Property Mutation: A Vital Step in Property Ownership

Property Mutation is a crucial aspect of homeownership. While owning property is a universal dream, it involves understanding the intricacies of possession, often referred to as a deed. The journey of buying or selling a home can be challenging, but these challenges should not deter prospective buyers. By redefining your understanding of ownership, you can achieve your homeownership goals smoothly.

When purchasing a home, one of your initial checks should be related to power-related documents, ensuring clarity and protection against surprises. Many buyers may be unfamiliar with the concept of property mutation, yet it plays a significant role when a property is put up for sale. Understanding the meaning of and land mutation online process is essential, as it involves important legal and procedural aspects.

What is Mutation? 

Land mutation means the process of completing paperwork including title deeds under a local municipal office when a property gets sold or gets transferred to another name. Mutation meaning in property refers to the legal process of transferring ownership or changing the characteristics of real estate assets. The property records are then mutated, and the new owner’s name is registered by the Land Revenue Department. According to the records of the department, the new owner will start paying property tax. It is also important to note that the procedural change and all added charges during the mutation process differ from state to state in India.

Navigating the Property Mutation Process

To ensure a smooth transition of property ownership, it’s crucial to understand the step-by-step process of property mutation. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through this important procedure:

1. Obtain the Mutation Application Form: Your first step is to visit the local municipal office or the relevant land revenue department to obtain the mutation application form. This document is the foundation of the mutation process.
2. Fill in the Details: Take your time to complete the application form with precision. Provide accurate information, including the property’s survey number, area, the names of both the old and new owners, and the reason for mutation. Attention to detail is key.
3. Attach Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents to support your application. These may include the sale deed, gift deed, will (in case of inheritance), death certificate (if applicable), property tax receipts, identity proofs, and passport-sized photographs of both the old and new property owners. Ensure that you have all the required paperwork in order.
4. Submit the Application: Once you’ve filled out the application form and assembled the supporting documents, submit them to the relevant revenue department or municipal office. This step officially initiates the property mutation process.

A lot of states allow online property mutation. Visit the official portal to proceed with the application and enter all required details like district, village name, and other details. You can also look up previous online land mutations of landholding records by providing the property and personal details.

In states like Karnataka, the State Government launched the Bhoomi mutation in 2000 to digitise land records. This platform is for preventing corruption and data manipulation. It is co-funded by the Govt. of India and Govt. of Karnataka.

The services offered by the Bhoomi mutation process are:

• Right, Tenancy, and Crop (RTC) information
• Revenue maps
• Mutation register
• Mutation status
• Mutation extract
• Tippan

Visit their website to get the Bhoomi mutation process done. Under the home page click on citizen registration and enter details like Aadhar number, citizen name, etc. Enter the captcha code and click on the submit button. You can check your Bhoomi RTC mutation status online to see if the transfer of your land ownership has been recorded.

Securing Your Investment: The Significance of Property Mutation

Property mutation, a process also known as property registration or transfer of title, holds immense importance in the realm of real estate transactions. This section sheds light on the critical reasons why property mutation is a cornerstone of property ownership:

• Legal Ownership Confirmation: Property mutation serves as the official torchbearer of ownership transfer from the seller to the buyer. It legally validates the alteration in property ownership, providing an indisputable record of the present property holder.
• Property Tax Assessment: Local authorities heavily rely on mutation records to determine property taxes. Accurate ownership details ensure that property taxes are assessed on the rightful owner, averting any potential disputes or irregularities.
• Prevention of Legal Entanglements: Proper property mutation is the guardian against legal entanglements and disputes. It establishes a transparent ownership record, reducing the likelihood of fraud, unauthorised sales, or conflicting claims.
• Access to Utilities and Services: Mutation is often a prerequisite for transferring utility connections, encompassing water, electricity, and gas. Absent proper mutation, the new owner might encounter hurdles in procuring these indispensable services.
• Financial Transactions: Mutation is an essential precursor for a plethora of financial dealings pertaining to the property. This encompasses applying for a home loan, facilitating future property sales, or using the property as collateral for a loan. Financial institutions invariably demand updated ownership records.
• Inheritance and Succession Planning: In cases of inheritance, mutation facilitates the seamless transfer of property to legal heirs. It constitutes a pivotal step in succession planning, ensuring the smooth transition of property rights within a family.
• Preventing Duplicity: Property mutation acts as a sentinel against double-dealing or the sale of the same property to multiple buyers. Once a property is mutated in favour of a buyer, it becomes an integral part of official land records.
• Legal Recognition of Alterations: In instances of property modifications, such as renovations or expansions, mutation bestows legal recognition and documentation of these changes. This guarantees that property records remain current and accurate.
• Resale and Marketability: Properties with well-documented mutation records are more marketable for resale. Prospective buyers often scrutinise ownership history and legal status before committing to a purchase.

Property mutation is not just a formality; it is a safeguard for property owners, offering legal protection and paving the way for secure and trouble-free property transactions.

Interesting Facts About Property Mutation You Need to Know

Here we’ve rounded up the most amazing things about property mutation you need to know about:

Who Can Get Property Mutation Done?

Those who purchase land or apartments or inherit it in the form of a will or gift will have to get mutation done.

When Mutation of property can be done in India?

Although mutation is a fairly important process and requires the involvement of both the seller and the buyer, the process is considered a legal formality and it can be completed anytime after the transaction is completed. Technically, the mutation of property in Delhi is different from a property that had a land mutation in Mumbai.  This is due to the difference in governing bodies of these states.

