Hyderabad Property Owners Hit by Section 22A Dispute
Hyderabad: Property transactions across Hyderabad are facing fresh uncertainty as privately owned plots, houses and commercial properties have reportedly been included in the prohibited-property list under Section 22-A of the Registration Act. The issue is affecting owners who hold registered documents and approved properties, with some unable to sell or mortgage assets that were acquired years ago.
Section 22-A is intended to prevent registration of specified categories of land, including government, assigned, endowment, Waqf and certain disputed properties. However, the latest changes to revenue records have raised concerns that entire survey numbers may have been blocked even where private holdings exist within them. The impact is particularly visible in established parts of the city and its expanding outskirts. Areas such as Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, Gachibowli, Shaikpet, Ameerpet, Serilingampally, Rajendranagar and Uppal are among locations where property owners have reported difficulties. The problem has also created uncertainty for buyers and lenders. Owners seeking to sell properties for major personal expenses or raise funds against them may face delays when registration is denied. Properties that have previously received approvals from planning and civic authorities are also reportedly caught in the process.
A key concern is the method used to identify prohibited properties. Instead of separating government-owned portions from privately held land within a larger survey number, entire survey numbers may have been placed under restrictions. This can create complications for legitimate property owners whose documents and transactions predate the latest classification. The issue is significant for Hyderabad’s real estate market because property registration is central to the liquidity and value of residential and commercial assets. When ownership records become unclear, transactions can slow, buyers may become cautious and lenders may face additional risks while assessing collateral. The situation extends beyond the core city. Medchal-Malkajgiri, Rangareddy and Sangareddy, along with Hyderabad, account for a substantial share of properties reportedly appearing in the state’s prohibited-property records. Industry estimates cited in reports suggest that the affected assets could represent a sizeable portion of the region’s property market.
Another concern for owners is access to information. Property holders have reportedly faced difficulties obtaining Hyderabad’s updated prohibited-property data online, forcing some to approach registration offices to verify the status of their land. For the government, the challenge is to protect public land without creating unnecessary barriers for legitimate private ownership. A transparent digital database, survey-level verification and a clear mechanism for correcting errors could help reduce disputes and improve confidence in property transactions. As Hyderabad continues to expand, accurate land records will become increasingly important for housing, commercial development and infrastructure planning. Resolving disputed classifications quickly could help protect government assets while preventing compliant property owners from being caught in administrative uncertainty.
