Buying property is one of the largest financial decisions most people ever make — and the difference between a great deal and a costly mistake usually comes down to due diligence. This is the structured process of verifying every claim a seller makes before your money leaves your account.
Below is the same checklist Property Companion generates for your saved cases, grouped into the four areas that matter most.
1. Title and ownership
- Confirm the seller's name matches the title document exactly.
- Trace the chain of ownership for at least the last two transfers.
- Check for co-owners or inheritors who must also consent to the sale.
- Verify there are no liens, mortgages or court attachments on the property.
2. Legal and regulatory
- Match the approved building plan against what actually exists on site.
- Confirm zoning allows your intended use (residential, commercial, mixed).
- Collect no-objection certificates from the relevant authority or society.
- Check that property taxes and utility bills are fully paid up to date.
A property can look perfect and still be legally un-sellable. Paperwork protects you long after the paint dries.
3. Physical condition
- Inspect the structure, roof, damp, plumbing and electrical systems.
- Measure the plot and built area against the documented dimensions.
- Note the age of the building and any recent major repairs.
- Assess access roads, drainage and the surrounding neighbourhood.
4. Financial
- Compare the asking price against recent comparable sales.
- Budget for transfer fees, taxes, agent commission and registration.
- Model your total cost of ownership, not just the sticker price.
The bottom line
Due diligence is not about paranoia — it is about buying with your eyes open. Work through every item, document what you find, and you will negotiate from a position of knowledge rather than hope.
Put this into practice
Property Companion turns every guide like this into checklists, market analysis and a clear risk score for each property you are considering.
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