Anyone looking in to real estate in Bangalore has encountered the word ‘Khata’ multiple times. Even though it is a very critical aspect of property purchase in Bangalore, still a lot of ambiguity surrounds this term. Here’s a complete guide to Khata for your ready reference:
- What does the term ‘Khata’ entail?
A Khata is a legal identification document comprising all the information about a particular property. For example, the name of the owner, exact measurement of the building or plot, precise location and significant details, critical to filling the property tax to the authority.
It’s also a vital proof in question if you require a building license, trade license, and if you have to secure a loan from the bank or any other entity. In India, as property tax is mandatory if you are an owner, you are eligible to own a Khata and it’s your right in every sense.
- What is the difference between Khata and title deed?
While Khata is a comprehensive document with multiple details, a title deed is a legal document that validates the ownership of a specific property.
An individual can prove his ownership and authority on a property using title deed. But with Khata, it only mentions about ownership but does not confer it to the owner unlike a title deed.
- How does one apply for a Khata?
Buy an application form priced at Rs.10/- from BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike.) You can also make an online submission. Usually, the application might take anywhere around 15 days to be processed.
- What are the documents needed to apply for Khata?
A few critical documents have to be submitted along with the application, such as:
- The title deed
- Proof of the tax Paid
- The sketch of the property clearly indicating boundaries and the precise location
- Improvement charges
- Encumbrance Certificate
- The flow chart of title
A more detailed list of documents is available here.
- What are the differences between an A-Khata and B-Khata ?
A-Khata: When properties are constructed in locations and layouts of Bangalore, with all required legal approvals and government sanctions, they fall under the A-Khata bucket. It’s a valid Khata extract.
B-Khata: B-Khata is used to refer to the constructions in the city that are unauthorized, built without any legal approvals or government sanctions. Even today, confusion exists on B-Khata as a valid document on the ownership but in reality, it’s not a proof to ownership, but a receipt or acknowledgement for the payment of property tax to the government. The name is derived from the fact that B-Khata is an identification made in the register titled “B” for the payment of property tax. B-Khata is not considered as a valid Khata extract.
- What type of Khata should I look for while buying a property?
For buyers, it’s always recommended to choose A-Khata property over B-Khata. If it’s B-Khata, the buyer will not be able to exercise many of the primary rights with regard to the property – he/she can’t own a building licence, trade licence, or even apply loans from banks or other entities.
- I have a B-Khata; can I convert it to A-Khata?
A few properties with minimal deviation from norms have the option of converting B-Khata to A-Khata. Here are the steps:
- You should be in ownership of a DC converted property (DC Conversion is a legal process and is compulsory under Section 95 of Karnataka Land Revenue Act, by which the occupant or the property owner makes an application to the Deputy Commissioner of the District seeking his assent for the change of land use from agriculture to non-agriculture)
- All the taxes must be paid till date
- Betterment charges for conversion needs to be paid to the BBMP
Now that you know what Khata is, make sure you look for it while buying a property and get it transferred in your name. You can also get more details from the BBMP FAQs.
