Easing the Transition for Kids During a Move

Every Property is supposed to have certain legal documents that show the overall information about the property. These documents are provided by the local municipality and also other government departments. Planning to buy a property? Well, get ready for major paperwork as the process involves providing (to authorities and the bank in case you are taking a home loan) and acquiring several documents (this ensures your ownership over the property). Here is a list of documents that are required for buying an Apartment in Sri Lanka:

Title Deed of the Apartment

Every Property in Sri Lanka has a Deed which is a formal document that confirms the interest, right, for the property and Title is a legal term that establishes the lawful ownership of a property owned by an individual or an organization. The “Title” is very important because it establishes the history of the property and it shows how ‘healthy’ is the property. The accepted practice is to check the pedigree of the “Title” going back 25 to 30 years. Therefore, the first step is to get the title clearance through an independent Lawyer/ Notary Public whom you can trust.

Condominium Declaration

Condominium Declaration is a legal document filed in the county or district in which a condominium will be located. Once filed with the appropriate public official, this document establishes the existence of the project and divides airspace into layers of ownership. A Condominium Declaration, also sometimes known as Master Deed, is a fundamental document that establishes the existence of and further governs the use and maintenance of a condominium property. It is regulated by the Condominium Act and it includes legal descriptions of the condominium and of each individual unit, the nature and scope of the development project (when applicable), and several provisions regarding the use of the condominium units and common areas.

Building Plan

Every Building or Apartment Complex has a building plan that shows the overall plan of the building and this is an important document that gests verified by the Municipal Council in the respective District or City.

Certificate of Conformity (COC)

The Certificate of Conformity (COC) is a formal certification that approval or certificate of conformity is granted to a product that meets a minimum set of regulatory, technical, and safety requirements. It is important to obtain the Certificate of Conformity (COC) and it ensures that the Apartment fulfills all the safety requirements of the Municipality.

Approved Lot Plan of the Land

Every Land has a master plan in which every plot of land is surveyed and there is a approved lot plan that is approved by the government. This approved documents is essential in the registration process.

Certificate of Ownership

This is an approved and certified certificate that shows the actual owner of the property or Apartment. This document is also very vital in the registration process. It is provided by the Assessment Department of the relevant Municipal Council in the respective District or City.

Non-Vesting Certificate

Non-Vesting Certificate is also an important document that is required for the Apartment registration and it is obtained by the relevant Municipal Council in the respective District or City.

Street Line Certification

This is also a formal document that is certified and issued by the local Pradeshiya Sabha and this document will clarify the actual street line of the property. The importance of this certificate is that the Pradeshiya Sabha is empowered to take action on building constructed by violating the street line.

Extracts of the Apartment

Extracts are a formal document that shows the overall history of the land and it is essential to check the extracts of a certain land before purchasing it. This document is proof that the property has an entry in the local municipal records and the construction has been done according to an approved plan. Banks ask for this paper before granting you a home loan. It is important to obtain extracts of the land going back to at least 25 – 30 years.

Valuation

Valuation is a formal document that is obtained after the Licensed Valuer values the Apartment in order to show the overall value of the Apartment. The Valuation Process is important because there is a part in the registration process where the buyer has to submit the actual value provided by the valuer to the Inland Revenue Department and then they approve it in order to pay the stamp duty.

Open-concept floor plans, once the hallmark of modern home design, are experiencing a shift in popularity. While they continue to offer benefits like enhanced social interaction and improved natural light, recent trends indicate a growing preference for more defined and flexible living spaces.

A recent article on Realtor.com highlights that open floor plans remain advantageous in larger homes and vacation properties, where space allows for distinct areas within an open layout. However, in everyday residential settings, homeowners are increasingly valuing the ability to create separate zones for work, relaxation, and family activities.

Design experts note that the rise of remote work and the need for multifunctional spaces have contributed to this shift. Hybrid layouts, which combine open areas with strategically placed partitions or sliding doors, are gaining popularity. These designs offer the openness desired by many while providing the option for privacy when needed.

Moreover, considerations such as noise control and the desire for organized, clutter-free environments are influencing homeowners to rethink fully open spaces. Incorporating sound-absorbing materials and creating semi-private areas within an open floor plan can address these concerns effectively.

In conclusion, while open-concept floor plans are not becoming obsolete, their design is evolving to meet the changing needs of homeowners. The trend is moving towards adaptable spaces that balance openness with functionality, ensuring homes are both inviting and practical for modern living.