Blog

The bill is currently in the public consultation stage, with feedback being invited by the Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development. Citizens and stakeholders have until June 25, 2025, to share suggestions via email at sanand.b@gov.in using the prescribed format available on the official DOLR website.

What is the Registration Bill 2025?

The Registration Bill 2025 is a proposed legislation that introduces an online-first approach to property registration. It seeks to eliminate long queues at sub-registrar offices, prevent fraud, reduce litigation, and promote a digitally accessible and citizen-centric process.

Key Objective

The primary goal of this bill is to digitally empower property owners and buyers by offering a seamless, paperless property registration mechanism. This is in line with the government’s vision of Digital India and Ease of Doing Business reforms.

Key Features of the Draft Registration Bill 2025

Complete Online Registration Process

The bill allows the entire registration cycle—from document submission to the issuance of registration certificates—to be completed online.

Key Components:

1. Electronic submission and admission of documents

2. Aadhaar-based or alternate identity verification

3. Online payment of registration fees and stamp duty

4. Digital issuance of registration certificates

This means buyers and sellers no longer need to physically visit the sub-registrar’s office unless verification is required in exceptional circumstances.

Expansion of Compulsorily Registerable Documents

The bill significantly expands the scope of documents that must be registered to promote legal transparency and accountability.

Newly Included Documents:

• Agreements to Sell

• Powers of Attorney

• Sale Certificates issued by recognized authorities

• Equitable Mortgage Deeds

• Legal Instruments based on judicial orders

These inclusions aim to prevent future disputes, aid in due diligence, and reinforce the legal validity of real estate transactions.

Aadhaar-Based and Alternative Authentication

The draft promotes Aadhaar-enabled authentication but ensures inclusivity by allowing other methods of identity verification.

Authentication Options:

1. Aadhaar authentication (voluntary and consent-based)

2. Offline Aadhaar verification

3. Passport or Voter ID for those not opting for Aadhaar

This dual approach ensures that individuals without Aadhaar are not excluded, thus complying with Supreme Court rulings on Aadhaar privacy and consent.

Biometric and Paperless Verification

The Registration Bill proposes secure digital processing of property documents using:

• Biometric thumb impressions

• Electronic signatures

• Passport-size photographs

• PAN (Permanent Account Number) submission

These steps aim to enhance the evidentiary value of documents and prevent forgery or impersonation during registration.

Hybrid Approach: Physical Appearance When Required

Though digital-first, the bill retains a hybrid model. Authorities can mandate in-person verification in certain cases, such as:

1. Suspected fraud

2. Public interest matters

3. Incomplete or suspicious online data

This safeguards the integrity of transactions while allowing digital convenience for most users.

Modernized Administrative Hierarchy

The draft bill outlines a revamped registration structure, giving states flexibility to create roles based on local requirements.

Proposed Roles:

• Inspectors General of Registration

• Additional and Assistant IGs

• Digital Registrars

• Technical Officers for database management

This professionalized structure will allow better supervision, faster redressal of grievances, and seamless data management.

Integration with Government Databases

The bill mandates inter-departmental integration, enabling real-time cross-checks with:

1. Land records (Bhoomi, Bhulekh, etc.)

2. Income tax (via PAN)

3. UIDAI (for Aadhaar authentication)

4. Municipal corporations (property tax data)

This interoperability will enhance the credibility of property transactions and prevent double registrations or encroachments.

E-Registry and Real-Time Record Maintenance

The new law emphasizes digital record-keeping, with a centralized E-Registry to store, track, and retrieve documents easily.

Features:

1. Cloud-based data storage

2. Real-time update of ownership

3. QR-coded registration certificates

4. Access to buyers, sellers, and government departments

This transparency will be especially useful in land title verification during legal proceedings or home loan applications.

Dispute Resolution & Appeals

The bill introduces a formal appeal process in case:

1. Registration is denied

2. Inaccurate data is recorded

3. Fraudulent documents are detected

Citizens can escalate their grievances to appellate officers and Registration Tribunals for quick resolution, enhancing trust in the process.

Benefits of the Registration Bill 2025

Transparency and Reduced Litigation

• By making registration mandatory for more documents, the bill reduces the chances of property fraud, encroachments, and forged deeds.

Time and Cost Efficiency

1. No queues at registrar offices.

2. Lower operational costs for the government and citizens.

3. Reduced legal and administrative delays.

Ease of Access

1. Citizens in rural and remote areas can now register property without traveling long distances.

2. Senior citizens, NRIs, and women benefit from remote access and reduced dependency on brokers.

Boost to Real Estate Sector

• Improved trust in clean title deeds attracts more buyers and foreign investment, especially in urban and tier-2 cities.

Challenges That May Arise

Digital Divide

• Limited internet access in rural India could slow down adoption.

Data Privacy Concerns

• With Aadhaar and PAN integration, data protection protocols must be robust.

Training and Transition

• State registration offices will need capacity building and staff training to ensure smooth digital rollout.

