Any claim, lien, mortgage, or liability attached to a property that may reduce its value or restrict its transfer. An encumbrance certificate (EC) from the sub-registrar's office shows whether a property has any such burdens. It's essential for property transactions in India.
Before buying a flat, you get an encumbrance certificate for the last 30 years. It shows the property had a bank mortgage from 2015-2020. If the mortgage isn't fully cleared, the bank still has a claim — meaning the seller can't give you a clean title.
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