Circular No. 39644/உ3/2025, Building Inspection for Resale Apartments, 2026
The Head of the Registration Department, Chennai, issued Circular No. 39644/உ3/2025 dated 22 January 2026, removing the need for building field inspection when completed apartments or flats are presented for registration through a second or subsequent sale deed. From 22 January 2026, Sub-Registrars must verify stated facilities such as car parking and lifts, calculate the charges without field inspection, and return the registered document on the registration date.
What the circular changes
Circular No. 39644/உ3/2025 dated 22 January 2026, issued by the Head of the Registration Department, Chennai, introduces a new procedure for completed apartments and flats presented for registration through second and subsequent sale deeds. Building field inspection is not required for these resale registrations.
The change is intended to reduce the additional workload placed on registration officers and, for documents valued at fifty lakh rupees or more, Assistant Executive Engineers who conduct building inspections. It also addresses delays faced by document holders while waiting for inspected documents to be returned.
Who is affected
The procedure affects:
- Owners selling an apartment or flat after its first sale.
- Buyers registering a second or later purchase of an apartment or flat.
- Sub-Registrars handling apartment resale documents.
- Registration Department officers responsible for supervision, inspection and internal audit.
The circular discusses second and subsequent sale registrations. It does not state that first-sale apartment documents are exempt from building field inspection.
Key registration requirements
For apartment resale documents, the Registration Department has modified its software so that charges can be calculated without a building field inspection. The circular directs Sub-Registrars to:
- Check the construction details stated in the document.
- Confirm facilities stated in the document, including car parking and lifts.
- Register the document without conducting a building field inspection.
- Return the registered document to the public on the same day as registration.
The circular also refers to Form 1-A under the Tamil Nadu Stamp (Prevention of Undervaluation of Instruments) Rules, 1968. This form is prescribed so that building details are disclosed when land and a building are transferred together.
Effective date and monitoring
The new procedure takes effect from 22 January 2026. Regional Deputy Heads of Registration, Assistant Heads of Registration for the range, and administrative District Registrars must verify compliance through surprise inspections.
The circular directs officials to report Sub-Registrars who do not follow the procedure for appropriate disciplinary action. Audit District Registrars must also check compliance during internal audits.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Does a resale apartment need a building field inspection before registration?
No. For completed apartments or flats presented through a second or subsequent sale deed, Circular No. 39644/உ3/2025 states that building field inspection is not required.
Will I receive my registered apartment resale document on the same day?
The circular directs Sub-Registrars to return second and subsequent apartment sale documents to the public on the date of registration.
Do the car parking and lift details still need to be checked?
Yes. Sub-Registrars must confirm facilities stated in the resale document, including car parking and lifts, even though no building field inspection is required.
Does this exemption apply to the first sale of a new apartment?
The circular provides the exemption only for second and subsequent sale registrations. It does not state that first-sale apartment documents are exempt.
