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What is Property Mutation

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Aakash Jain

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Property mutation is the process of updating official government land records. This is done to reflect changes that have taken place in property ownership. It is crucial for taxation purposes and ensures that the new owner of the property is recognised by the local municipal authorities. This process is necessary once a property transaction takes place, such as a sale, inheritance, partition, or gift. Without property mutation, the ownership change is not accurately reflected in municipal records, which can lead to unnecessary legal and financial complications and may result in disputes.

Mutation of Property – Meaning

The mutation of property refers to the process of transferring the title of the property from one entity to another. This is done for the purpose of accurate record-keeping by the government. The process of updating land records and municipal tax details is essential for maintaining ownership details. However, property mutation does not provide legal ownership of the property but only updates the revenue records. The legal ownership of the property is established on the basis of property registration.

What are the Types of Property Mutation

Property mutation is classified into two different categories based on the type of land involved. Both types serve different purposes and have distinct legal and financial implications. Here are the two types of property mutation:

Mutation of Agricultural Land

Mutation of agricultural land is important for updating ownership details in official government records. Without these details, the new owner cannot claim complete ownership rights and may face issues accessing government schemes, subsidies, or loans. If the land has been acquired for a development project, the compensation will go to the previous owner instead of the buyer.

For example, if a farmer purchases a piece of land but does not complete the mutation process, the title remains in the seller's name. If the government acquires the land, compensation will be paid to the seller, leading to financial loss for the buyer. This is why timely mutation is important for legal ownership and to avoid any disputes.

Mutation of Non-agricultural Land

Mutation of non-agricultural land applies to apartments, houses, residential plots, and other commercial properties. This type of mutation does not outrightly affect ownership rights. However, failing to complete the process can result in tax and utility bills being issued in the previous owner's name, causing administrative issues.

For example, if a person buys an apartment but does not complete the mutation process, the property tax may still be linked to the seller. Utility bills could also continue to be issued in the previous owner’s name, causing inconvenience. This can create unnecessary issues when paying taxes or transferring utilities, making the process complicated for the new owner of the property.

What is the Difference Between Mutation and Property Registration

Most new property owners may confuse property registration with property mutation since both deal with ownership records. However, it is important to understand that they serve different purposes. Property registration helps establish legal ownership, while mutation updates the revenue and municipal records to reflect the new owner's details. Here are some of the key differences between the two:

Aspect

Property Registration

Property Mutation

Purpose

Establishes legal ownership

Updates government land and revenue  mutation records

Legal Requirement

Mandatory for every property transaction

Required for taxation purposes and avoiding ownership disputes

Authority

Sub-registrar’s office

Local municipal or revenue office

Documents Required

Sale deed, stamp duty receipt, and identity proof

Sale deed, property tax receipts, and identity proof

Process

Buyer must pay the stamp duty registration charges to register the sale deed

Buyer must submit an application for property mutation to update the records

When does it happen?

Immediately after purchasing the property

Within a year of purchasing the property

How to Apply for Property Mutation

Property mutation is the process of updating government land records to reflect a change in ownership. The application process can vary by state, but it generally includes both online and offline procedures. Here is a comprehensive step-by-step guide for both:

Offline Procedure to Apply for Property Mutation

1. Visit the nearest sub-registrar’s office or municipal office to begin the mutation application process

2. Get the mutation application form from the office or download it from the official website, then fill it as required

3. Fill in the application form with the required details, such as: 

  • District
  • Name of the seller
  • Address of the seller
  • Name of the buyer
  • New and old survey number of the land
  • Taluk or  village details 

4. Submit the completed application along with supporting documents to validate the ownership transfer

5. After submission, you will receive a transaction reference number on your registered mobile, which can be used to track the application status

6. The sub-registrar forwards the application to the concerned authority for verification of property acquisition

7. Officials conduct a physical verification to confirm property details and check for disputes with neighbouring land

8. Once verification is complete, the department processes the mutation request, and an authorised officer issues the mutation document

9. The revenue officer updates the ownership records, allowing the new owner to obtain a revised Record of Rights (ROR) and pay property taxes accordingly

Online Procedure to Apply for Land Mutation

  1. Visit your state's official property mutation website

  2. Click on ‘Property Mutation’, which will be listed under the online application tab

  3. Upon being redirected, fill in the application form with details such as applicant information, transfer details, and other enclosures

  4. Upload the necessary documents for verification, such as the legal heir certificate, registration deed, and chain deeds

