Leasehold to Freehold Conversion

Overview

Freehold is the way ownership of a property passes from the Government authority to you. Authorities such as DDA, L&DO and NDMC originally allotted flats and plots on a leasehold basis: the authority remained the owner and the allottee was, in effect, a long-term tenant. Since the Government's conversion policy of 1992, owners can apply to convert that leasehold into full ownership.

The final document you receive is the Conveyance Deed, which is the registry of the property in common parlance. It gives you clear title, removes the need for the lessor's permission to sell, gift or mortgage, and enhances the value of the property.

We guide you through the entire process, from the first document check to the registered Conveyance Deed. Every documentation need along the way is taken care of, at nominal and transparent service charges.

When you need it

• You hold a DDA or L&DO flat or plot on perpetual lease
• You bought a leasehold property through GPA, Agreement to Sell and Will and want clear title
• You want to sell, gift, mortgage or bequeath the property without the lessor's permission
• You want the property's value to reflect full ownership

• Letter of allotment / allocation
• Possession letter and possession slip
• Perpetual Lease Deed (if executed)
• Proof of possession, such as an electricity or water bill
• Recent photographs, ID proof and PAN of the applicant(s)
• Bank challans for instalments, ground rent and service charges
• Indemnity Bond, Affidavit and Undertaking on non-judicial stamp paper
• Duly filled freehold application form
• For GPA / Agreement holders: the complete chain of GPA, Agreement to Sell, Will and receipts from the allottee onwards

This is an indicative list. Exact requirements depend on the property, the authority and your situation, and we confirm the full list after reviewing your papers.

How it works

1. 1

   Document review

   We check the title chain, dues, signatures and photocopies before anything is filed. This is where most delays are prevented.

2. 2

   Application to the lessor

   The application is filed with DDA, L&DO or NDMC along with the applicable conversion charges.

3. 3

   Scrutiny and deficiencies

   The authority scrutinises the file. Any deficiency letter is answered promptly, and the cycle repeats until the file is clear.

4. 4

   Conveyance Deed issued

   Once the file is clear, the authority issues the Conveyance Deed for stamping.

5. 5

   Stamp duty

   Stamp duty is paid through the Collector of Stamps or by e-stamp, and every page is checked for correct stamping.

6. 6

   Execution and registration

   The deed is executed and registered at the Sub-Registrar. You now hold absolute ownership title.

7. 7

   Mutation in MCD

   Finally, the property tax records are updated in your name.

Good to know