Verify AP Land Records in 2026
Buying land is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. To ensure your investment is safe, the Andhra Pradesh government has digitized and streamlined land records through the Meebhoomi portal.
As of 2026, the system has become even more robust with AI-driven surveys and blockchain security. Before you sign any papers or pay an advance, follow this essential 5-step digital safety check.
Step 1: Verify Legal Ownership with the 1-B Record
The 1-B (Record of Rights) is effectively the "Identity Card" of the land. It confirms who the government recognizes as the legal owner.
- Action: Ask the seller for their Khata Number (Account Number) or Aadhaar Number.
- Verification: Log onto Meebhoomi, enter the details, and ensure the name displayed matches the seller's government ID exactly.
- 2026 Update: Look for the Bhu-Aadhar (ULPIN)—a unique 14-digit identification number. This "Aadhaar for land" confirms the plot has been digitally mapped using geo-coordinates, making it nearly impossible to fake.
Step 2: Check the Adangal for "Quiet Possession"
Ownership on paper is one thing; physical control of the land is another. The Adangal (or Pahani) provides a "ground-level" view of the property.
- The "Cultivator" Column: Check who is listed as the person actually farming or occupying the land. If it’s someone other than the seller, you might be walking into a "Tenant Dispute" or an "Adverse Possession" claim.
- Land Classification: The Adangal specifies if the land is Wet (Magani) or Dry (Metta). This classification significantly impacts the market value and what you can legally do with the property.
Step 3: Screen the 22-A Prohibited List
Many buyers lose their life savings by purchasing land that can never be legally registered. Lands under Section 22-A are prohibited from sale.
New for 2026: The AP Government has recently simplified this list. Many private patta lands and lands previously held by ex-servicemen or freedom fighters have been moved to "Freehold" status.
- Action: Re-check survey numbers that were previously blocked; they might now be clear for sale.
- Danger Zones: Ensure the land is not marked as Endowment (Temple-owned), Waqf (Religious trust), or Government Assigned land. These are strictly non-transferable to private parties.
Step 4: Verify the Digital Map (FMB)
Boundary disputes are the leading cause of land litigation. Don't rely solely on a physical fence—check the Field Measurement Book (FMB).
- Precision Surveys: In 2026, the government utilizes Drone-based Resurveys (Bhu-Naksha) to ensure maps are accurate within 5 centimeters.
- Check for Mutations: If you are buying a 1-acre slice of a larger 5-acre plot, ensure a "Mutation" has been initiated. This process splits the record and gives your specific portion its own unique sub-division number.
Step 5: Link Aadhaar to Prevent "Double Registration"
Fraudsters sometimes attempt "Double Registration"—selling the same plot to two different buyers simultaneously. Aadhaar seeding is your digital shield against this.
- The Check: Verify the "Aadhaar Linking Status" on the portal. When land is linked to the owner's Aadhaar, the Sub-Registrar’s system automatically flags and blocks any attempt at a second, fraudulent sale.
- Analogy: Think of it like your Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) ID. Just as your ABC ID keeps your hard-earned credits secure and uniquely yours, Aadhaar-linked land records ensure no one else can claim or sell your property.
Quick Reference: Red Flags to Watch For
| What You See on Screen | Risk Level | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Section 22-A | 🔴 High | Prohibited land. You cannot legally own or register this. |
| Court Dispute | 🔴 High | Legal battle in progress. Stay away until a final judgment is cleared. |
| Digitally Unsigned | 🟡 Medium | The record is pending official validation by the VRO. |
| Aadhaar Not Seeded | 🟡 Medium | Identity risk. Insist the seller links their Aadhaar before you pay. |