How to get Affidavit to Sell Property: Steps and Format

Learn what an affidavit to sell property is, types including marital consent affidavit, step-by-step process in Karnataka, and ready-reference formats for 2026.
Quick Summary (TL; DR)
An affidavit to sell property is a sworn written statement in which the seller makes specific legal declarations about the property ownership, clear title, absence of disputes to support the sale transaction
It does not transfer property only a registered sale deed does that but it is a required supporting document in specific situations
Types include: title affidavit, identity affidavit, affidavit of marital consent, affidavit of loss of documents, and affidavit of single ownership
An affidavit of marital consent is required when a married person sells matrimonial property or jointly owned property, the non-selling spouse formally declares their consent
Affidavits in Karnataka are typically executed on non-judicial stamp paper before a Notary Public or Executive Magistrate and do not require SRO registration
What Is an Affidavit to Sell Property?
Meaning, Legal Nature and What It Does
An affidavit is a written statement of facts that the person making it (the deponent) swears to be true, made voluntarily, and signed in front of a Notary Public, Executive Magistrate, or other authorised officer.
An affidavit to sell property is an affidavit executed in the context of a property sale in which the seller (or a relevant party) makes specific sworn declarations about the property, the seller's identity, the title, or the transaction.
It is not a sale deed. It is not a title document. It is a sworn declaration that supports the transaction.
Under the Indian Oaths Act, 1873, a false affidavit is a punishable offence under Section 193 of the Indian Penal Code (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023). Making a false declaration in a property affidavit can result in criminal prosecution for perjury.
Affidavits in property transactions serve one of three purposes:
Confirming a fact that is not reflected in existing documents (identity, ownership status, absence of disputes)
Filling a documentation gap (lost documents, name discrepancy, undivided share clarification)
Expressing consent of a party whose agreement is legally required but whose signature on the main document is not available (marital consent, co-owner consent)
When Is an Affidavit Required in a Property Sale?
The Specific Situations That Trigger an Affidavit Requirement
Situation | Affidavit Required |
Name mismatch across documents (e.g., "Ramesh K" in Aadhaar vs "K. Ramesh" in sale deed) | Identity Affidavit |
Seller is selling sole individual property in their own name | Title and Ownership Affidavit |
Seller is married and selling matrimonial or jointly acquired property | Affidavit of Marital Consent from spouse |
Original title documents are lost or misplaced | Affidavit of Loss of Documents |
Property was inherited and formal succession documents are incomplete | Affidavit of Legal Heirship |
Property is owned by one person despite being purchased during marriage | Affidavit of Sole Ownership |
Seller's address differs across different documents | Address Affidavit |
Land being sold was acquired through long possession with incomplete title chain | Affidavit of Possession and Ownership |
NRI seller cannot appear in person and has given POA | Affidavit of Authorization and Intent |
Agricultural land sale with unclear tenancy status | Affidavit of Non-Tenancy |
Every property sale does not require every affidavit. Your transaction requires only the ones triggered by specific gaps or legal requirements.
What Are the Different Types of Affidavits in Property Transactions?
Each Type What It Declares and When You Need It
1. Title Affidavit (Most Common)
The seller declares:
They are the lawful owner of the property
The property is free from all encumbrances, disputes, litigation, and adverse claims
No government acquisition proceedings are pending
The property tax is paid up to date
They have full authority to sell the property
Required in virtually every property sale as a standard buyer's due diligence requirement.
2. Identity Affidavit
The seller declares that two different name representations in documents refer to the same person. For example, "Sunita Rao" in Aadhaar and "S. Rao" in the registered sale deed are the same individual.
Required when name variations exist across identity documents and title documents.
3. Affidavit of Marital Consent
The non-selling spouse declares that they are aware of and consent to the sale of a specific property by the other spouse. Covered in detail in a dedicated section below.
4. Affidavit of Loss of Documents
The seller declares that the original title documents have been lost with details of when they were last seen, the police FIR reference, and the newspaper publication notice. This is executed along with a newspaper public notice and an indemnity bond.
5. Affidavit of Legal Heirship
Executed when property is inherited without formal succession documents. The legal heirs declare that they are the sole surviving heirs of the deceased owner and that no other claimant exists.
6. Affidavit of Sole Ownership
The seller declares that despite the property being acquired during marriage or in a joint family context, they are the sole legal owner with no co-owner, undivided share holder, or adverse claimant.
7. Affidavit of Non-Encumbrance
Supplements the Encumbrance Certificate the seller declares that no undisclosed mortgage, loan, or encumbrance exists beyond what appears in the EC.