Why Replacing the 1908 Act is Necessary

The current Registration Act, 1908 is over a century old. It doesn't account for:

1. Digital technology

2. Real-time databases

3. Biometric verification

4. E-governance principles

The proposed bill makes registration future-ready, aligning India’s property registration with global digital governance standards.

Government's Call for Public Feedback

Citizens, legal professionals, and property owners can participate in shaping this law by submitting feedback by June 25, 2025.

Submission Instructions:

1. Format: MS Word or Machine-readable PDF

2. Email: sanand.b@gov.in

3. Form: Download from dolr.gov.in

Public input will be instrumental in refining the bill before it's passed in Parliament.

How This Impacts You

Comparing the Old Act and the New Bill

Conclusion: A Landmark Move Toward Digital Governance

The Registration Bill 2025 is more than just a legislative reform—it’s a technological leap toward digitized land governance. It simplifies the property registration process, ensures inclusivity, and significantly reduces fraudulent activities. By streamlining operations and integrating with national databases, the bill lays the foundation for a transparent, accountable, and citizen-friendly real estate ecosystem.

As India moves forward in the digital era, laws like these pave the way for efficient governance and public trust. It is now up to stakeholders—citizens, developers, and legal experts—to make their voices heard and contribute to finalizing this historic reform.

People Also Read This: Property Registration Online Procedure and New Rules in India

House Registration Process

You will have to register your house with the local Sub-Registrar of Assurances, who has jurisdiction over the locality in which your house is located. 

Most states now allow some steps of house registration online. Depending on your State, a house registry online will be available for some (but not all) house registration procedure steps. For the remaining step[s] of the online house registry, you will need to visit the Sub-Registrar’s Office. Even in states which allow the maximum number of steps online, you have to make a single visit to the Sub-Registrar’s office.

The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Book an appointment. You will get an appointment letter. 

2. Pay the prescribed registration fees. You will get a receipt for the fees paid. 

3. Present/Upload a copy of the transfer deed (the legal document by which you acquired the property, such as a Sale Agreement) and the identity proofs of the parties and witnesses. 

4. The parties, and the witnesses, have to be physically present at the Sub-Registrar’s office at the date, and time, mentioned in the appointment letter. If all documents are in order, the Sub-Registrar will register the deed and return the original deed with the deed's registration number mentioned on it. 

Depending on your State, Steps 1, 2, or 3 can be done online. However, in every State, for Step 4, the parties and the witnesses must be present. 

The online house registration procedure for a rented house is the same as the online house registration procedure for any other house. 

People Also Read This: Flat Registration - Procedure, Charges and Required Documents

Online House Registration Check List

This online house registry checklist will help you ensure that all the requirements of the house registration procedure fulfilled: 

1. Ensure that the transfer deed (the legal document by which you have acquired your house, such as a Sale Deed, a Gift Deed, etc.) is, in writing, signed by the parties, attested by at least two independent witnesses, and executed on stamp paper of value equal to the stamp duty payable on the transaction. 

2. Pay the registration fees, and take a receipt. If your State allows this step to be done online, carry the receipt with you when you visit the Sub-Registrar’s office. 

3. Some states may require you to present a true copy of the transfer deed. The Registration Rules of your State will specify this and tell you how to make a true copy (if a true copy is required).

4. If this step is allowed to be done online in your State, upload copies of photographs, and identity proofs, of the parties and the attesting witnesses. In any case, carry copies, and originals, of all these documents at the time of visiting the Sub-Registrar’s office. 

5. Ensure that all the parties and the attesting witnesses are present at the Sub-Registrar’s office on the appointment date and time. 

6. The original transfer deed will be returned to you. If registration has been successfully done, ensure that the registration number is mentioned on the original deed with the Sub-Registrar's seal and signature

People who read this Article also Consulted a Lawyer about Property Registration process. 

People Also Read This: Land & Property Registration: All You Need To Know

Registration of Old Property

Registration of old property was slightly different than the properties bought recently. While the law governing was the same, the facilities of online procedure were not available. Registration should be completed within four months of execution of the transfer. Before technology was used, the documents submitted took four months to be returned from the registrar’s office. However, the new registration rules in 2019 and 2020 enable the documents to be returned the same day. It is easier to register a property in the present times than it was to register an old property.

Those who read this Article also Consulted a Lawyer about Property Registration process. 

Types of Land Registration

Registering property is the last and most important step after one has bought the property. If your property is not registered in your name then it would be difficult to prove ownership in the courts. If in the future some dispute arises then it is essential to have the property registered in your name. There are various ways in which you can register immovable property such as land:

1. Full Property Value: It is one of the simplest and most straightforward ways to execute a property registry. You register your property at the full value which you have paid for the same.

2. Property Value is Higher than Circle Rate: You can register at the full property value if the value is higher than the circle rate.

3. Property Value is Less than Circle Rate: You may register a property which is less in value than the circle rate. However, the difference between the circle rate and the actual sale value of the property is considered as income and is taxed at rates appropriate to the income slab.

