The Andhra Pradesh High Court recently emphasized the principle that a buyer must verify the vendor’s title before purchasing a property. If the seller lacks the right to sell, the buyer cannot claim valid title. These ruling highlights the importance of due diligence in property transactions.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court recently upheld the concurrent findings of the Trial and First Appellate Courts in Favor of the plaintiffs in a long-standing title dispute over Plot No. 454 in Sy.No.107 of Ambapuram village, Nellore. The plaintiffs claimed ownership through a 2003 registered sale deed, while the defendants relied on a later sale deed from 2004 that had material corrections and irregularities.
Key Takeaways:
Buyer’s Responsibility: Buyers have a responsibility to investigate the seller’s title and ensure they have the right to sell the property.
No Valid Title from Unauthorized Seller: If the seller lacks authority to sell, the buyer cannot acquire valid title, regardless of good faith or payment.
Due Diligence: The ruling stresses the need for buyers to conduct thorough due diligence before entering into property transactions.
Implications:
Buyers should prioritize verifying the seller’s ownership documents and ensuring the sale deed is properly registered.
Failure to do so can result in invalidating the transaction and lead to legal disputes.
Possession of a property does not automatically grant ownership; a registered sale deed is essential to establish ownership rights.
This judgment serves as a reminder for buyers to exercise caution and verify the seller’s ownership before making a purchase.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court’s ruling underscores the importance of buyers conducting thorough due diligence to verify the seller’s title before purchasing a property. If the seller lacks the right to sell, the buyer cannot claim valid ownership, emphasizing the buyer’s responsibility in ensuring a legitimate transaction. This judgment highlights the need for caution and diligence in property dealings to avoid potential legal disputes.
