New Delhi, July 15 -- Imagine you have purchased a house in a city, paid the full amount and even completed the property registration in your name. Most homebuyers would assume that the job is done and the registration itself makes them the undisputed legal owner, however, that isn't always the case.

Under Section 54 of the Transfer of Property Act, 1882 read with Sections 17 and 49 of the Registration Act, 1908, a sale of immovable property valued above Rs.100 can be completed only through a registered instrument.

Though registration in itself is a strong evidence of transfer, it is not a conclusive proof of ownership, according to experts who spoke to Mint.

A duly executed and registered sale deed is the primary legal document that t...