Buying a resale flat in Kolkata: the 12 documents to check before you pay a token

Resale flats in Kestopur, Lake Town, Salt Lake and New Town are excellent value, but older buildings and cooperative societies come with paperwork that must be right before money changes hands. This is our working checklist. It is not legal advice; have a lawyer verify title before registration.

The 12 documents

1. Sale deed in the seller’s name, and the previous deeds forming the chain of title, ideally back 30 years.
2. Mutation certificate showing the flat recorded in the seller’s name with the municipality (KMC, Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation, or the relevant municipality).
3. Latest property tax receipts, paid up to date.
4. Society NOC and no-dues certificate for maintenance, and the society’s transfer fee schedule.
5. Completion or occupancy certificate for the building. Older standalone buildings often lack one, which affects bank loans.
6. Sanctioned building plan and a check that the flat matches it (no illegal extensions).
7. Bank NOC if the seller has a running home loan, plus the original deed release process.
8. WBRERA registration for projects completed after the Act, and the developer’s documents for newer buildings.
9. Electricity connection documents and last bills in the seller’s name.
10. Parking allocation letter from the society or developer if parking is included.
11. Encumbrance search from the registration office showing no mortgages or disputes.
12. Seller’s ID and, for jointly owned flats, consent of all owners; for inherited flats, the succession documents.

Red flags that end a deal

• A “power of attorney” sale with no clear chain to the original owner.
• Maintenance arrears the seller wants you to absorb.
• A flat that differs from the sanctioned plan (covered balcony, extra room).
• A building with no completion certificate and no bank willing to lend.

Costs on top of the price

Stamp duty and registration set by the West Bengal government on the agreement value or circle rate, brokerage of one to two percent if applicable, society transfer fee, and loan processing charges. Budget for all of them before agreeing the price.

See current flats for sale or read the area guides for Salt Lake and New Town for 2026 price ranges.

Need help now? WhatsApp +91 96148 13713 with your area, budget and move-in date and we will send matching options the same day.