4. Bank Valuation: While In some cases, banks insist borrowers register the property at either full property value or higher value.

5. Sale Certificate: Applicable only in the case of bank auction properties.

6. Undivided Share Value/Sale Agreement Value: To register a property at Undivided Share (UDS) is the most common practice. For an under-construction property, the builder signs two agreements with the buyer which are the Sale Agreement and Construction Agreement. The construction agreement is towards the construction cost of the flat/property. Builders register the property at sale agreement value or UDS. This practice is adopted to save stamp duty costs.

People Also Read This: Flat Registration Fee & Stamp Duty Charges

New rules for Property Registration in India 2020

The documents to be registered must be presented in four months starting from the registration date. As of 2020, due to computerization, copies of the documents are available on the same day. If a property is not registered, it will not serve as valid evidence in court. Unregistered property has no legal validity. In case the property is acquired by the government one cannot be entitled to compensation if the property has not been registered.

Stamp Duty Charges & Property Registration in India, 2020

Stamp duty which is a tax imposed by the government on the parties dealing in property transfer and is charged by the central and state government. The purchasers must pay the stamp duty charges on the agreement of sales that falls under Section 3 of the Indian Stamp Act, 1899.

Stamp Duty charges differ upon state rules also depends upon:

• Property Status: Old or New
• Property Location: rural area, City area, etc.
• Owner’s age
• Owner’s gender
• Property utilization: Commercial or Residential
• Property type: Flat or house

Property Registration Act

If you have entered into a transaction for the sale of immovable property and the value of such property exceeds INR 100, You need to register the same. Section 17 of the Registration Act, 1908 makes such registration compulsory. The Registration Act also provides for which documents are essential for the registration of property and which are optional. Fees for registration vary according to the state. If a property is not registered then it cannot be produced in the court as proof of ownership. Property should ideally be registered within four months of execution of the transfer. A maximum condonation of further four months may be allowed with the penalty for delay in registration. But the document needs to be presented for registration within eight months of execution of the transfer. 

Property registration is a complex procedure and ideally, help from a lawyer should be taken for the same. You should not delay registering your property and get the same registered within the stipulated time.

People Also Read This: Flat Registration - Procedure, Documents Required and Stamp Duty Charges

Type of Flats being offered under the scheme and related registration charges

There are broadly four categories or types of flats that have been put for sale by the DDA under the current scheme. They are:

• Higher Income Group (HIG) – The registration charges or application amount to be paid for this category of flats are Rs. 2 Lakhs.

• Middle Income Group (MIG) – The registration charges or application amount to be paid for this category of flats are Rs. 2 Lakhs.

• Lower Income Group (LIG) – The registration charges or application amount to be paid for this category of flats are Rs. 1 Lakh.

• Economically Weaker Section (EWS) - The registration charges or application amount to be paid for this category of flats are Rs. 25 Thousand.

Some general conditions to be noted are:

• The application once submitted cannot be withdrawn.

• The spouses (husband and wife) can apply either separately or jointly with their spouse(s). However, if they apply separately/individually and both applications are selected in a lucky draw, only one flat will be allotted as per regulations.

• The allotment of flats will happen via draw of lots, the date of which will be announced by DDA in due course.

• The date of allotment will also be announced soon by the DDA.

• The possession of flats will be given after allotment and receipt of the first payment by the DDA.

• The DDA will initiate the refund of payment for an unsuccessful draw after 30 days from the date of draw of lots.

• It is advisable to regularly visit the DDA website for information on the ‘lucky draw’.

Those who read this Article also Consulted a Lawyer about DDA Schemes. 

What are the eligibility conditions for putting a DDA housing scheme application?

As per DDA, any applicant interested in putting up an application needs to fulfill the following criteria:

• Only a citizen of India can apply for the scheme.

• Applicant must be over 18 years of age.

• Applicant must not be an existing leasehold or freehold owner or joint owner of residential house or plot of size 67 square meters in Delhi, New Delhi, or Delhi cantonment.

• Applicant must possess an active bank account.

• Applicant must also have PAN Card.

• Annual income of applicant applying under EWS category must not exceed Rs. 3 lakhs.

• Household income of EWS category applicants should not be more than Rs. 10 lakhs.

People Also Read This: What is a Possession Certificate?

What documents are required for submission along with the application?

The applicant needs to submit the self-attested copies of the following documents:

• Address Proof that may include documents like Driving License, Passport, Voter ID, Electricity Bill, Aadhaar Card, etc.

• PAN Card

• Bank Statement or Passbook

• Income Tax Return filed for the assessment year

• Reserved Category certificate, as applicable, issued by a competent government authority

Conclusion

The DDA Housing Scheme is a good opportunity for all those who are planning to buy a reasonable house in Delhi. The scheme has been created keeping in mind the budgetary constraints of people who dream to own a home. With several nationalized government and private banks providing housing loans at prevailing interest rates, the scheme definitely has the potential of being economical for the common citizen. We suggest you evaluate all your options including the legalities involved and register before the deadline ends if it fits your bill.