  5. Proceed to the payment portal and select ‘Pay the Fee’ listed under the online application tab.

  6. Click on ‘Fees Payment’ and enter your Request Type and Application Number

  7. Once the mutation charges are paid, proceed with confirming your application by clicking on ‘Submit’

  8. You will receive an acknowledgement receipt, which will include your mutation registration number

  9. Authorities will verify the details of the property and issue a mutation certificate upon approval

How to Check Property Mutation Status Online

You can check the property mutation status from the comfort of your home. Here is how you can do so:

  1. Visit the official e-NagarSewa portal

  2. Click on ‘Track Applications’

  3. Click on ‘Property Mutations’

  4. Enter your ‘Acknowledgement Number’ or ‘Registration Number’

  5. Enter the captcha code and click on ‘Submit’

  6. The status of your property mutation will be displayed on the screen

Which Documents are Required for Property Mutation

The documents required for property mutation depend on the type of property ownership being transferred. The two main scenarios are the sale of property and inheritance due to the owner's death. Here are the different sets of documents you will need to submit under each scenario:

Documents Required for Property Mutation in Case of Sale

When a property is sold, the new owner must submit the following documents:

  • Title deed or sale deed: Serves as proof of ownership transfer

  • Property mutation application form: Duly filled application form for property mutation

  • Copy of property tax receipts: To ensure that there are no dues

  • Registration deed: Documentation of the legal transaction between the current and previous owner

  • Stamp paper: Required as per the applicable value for legal processing

  • Ration card: Required as address proof in some states

  • Aadhaar card: Identification proof of the applicant

Documents Required for Property Mutation in Case of Death or Inheritance

If the property is transferred due to the death of the owner, the legal heir must submit the following:

  • Death certificate: Proof of the previous owner's demise

  • Sale deed or title deed: Helps establish ownership rights

  • Succession certificate or legal heir certificate: Required to prove inheritance

  • Affidavit on stamp paper: Sworn document supporting the ownership claim

  • Will (if applicable): Photocopy of the deceased owner's will

  • Power of Attorney (if applicable): Proof of any legal authority over the property

  • Registration deed: Record of the previous owner's legal ownership status

  • Other documents: Any additional documents as required by the local municipal or revenue office

Benefits of Property Mutation

Property mutation is an essential legal process that updates government records to reflect changes in property ownership. While it does not establish legal ownership, it helps prevent disputes and manage tax obligations. Here are some of the key benefits of completing your property mutation on time:

Accurate Property Tax Records

Mutation helps update municipal and revenue records, ensuring that property tax is billed to the rightful owner. Without mutation, property tax may still be assigned to the previous owner, leading to confusion or disputes.

Prevents Ownership Disputes

Mutation of land records helps establish a clear track of ownership history. This reduces the risk of disputes between buyers, legal heirs, or any third parties that may claim ownership.

Required for Future Sale or Transfer

Mutation is necessary when reselling a property or transferring ownership. Without updated records, the new owner may face difficulties in proving ownership in municipal records, which could lead to delays in transactions.

Facilitates Utility Connections

Many local authorities require updated land records when applying for new water, electricity, and gas connections. Without mutation, you may find it difficult to apply for these services.

Government Acquisition Compensation

If the government acquires a property for infrastructure development, compensation is based on land records. If the mutation is not completed, the previous owner may receive compensation instead of the current owner.

Compliance with Legal Requirements

Many states require property mutation to ensure compliance with local revenue bodies and municipal laws. Failing to complete this process could lead to penalties or legal complications when filing taxes.

Mistakes to Avoid in the Property Mutation Process

Property mutation is crucial for updating government land records after transferring property. Any mistakes during this process can lead to legal disputes, tax complications, or delays in ownership. Here are some common mistakes that property owners should avoid making during the property mutation process:

Incomplete Documentation

Submitting incorrect or incomplete documentation can lead to your application being rejected. Each type of property mutation, be it agricultural or non-agricultural, requires specific documents. Before you submit your documents, ensure that all the required documents are in order and attested if necessary.

Wrong Information

Errors in important details, such as the owner's name, property address, or survey number, can result in rejection or delays in your application. Cross-check the information provided in the mutation form against the details available in the sale deed and tax records to ensure accuracy.

Non-payment of Fees

At the time of submitting the mutation application form, you will need to pay a mutation fee, which varies by state and type of property. Non-payment or delays in payment of this fee can put your application on hold. Check the applicable charges on the state land records website or at the local municipal office before applying.

Ignoring Legal Requirements

Each state has a specific set of rules and guidelines for property mutation. Some states consider mutation mandatory, while others do not require it for property transfers like inheritance. Failing to comply with these legal requirements could result in complications.

