Kerala, fondly known as ‘God’s own country,’ boasts of a growing real estate market with a steady price appreciation in most of its major cities. For instance, as per 99acres, both Kochi and Thrissur have several localities with over 19 percent YoY price appreciation. So, if you are planning to buy in a residential or commercial property in this State, it’s certainly a sound investment decision. But before you proceed, let’s understand the details of property mutation process in Kerala.

Definition of property mutation process in Kerala

Property mutation, also known as ‘Pokkuvaravu’ in Kerala, refers to the process of transferring the title of a property from one person to another. In India, property mutation is essential for updating the land revenue records with the name of the new owner. It is a legal procedure that validates the change in ownership and ensures that the new owner's name is reflected in the official records.

The process of mutation is crucial for establishing legal ownership of a property. It helps in avoiding disputes and ensures that the rightful owner is recognized by the authorities. In India, property mutation is typically done through the local municipal corporation or the revenue department.

Documents required for property mutation process in Kerala

To initiate property mutation process in Kerala, the following documents are typically required:

For sale of a property

  • Mutation application (stamp affixed)
  • Sale deeds
  • Registration deeds (previous and current)
  • Receipt of the most recent property tax payment
  • Affidavit on stamp paper of required value
  • Address and identity proof

For Will

  • Succession Certificate
  • Death certificate
  • Affidavit on stamp paper
  • Receipt of the most recent property tax payment

For Power of Attorney

  • Power of Attorney
  • Sale deeds
  • Mutation application (stamp affixed)
  • Registration deeds (previous and current)
  • Affidavit on stamp paper of required value
  • Receipt of the most recent property tax payment
  • Address and identity proof

Ensuring that you have all the necessary documents in order is crucial for a smooth property mutation process. Make sure to double-check the accuracy of the information provided in these documents before proceeding.

Fees for property mutation process in Kerala

It is essential to understand the fees associated with mutation to complete the legal formalities smoothly. The following table shows the fees for property mutation process in Kerala:

Fees for property mutation process in Kerala
PropertyFee (in Rs)
Up to 5 acres25
5 to 20 acres50
20 to 40 acres100
40 acres to 2 hectares200
Over 2 hectares500
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Property mutation process in Kerala

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process of property mutation in Kerala:

Step 1: Collect the sale deed

The property has to be duly registered at the sub-registrar’s office. Thereafter, the sale deed has to be obtained from the same office within a few weeks.

Step 2: Obtain application form

Visit the local village office and collect the land mutation application form. Fill in the required details accurately.

Step 3: Submit required documents

Submit the filled application form along with documents like sale deed, identity proof, and land tax receipts to request the mutation to be done for the buyer.

Step 4: Approval and payment

In order to approve the mutation request, and the applicant needs to pay the mutation fee, which has been outlined in the table above.

Step 5: Verification process

After submission, the village officer will verify the documents and give a date for field inspection to confirm the details provided.

Step 6: Physical survey

The authorities will not only verify the original deeds but also run a physical survey of the property. The officer will check for unresolved disputes with the neighbours related to common areas, border or any other disputes with the property.

Step 7: Updated record

After successful verification, the land records will be updated with the new owner's details, completing the land mutation process. The buyer will either be given a new Thandaper (revenue record) or the land will be included in their current Thandaper.

The process of land mutation is pretty simple and straightforward in Kerala and the above steps will help you guide through it even more easily. So, go to your nearest sub-registrar’s office and secure that registration certification soon to start the mutation process.