Pokkuvaravu or Mutation of Property

Property mutation, also known as ‘Pokkuvaravu’ in Kerala, refers to the process of transferring the title of a property from one person to another. In India, property mutation is essential for updating the land revenue records with the name of the new owner. It is a legal procedure that validates the change in ownership and ensures that the new owner’s name is reflected in the official records.

The process of mutation is crucial for establishing legal ownership of a property. It helps in avoiding disputes and ensures that the rightful owner is recognized by the authorities. In India, property mutation is typically done through the local municipal corporation or the revenue department.

Definition of Mutation/Pokkuvaravu

When a property is sold or transferred from one person to another, there needs to be a change in the title ownership as well. This process of transferring the ownership is called mutation. The property is recorded in the land revenue department under the new owner’s name, and from then on this person will be responsible to pay the property tax charged by the government.

The documentation procedure for mutation, and the applicable fee may vary from state to state. The process of mutation is called “Pokkuvaravu” in Kerala.

Documents required for property mutation

For sale of a property

Mutation application (stamp affixed)
Sale deeds
Registration deeds (previous and current)
Receipt of the most recent property tax payment
Affidavit on stamp paper of required value
Address and identity proof

For Will

Succession Certificate
Death certificate
Affidavit on stamp paper
Receipt of the most recent property tax payment

For Power of Attorney

Power of Attorney
Sale deeds
Mutation application (stamp affixed)
Registration deeds (previous and current)
Affidavit on stamp paper of required value
Receipt of the most recent property tax payment
Address and identity proof

How to Do Pokkuvaravu or Mutation of Your Property in Kerala

1. Complete Property Purchase

The process of purchasing the property from the seller needs to be fully completed. This include identification, negotiation, payment and getting the property registered in the name of the buyer.

2. Collect Sale Deed

Once the property sale is registered with the respective sub-register office, they will process it. The sale deed can be collected from them within a few weeks.

3. Pokkuvaravu Application

After receiving the sale deed, an application need to be given to the respective village office, requesting the pokkuvaravu/mutation to be done in favour of the buyer.

4. Pay Fees

Village offices charge a nominal fee for getting the pokkuvaravu/mutation done. The current rates applicable are as follows:

Rs. 25 for up to five acres of property
Rs. 50 for over five and up to 20 acres
Rs. 100 for over 20 and up to 40 acres
Rs. 200 for over 40 acres and up to two hectares
Rs. 500 for over two hectares

This fees need to be paid at the respective village office for the application to be processed. The government revises the above mentioned rates from time to time.

5. Submit Copy of the Deeds

A copy of the current and previous registration deeds need to be submitted at the village office.

6. Verification of Original Deed

The respective authorities in the village office may need to verify the original deed. In that case, the original deed needs to be produced to them for verification at the village office.

7. Issue Date of Property Verification

A village officer (surveyor) will then visit the property in order to physically measure and verify it. The surveyor will fix a date for the site visit in agreement with the applicant .

8. Physical Survey

The surveyor from the village office will visit the property on the agreed date, measure the property and also verify its boundaries.

9. Disputes with the Neighbours

The surveyor will also check if there any unresolved disputes with any of the neighbours in terms of borders, area or any other disputes with respect to the said property.

10. Transfer of Title

If there are no outstanding issues or pending disputes, the village office will transfer the title of the land from the seller’s name to the buyer’s buyers name in the Village / Taluk records as applicable. The buyer will get a new Thandaper or the land gets added to their existing Thandaper in the village.

11. Pay Tax

The new owner will now be allowed to pay all property related taxes under the new Thandaper in their name at the respective village office.

FAQs

What is property mutation?

Property mutation refers to the legal process to update property records.

Who can apply for property mutation in Kerala?

A Property owner or legal heir can apply for property mutation in Kerala.

Practice area's of B K Goyal & Co LLP

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