Overlooking Encumbrances

Encumbrances refer to outstanding loans, mortgages, or any legal claims against a property. If a property has any pending legal or financial issues, the mutation process cannot be completed. Before applying, ensure that your property is free from any such encumbrances by checking the Encumbrance Certificate from the sub-registrar’s office.

Lack of Verification

Once the mutation process is complete, ensure that you verify the updated land records. It is essential that you check whether the municipal records reflect the new owner's details accurately. Any errors must be rectified immediately by filing a correction request with the land revenue department.

Non-adherence to Timelines

Some states have a time limit within which the property mutation needs to be completed after registration. Delays can lead to complications in property tax payments, resale transactions, or government acquisitions. Ideally, property owners should apply for mutation immediately after the property has been transferred.

Property mutation updates the ownership information in government land records, ensuring legal recognition. Without it, future resale, tax payments, or loan processing may face hurdles. Hence, homebuyers should consider completing the mutation process immediately after getting a home loan, to avoid legal or financial complications.

FAQs on Property Mutation

What is Property Mutation
What are the rules for property mutation?

Property mutation rules differ based on the state and the mode of transfer. Generally, mutation requires owners to submit the property sale deed, property tax receipts, and identity proof. Some states make it mandatory for tax and revenue records. Applicants must check with their local municipal or revenue office for accurate details and requirements.

Yes, you can purchase a property without mutation, but it is not advisable. Mutation is required for updating government land and tax records. This ensures that the buyer is recognised as the rightful owner for making property tax payments. Without mutation, the new owner may face challenges while paying property tax, transferring utilities, or selling the property in the future.

There may be certain limitations for property mutation, which may vary as per local laws and regulations. This includes legal disputes, incorrect or incomplete documentation, government acquisition, unpaid property taxes or loans, restrictions on leasehold properties, etc.

The mutation fee can vary by state, type of property, and mode of transaction. Additionally, the location and value of the property are taken into account. Additional charges may apply for stamp paper, verification, and documentation. You may be able to get a detailed breakdown of the applicable charges on the state's revenue or municipal website.

The property mutation process typically takes between 15 to 30 days, depending on the state and verification requirements. If there are any pending property tax dues, document discrepancies, or legal issues, the process may take longer. Some states offer an online tracking facility to check the status of your application.

Yes, a property mutation application can be rejected due to incomplete documentation, pending property tax dues, legal disputes, or encumbrances. To avoid rejection, ensure that all the required documents are submitted correctly and on time. Also, confirm that there are no outstanding dues.

Property registration helps establish the legal ownership of the property, while mutation is used for updating the government's tax and revenue records. Registration is mandatory for property ownership to be transferred, whereas property mutation is required for taxation purposes but does not affect legal ownership.

Yes, a property can be sold without mutation; however, this may lead to complications for the buyer later on. Without mutation, any tax liabilities, utility bills, and municipal records will still reflect under the previous owner's name. This can result in delays during resale, difficulty in getting a loan, or other legal disputes. It is recommended that you complete the mutation process immediately after purchasing a property.

The purpose of mutation of property is to update government land and revenue records. This update highlights the change in ownership of the property. It ensures that the new owner is recognised for property tax purposes and other relevant municipal records. While mutation does not establish legal ownership of the property, it is crucial for taxation, utility services, and any future transactions.

If  mutation is not completed, the previous owner's name could still appear in municipal and revenue land records. This can lead to complications such as incorrect property tax assessments, difficulties in transferring ownership, and potential disputes over ownership. In the case of land being acquired by the government, the compensation could be paid to the previous owner instead of the rightful one.

Mutating a property refers to the process of updating official land and revenue records to reflect a change in ownership due to a sale, inheritance, gift deed, or partition. This ensures that the new owner's name is recorded in municipal and tax records, allowing them to fulfil financial and legal obligations related to the property.

Yes, you can purchase a property without mutation, but it is not advisable. Without mutation, the new owner may face challenges in paying property tax, obtaining utility connections, or selling the property. Mutation ensures smooth transactions and prevents disputes related to municipal records.

To stop the mutation of a property, you may need to file an objection with the local municipal or revenue authority. This is possible in cases of legal disputes, ongoing inheritance claims, or fraudulent ownership transfers. Supporting documents, such as court orders or legal notices, may be required to halt the process.

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Hi! I’m Aakash Jain
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Aakash is a seasoned marketing and finance professional with over five years of experience. With a unique blend of financial expertise and creative flair, he excels in crafting succinct, user-friendly content that empowers readers to make well-informed choices. Specialising in articles, blogs, and website pages for loan products, Aakash is dedicated to simplifying complex concepts and delivering valuable insights that resonate with diverse audiences.

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