8. Affidavit of Possession
For land with incomplete documentation, the seller declares uninterrupted, open, and peaceful possession for a specified number of years. Used in agricultural land sales and layouts with informal ownership history.
What Is an Affidavit of Marital Consent to Sell Property?
The Most Asked-About Affidavit in Bengaluru Property Sales
An affidavit of marital consent to sell property is a sworn statement by the spouse of the property seller declaring that they are aware of and consenting to the sale of a specific property.
This affidavit protects the buyer and the transaction from a future legal challenge by the non-selling spouse.
Under Indian law:
Property registered in one person's name is legally theirs to sell, even if married
However, if the property was acquired with joint funds, is the matrimonial home, or was purchased with a joint loan, the non-selling spouse may have an equitable claim
Courts have in various cases protected the interests of spouses who were unaware of a sale
Buyers' lawyers therefore routinely ask for the spouse's consent affidavit as a protective measure even when legally not strictly required
In Karnataka specifically:
The Sub-Registrar's Office may ask for a spouse's consent when:
The property appears to be a matrimonial home
The property is in a residential layout, and the seller is married
The seller has indicated their marital status in their Aadhaar or other documents
Additionally, under Section 23 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and the general principle of protecting matrimonial property rights, the consent affidavit adds a layer of protection to the title.
For NRI sellers: If the spouse is abroad, the affidavit must be notarized in the country of residence and apostilled similar to a POA. It is then produced at the SRO along with the sale deed.
When Is a Marital Consent Affidavit Required in Karnataka?
The Specific Triggers and When It Is Just Good Practice
Situation | Marital Consent Affidavit Required or Advisable |
Property registered in seller's name alone; purchased before marriage | Not required but advisable as good practice |
Property registered in seller's name alone; purchased during marriage | Strongly advisable reduces future claim risk |
Matrimonial home being sold | Required by most buyers' lawyers in Bengaluru |
Property purchased with joint home loan; loan repaid by both spouses | Required both spouses should ideally be co-sellers |
SRO has specifically asked for it | Required must be produced at registration |
Seller is recently divorced | Not a marital consent affidavit but a divorce decree and clear title confirmation is needed |
Property jointly owned by husband and wife | Not an affidavit both co-owners must sign as joint sellers |
If the property is jointly owned by husband and wife, both must sign as co-sellers on the sale deed. An affidavit is not a substitute for the co-owner's signature on the deed.
The affidavit of marital consent applies specifically to situations where the property is in one spouse's name but the buyer or SRO wants the other spouse's acknowledgement of the transaction.
What Should an Affidavit to Sell Property Include?
The Essential Elements of Any Property Sale Affidavit
1. Heading: State the type of affidavit clearly, "Affidavit of Title and Ownership" or "Affidavit of Marital Consent to Sell Property."
2. Identity of Deponent: Full legal name, age, address, Aadhaar number, and PAN of the person making the affidavit.
3. Property Description: Complete legal description, survey number, site number, address, area, Khata number, and reference to the registered sale deed or title document through which ownership was acquired.
4. Specific Declarations: The sworn statements of fact that are the purpose of the affidavit. These must be specific, factual, and accurate.
5. Verification Clause: A standard clause stating: "I, the above-named deponent, do hereby verify and declare that the contents of this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing has been concealed therefrom."
6. Signature of Deponent: The deponent signs at the bottom and on each page.
7. Attestation by Notary or Magistrate: The Notary Public or Executive Magistrate stamps, signs, and dates the affidavit confirming that it was executed in their presence.
8. Date and Place of Execution: The exact date and city where the affidavit is executed.
What Does a Title Affidavit to Sell Property Look Like?
Format Seller's Title Affidavit
AFFIDAVIT OF TITLE AND OWNERSHIP
I, [Seller Full Name], Son/Daughter/Wife of [Father's/Husband's Name], aged [___] years, residing at [Full Address], Aadhaar No. [___], PAN [___], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:
1. That I am the absolute and lawful owner of the following property: Property Address: [Full Address, Bengaluru, Karnataka] Survey No. / Site No.: [___] | Extent: [___] sq.ft | Khata No.: [___] Acquired vide: Sale Deed No. [___], dated [___], registered at SRO [___] (hereinafter referred to as the "Said Property")
2. That the Said Property is free from all encumbrances, mortgages, charges, liens, claims, disputes, and litigations of any nature whatsoever, and no court or authority has passed any attachment, injunction, or acquisition order against the Said Property.
3. That I have not entered into any agreement to sell, agreement to lease, or any other transaction in relation to the Said Property other than the present transaction with [Buyer Name].
