, inheriting a property, receiving a gift or transferring it through some legal means, it will benefit you to know about the process of mutation to handle your property documents properly.
Yet, you must note that mutation is not property registration or proof of ownership. Before buying a piece of property, it is essential to thoroughly examine all the documents and records regarding ownership, title, approvals, and other legal matters.
In case you are intending to buy or sell property and need information regarding the property process and documentation process, Aashray Realtors can guide you
Frequently Asked Questions About Property Mutation
1. What is property mutation in simple terms?
Property mutation refers to the process of updating the property records maintained by the government or the local authority with the name of the new owner in case of property transfer.
2. Is property mutation necessary after buying a property?
It varies as per location and property type, however, performing mutation is usually recommended for updating government records.
3. Is mutation proof of property ownership?
Mutation is about recording the change in ownership in the government records; however, mutation cannot be considered as the title deed document of the property.
4. What is needed for property mutation?
Generally, the documents required include sale deed document in registered form, identity proof, property tax documents and others.
5. Can property mutation be done online?
In many places, the facility of doing property mutation online is available.
6. Are property mutation and property registration the same?
No, both processes are different.