10 Critical Due Diligence Checks Before Buying Agricultural Land

Purchasing agricultural land is a significant investment that comes with its own set of complex legal and regulatory frameworks. Unlike urban real estate, agricultural land transactions require a deep dive into revenue records and state-specific land laws.

Key Checks to Perform

• Title Verification: Trace the ownership history for at least the last 30 years to ensure a clear and marketable title.
• Encumbrance Certificate: Verify that the land is free from any mortgages, liens, or pending litigation.
• Land Use Permissions: Ensure the land is zoned for agricultural use and check the feasibility of Change of Land Use (CLU) if you plan to develop it.
• Physical Measurement: Conduct a ground survey to confirm that the physical boundaries match the revenue records (Khasra map).
• Tenancy Laws: Check for any protected tenants or cultivators who might have rights over the land under state tenancy laws.

Failing to conduct these checks can result in buying disputed land or facing regulatory hurdles. Engaging experts who understand both the legal and ground-level revenue realities is crucial for a secure transaction.