4. That all property taxes, BESCOM charges, BWSSB charges, and other statutory dues in respect of the Said Property have been paid up to date, and there are no arrears outstanding.
5. That there is no pending litigation, dispute, or adverse claim by any family member, co-owner, or third party with respect to the Said Property.
6. That I have full right, authority, and power to sell, transfer, and convey the Said Property to the buyer.
7. That the information given in this affidavit is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and nothing material has been concealed.
VERIFICATION: I, the above-named deponent, do hereby verify that the contents of this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, belief, and information, and no material fact has been concealed therefrom.
Solemnly affirmed and declared at Bengaluru on this [Date].
Deponent: _________________________ | Date: _______ Name: [___]
Before me: Notary Public / Executive Magistrate Name and Seal: [___]
Execute on non-judicial stamp paper. Value varies typically ₹20 to ₹100 for affidavits in Karnataka. Consult a lawyer for high-value transactions.
What Does an Affidavit of Marital Consent to Sell Property Look Like?
Format Spouse's Consent Affidavit
AFFIDAVIT OF MARITAL CONSENT TO SELL PROPERTY
I, [Spouse's Full Name], Wife/Husband of [Seller's Full Name], aged [___] years, residing at [Full Address], Aadhaar No. [___], PAN [___], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:
1. That I am the lawfully wedded spouse of [Seller's Full Name], who is the registered owner of the following property: Property Address: [Full Address, Bengaluru, Karnataka] Survey No. / Site No.: [___] | Extent: [___] sq.ft | Khata No.: [___] Registered in my spouse's name vide Sale Deed No. [___], dated [___], SRO [___] (hereinafter referred to as the "Said Property")
2. That I am fully aware that my spouse intends to sell and transfer the Said Property to [Buyer's Name] for a consideration of ₹[___] (Rupees [in words] only).
3. That I hereby give my free, voluntary, and unequivocal consent to the sale and transfer of the Said Property by my spouse to the said buyer.
4. That I have no claim, interest, share, or right in the Said Property either as a co-owner or otherwise, and I will not raise any objection to the sale, registration, or transfer of the Said Property at any time in the future.
5. That I am not executing this affidavit under any force, coercion, duress, or undue influence, and I am executing it with full understanding of the legal consequences thereof.
6. That the contents of this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and nothing material has been concealed therefrom.
VERIFICATION: I, the above-named deponent, do hereby verify that the contents of this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, belief, and information.
Solemnly affirmed and declared at [City] on this [Date].
Deponent (Spouse): _________________________ | Date: _______ Name: [___]
Before me: Notary Public / Executive Magistrate Name and Seal: [___]
For NRI spouses: Execute before a Notary Public in your country of residence, get it apostilled, and attach the original to the property documents in India.
What Are the Steps to Get an Affidavit to Sell Property Done Legally?
Step-by-Step From Draft to Execution
Step 1: Identify Which Affidavit You Need
Before drafting anything, identify the specific gap or requirement:
If the SRO or buyer asks for... | You need... |
Proof that you are the sole owner | Title and Ownership Affidavit |
Spouse's acknowledgement of the sale | Affidavit of Marital Consent |
Explanation for name mismatch | Identity Affidavit |
Confirmation that documents were lost | Affidavit of Loss of Documents |
Proof of inherited ownership | Affidavit of Legal Heirship |
Do not draft an affidavit before understanding exactly what is being asked for. An incorrectly worded affidavit will be rejected.
Step 2: Engage a Lawyer to Draft the Affidavit
A property lawyer in Bengaluru will draft the affidavit in the legally accepted format. The language must be precise, courts, and SROs look carefully at what is declared and what is not.
Do not use generic templates from the internet for property affidavits. A wrongly worded declaration in a title affidavit can be used against you in a future dispute.
Step 3: Purchase Non-Judicial Stamp Paper
Affidavits in Karnataka are typically executed on non-judicial stamp paper. The value varies:
Affidavits for general declarations: ₹20 to ₹100 stamp paper (non-judicial)
For high-value property transactions, a higher denomination may be asked for by the SRO or buyer
Purchase non-judicial stamp paper from a licensed stamp vendor or through SHCIL (shcilestamp.com).
Verify the applicable stamp paper value with the Notary Public or at igr.karnataka.gov.in as of March 2026.
Step 4: Print the Affidavit on Stamp Paper
The drafted affidavit is printed on the purchased stamp paper. The deponent's name and the date must be consistent across all pages; the deponent signs on each page and at the end.
