e-Khata in Karnataka: what it is and why you need it
The e-Khata is the digital record of a property with the local body. Without it, a sale cannot be registered.
What an e-Khata is
A khata is the local body's record of a property: who owns it, its size and its property tax. Karnataka now keeps these records online, each with its own property number. The online record is called the e-Khata.
Who keeps the record
| Where the property is | Who keeps it |
|---|---|
| Mangaluru city | Mangaluru City Corporation |
| Ullal and other towns | The city or town municipal council or town panchayat |
| Villages | The gram panchayat (in the e-Swathu system) |
Towns and cities outside Bengaluru generally keep urban records in the e-Aasthi system, and villages in e-Swathu. If you are unsure which applies to a property, ask the local body's office. See Areas of Mangaluru and Dakshina Kannada.
Why it matters when you buy
Since October 2024, the sub-registrar checks the e-Khata online before registering a sale. If the property has no e-Khata, or the name on it is not the seller's, the sale cannot go ahead until it is fixed.
What to check
- The owner's name matches the seller and the sale deed.
- The size and boundaries match what you are buying.
- Property tax is paid up to date.
After you buy
Apply to the city corporation, the town council or the gram panchayat to transfer the e-Khata to your name. Bring the registered sale deed and your ID, and pay the fee they ask for.
Every listing on mangaluruproperties.com asks the seller whether the property has an e-Khata. The answer is the seller's word; always check the record yourself.
Questions people ask
Is e-Khata mandatory to register property in Karnataka?
Yes. Since October 2024 the sub-registrar checks the e-Khata online before registering a sale.
Who issues the e-Khata in Mangaluru?
For property in Mangaluru city, the Mangaluru City Corporation. In other towns, the town council or panchayat; in villages, the gram panchayat.
What is the difference between e-Aasthi and e-Swathu?
e-Aasthi holds property records for cities and towns outside Bengaluru. e-Swathu holds records for villages, kept by the gram panchayat.