4 Essential Checks Before Buying Land
Buying land isn’t sufficient by merely checking for a Certificate of Ownership (SHM). Buyers must conduct additional checks to ensure the land’s status is secure and free from legal issues. This step is crucial to avoid risks of disputes, overlapping ownership, or duplicate certificates that could harm buyers later.
Legal practitioner Adyanisa Septya Yuslandari, S.H., M.Kn, explains there are four key checks buyers must perform to avoid becoming victims of land disputes.
- Verify certificate with BPN and confirm no disputes
The first step is to check the authenticity and status of the certificate with the National Land Agency (BPN). This verification ensures the certificate is officially registered, not blocked, not under seizure, and not subject to legal disputes. Checks can be done directly at the land office or via ATR/BPN’s digital services. Certificate verification also confirms that the document’s details match the national land system’s records.
- Trace land history and ownership status
Beyond checking the certificate, buyers must investigate the land’s history to determine if it has been involved in disputes, unresolved inheritance issues, or other legal problems that could cause future complications. ‘Check the land’s history,’ says Adyanisa. Clear ownership history provides insight into the land’s legality and reduces the risk of third-party claims post-transaction.