Step 5: Appear Before a Notary Public or Executive Magistrate
The deponent must personally appear before:
A Notary Public (the most common option available at every court complex and many standalone offices in Bengaluru), or
An Executive Magistrate (First Class Magistrate) at the jurisdictional government office
The deponent signs the affidavit in the presence of the Notary or Magistrate. The officer then attests the affidavit with their signature, seal, notary number, and date.
Notary Public locations in Bengaluru:
City Civil Court complex, Shivajinagar
District Courts, Bengaluru Urban and Rural
Many independent Notary offices near SROs in Whitefield, Rajajinagar, Jayanagar
Step 6: Attach the Affidavit to the Transaction Documents
The notarised affidavit is attached to the property transaction documents, Agreement to Sell, sale deed file, or due diligence bundle as a supporting document.
For the SRO: If the registrar asks for an affidavit at the time of registration, the original notarised affidavit on stamp paper must be produced. Photocopies are not accepted.
Step 7: For NRI Deponents Additional Steps
Step | Action | Location |
1 | Receive affidavit draft from India-based lawyer | Abroad |
2 | Print on plain paper (foreign execution format) | Abroad |
3 | Sign before Notary Public in country of residence | Abroad |
4 | Get apostilled by the relevant government authority | Abroad |
5 | Courier original to agent or lawyer in Bengaluru | India |
6 | Attach to the property transaction documents | India |
Step 8: Keep Certified Copies
After the original affidavit is produced at the SRO or attached to the sale deed file, keep at least two certified copies for your own records. The affidavit becomes part of the title bundle of the property and must be preserved permanently.
What Are the Steps Specifically for an Affidavit of Marital Consent?
The Consent Affidavit Process Step by Step
Step 1: Confirm whether the SRO or the buyer's lawyer has specifically requested it. If yes, proceed. If not, evaluate whether the property is a matrimonial home or was jointly acquired if so, get it done proactively.
Step 2: The spouse (not the seller) is the deponent. The seller's spouse drafts and executes the affidavit in their own name.
Step 3: Both spouses' identity documents are needed. Aadhaar, PAN, marriage certificate (if available), and the property's title documents.
Step 4: Draft using the format above. Engage a property lawyer to verify the draft before execution.
Step 5: Execute on stamp paper before a Notary Public. The spouse personally appears before the Notary; they cannot sign by proxy.
Step 6: If the spouse is abroad. notarise and apostille abroad and courier to India as described above.
Step 7: Produce the original at the SRO on registration day alongside all other property documents.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid in a Property Sale Affidavit?
Errors That Lead to Rejection or Future Legal Challenges
Mistake | Why It Causes Problems |
Using a photocopy instead of the original | SRO and buyers' lawyers only accept the original notarized affidavit |
Vague declarations ("to the best of my knowledge") without specifics | Creates doubt about the accuracy of key declarations |
Wrong deponent seller signs when spouse's affidavit is needed | Affidavit is irrelevant; must be re-executed by the correct party |
Name mismatch between affidavit and Aadhaar/PAN | Affidavit itself becomes suspect |
Unsigned or undated pages | Invalid affidavit must be signed on every page and dated |
No Notary seal or signature | Affidavit is not legally attested not accepted |
NRI affidavit without apostille | SRO will not accept a foreign-executed document without apostille |
Incorrect stamp paper value | SRO or buyer may reject the affidavit and require a fresh one |
Affidavit that contradicts EC or revenue records | Creates a more serious legal problem inconsistency in the title bundle |
Not preserving the affidavit after the sale | Affidavit is part of the title chain future buyers or lenders will ask for it |
Property Sale Affidavits Done Right Vault Proptech Handles It All
Affidavits in property transactions sound simple. But the wrong declaration or a missing attestation can hold up a ₹1 crore sale at the last minute or create a title dispute years later.
Whether it is a title affidavit before the sale, a marital consent affidavit from a spouse in Bengaluru or abroad, or an identity affidavit to resolve a name mismatch in old documents Vault Proptech ensures every affidavit is correctly drafted, properly executed, and legally sound.
Title and ownership affidavit drafting and notarization for property sellers
Affidavit of marital consent drafting, execution, and notarization in Bengaluru
NRI affidavit coordination apostille guidance, courier management, and India-side execution
Identity affidavit for name mismatches across Aadhaar, PAN, and title documents
Affidavit of loss of documents with FIR and newspaper notice coordination
Legal heirship affidavit for inherited property sales
Affidavit of possession for land with incomplete title chain
Full property due diligence before sale EC, Khata, title verification, and document gap assessment
NRI property sale management complete compliance without India visit
Civic escalation via BBMP, Kaveri, and Sakala when records need correction before sale