Land Mutation

When land is purchased, a property mutation has to be made because without getting one, the transfer of title will not be complete. While land mutation is not binding in legal ways, they must get it done within three to six months after purchasing land. This will allow the government records to be updated and prevent confusion with new land ownership. 

Apartment Mutation

The transfer of ownership for new owners of flats and apartments happens after the registration is completed. Since mutation is a legal formality, which can get done any time after the contract. But, if one has to sell the apartment in the future, they would have to show the property mutation status for utilities such as water service and power. 

Prior Claim to Mutation 

It will be in your best interest to check the property mutation status now and then. This will help you discover any fraudulent transactions carried out. In the case of a deceased owner, the mutation can take place by providing a death certificate and other documentary proof. Or if the house seller is a power attorney holder, then the title should be re-entered in the revenue records. 

Extra Simple Mutation Process 

All land and property records are maintained by the local municipal bodies. This is where house owners get the mutation done. There are many states that have made online mutation possible and have resourceful systems to support it. But this is not valid for new owners. They still have to go to the municipality to submit and wait for the approval of the mutation application status. 
Read: Everything You Need to Know About Refuge Area – Use, Rules & Importance

Essential Documentation for Property Mutation

A mutation certificate of land is considered a valid document for property transactions. In a situation where the government acquires agricultural assets, the settlement funds released by them will come under the mutation document holder. The process can be submitted to the local area revenue officer.

You will need to submit a few documents during the mutation process. Review the documents needed below to ensure that you understand all potential impacts. 

• a full copy of the sale deed completion
• mutation application form attached with the necessary stamp fee
• Stamp paper of required value including affidavit and indemnity bond
• Up-to-date paid receipts of property taxes 

In the case of inheritance or will a few other documents will be required for the mutation process:

• property mutation application form attached with stamp paper and the required fee
• Death certificate of the deceased owner
• Indemnity and affidavit stamp paper of required value
• Up-to-date tax payment receipts
• Payment receipts from the sub-registrar office 

Those new to the process of mutation will find the process difficult and confusing. You can consult a legal investment consultant who will guide you with the paperwork.

Understanding the Cost of Property Mutation

There is a nominal fee for the property mutation process. The local civic body will also charge a nominal fee of Rs.25-Rs.100. This will vary from state to state. The nominal charge is a one-time payment only. 

Online Mutation Process is Simply Fast. Who knew? 

Once all the power-related documents online property mutation is submitted, the local revenue inspector will validate the documents and visit the property for inspection. Only then, the application will get processed. The new owner will receive a copy of the mutation 15-30 days after applying, indicating they have a claim over the property. In the case of land mutation, the process will take a month for changes to show property mutation status. 

What is the Format of a Mutation Certificate?

Mutation of land records is the process of changing the title ownership from one individual to another. After the mutation process is complete, a mutation certificate is issued. Here is the format of a mutation certificate:

1. Name of the owner
2. Property details
3. The date of mutation
4. Mutation order number
5. Revenue department’s seal and signature

A mutation certificate is an important legal document that confirms the change in ownership of the property. It is necessary to keep it safe for future reference.

NoBroker offers a range of real estate services, including online property management and legal services. Our experts can help you with the mutation process and guide you through the legal requirements. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

What is the Difference between Mutation and Property Registration?

Aspect	Mutation	Property Registration
Definition	The process of changing the ownership of the property	The process of transferring the ownership of the property from one person to another
Record Location	Recorded in the revenue records maintained by the government	Recorded in the sub-registrar’s office
Ownership Transfer	Does not transfer the ownership of the property	Transfers the ownership of the property

Mutation alters the title ownership in official records without transferring property rights, whereas property registration is the formal transfer of property rights from one individual to another.

Time Limit or No Time Limit 

While landowners must complete the mutation process at once, apartment owners can get the mutation done at their convenience. But it’ll always be good to have your property mutation case status updated in order in case you plan to sell your property in the future. 

Supreme Court (SC) view of mutation as property ownership proof

The Supreme Court of India has clarified the legal position of mutation as property ownership proof. In a recent ruling, the SC stated that mutation of property meaning does not confer any title, nor it creates any right in favour of the owner. It is only an administrative entry made in the revenue records for the purpose of collection of revenue.

However, the court also acknowledged that mutation certificate meaning is important evidence of possession, which can be used as an additional piece of evidence to prove ownership of the property.

Example: How to do mutations of the property in Delhi online?

Now that we are aware of the basic procedure for the mutation of property, let’s take a look at how the process works in Delhi. The online mutation of property in Delhi can be completed on the Municipal Corporation of Delhi website. If you are a property owner in Delhi, you can avail this website for more features like changing the landowner names in property records. The website provides step-by-step instructions on how to change the land owner’s name and how to do property mutation in Delhi online.

Property Mutation Not Completed?

The penalty fee comes at a penalty fee of Rs. 25 to Rs. 100, so it is simple to get it done. Apartment buyers often delay the process. But it is always advisable to have the mutation documents completed, as it may complicate the future selling process. You would also need to show proof of the mutation application status in the future. Even legally, it is much safer to have the mutation process done immediately to avoid complications.

Simplify Property Mutation with NoBroker Legal Services

Understanding the complexities of property mutation can be challenging, especially if you’re new to the process. However, rest assured that any issues that may arise during mutation are typically manageable and don’t result in adverse consequences. If you’re planning to purchase a residential property or need legal assistance related to property mutation, consider turning to NoBroker. Our team of experienced professionals is at your service, ready to make your property ownership journey as smooth as possible. Your path to property ownership is just a step away with NoBroker’s expertise and assistance.

FAQ’s

Subscribe