FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about freehold, mutation, registration and planning for your family.
What is the leasehold to freehold policy? What does conversion into freehold mean?
Freehold is the transfer of ownership of a property from the Government to a person, carried out under the policy of the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India. Authorities such as DDA and L&DO used to allot properties on a leasehold basis: ownership stayed with the authority and the allottee was, in effect, a tenant. Following the Notification / Order dated 14.02.1992, the Government began transferring full ownership to allottees and purchasers. This is called conversion from leasehold to freehold.
What is the procedure for freehold conversion, and who is the concerned authority?
The freehold application, on the prescribed form with the relevant documents, is submitted to the concerned lessor authority (DDA, L&DO or NDMC). After scrutinising the documents, the authority issues the Conveyance Deed, which is the title document. The process involves three departments: the lessor authority (which issues the Conveyance Deed), the Collector of Stamps (which collects the stamp duty) and the Sub-Registrar (where the deed is finally registered).
Are there charges for conversion? How much?
Yes. Conversion charges vary by the type of property, its category and its locality, and are revised from time to time as per Government policy. We work out the applicable charges for your property before filing.
Can a GPA or Agreement to Sell holder convert a DDA property to freehold?
In many cases, yes. Conversion schemes have allowed purchasers holding the property through a chain of GPA, Agreement to Sell, Will and receipt to apply, provided the full chain is produced. Each link has to be in order, so this is where a document review before filing saves months.
What is mutation of property? Is it different from transfer?
In common usage both terms mean a change of ownership. More precisely, mutation is the change of ownership after the owner's death, while transfer happens during the owner's lifetime.
Is mutation in DDA the same as mutation in MCD?
No. DDA mutation (substitution) updates the lessor's ownership records, while MCD mutation updates the property tax records and does not by itself confer title. Most families need both after a death or a transfer.
There are mistakes in my registered deed. What can I do?
Errors in registered documents can be corrected only through a Rectification Deed, duly registered at the concerned Sub-Registrar office.
I have lost my original registry. What now?
A certified copy from the Sub-Registrar where the document was registered is treated as equivalent to the original. We can trace the document even if you have only partial details.
Is registration of a Will compulsory?
No, but a registered Will is the preferable way to pass on your property as you wish, and no stamp duty is payable on it in Delhi.
I want to plan for my family's future. What can I do?
Estate planning helps you secure the future of your legal heirs, aged parents, minor or disabled children and others close to you, and avoid disputes between them. It can be done through a Will, a Gift Deed, a Trust Deed and similar instruments.
Do I have to visit any office myself?
We handle the paperwork, filing and follow-up with the authorities. The parties generally have to appear in person at the Sub-Registrar for execution and registration, or act through a registered Power of Attorney.
Are you a Government office?
No. NG Associate is a private legal documentation consultancy that has worked with DDA, L&DO, MCD, the Collector of Stamps and Sub-Registrar offices since 1996. We are not affiliated with any Government authority. Government fees, stamp duty and conversion charges are paid to the authorities directly.