Updated: 31 August 2026

General Power of Attorney (GPA) Format for Property in India

A clean, updated specimen for authorising another person to manage and deal with specified property matters, with important safeguards on sale, registration, stamp duty, revocation and title transfer.

What is a General Power of Attorney for Property?

A General Power of Attorney (GPA) is an instrument by which one person (the principal or executant) authorises another person (the attorney) to perform specified acts on the principal's behalf. The authority should be drafted clearly and should identify the property and the powers actually intended to be given.

Important: A GPA is not a substitute for a sale deed and does not, by itself, transfer ownership, title or interest in immovable property. Where a sale is intended, the transfer must be completed through the legally appropriate conveyance and registration process.

Sample General Power of Attorney Format for Property

This is a general specimen. Replace the blanks and delete powers that are not required. Property, stamp and registration requirements vary by State/UT and by the nature of the transaction.

GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that I, , son/daughter/wife of , aged about years, residing at (hereinafter referred to as the "Principal/Executant"), do hereby appoint and constitute , son/daughter/wife of , aged about years, residing at (hereinafter referred to as the "Attorney"), to act for me and on my behalf in relation to the immovable property described in the Schedule below.

Powers Granted

  1. To manage, supervise, protect and maintain the property and to take reasonable steps necessary for its upkeep and lawful enjoyment.
  2. To appear before municipal, revenue, development, electricity, water, housing, land, registration and other competent authorities in matters concerning the property.
  3. To sign, submit, receive and collect applications, declarations, affidavits, undertakings, forms, permissions, sanctions, certificates, tax records, mutation-related papers and other documents lawfully required for the authorised purposes.
  4. To pay property tax, utility charges, maintenance charges, statutory dues and other lawful outgoings relating to the property and to obtain receipts.
  5. To apply for mutation or correction/updating of records where legally permissible, it being understood that mutation or revenue entries do not by themselves constitute or transfer title.
  6. To let or license the property, or any permitted part of it, on terms approved by the Principal; to execute lawful tenancy/leave-and-license documents; receive rent, security deposit and other sums; issue receipts; and recover possession in accordance with law.
  7. To correspond with occupants, associations, authorities and service providers, issue and receive notices, make representations and obtain information relating to the property.
  8. To institute, defend, continue or take lawful steps in civil, revenue, municipal or other proceedings relating to the property; to sign pleadings or applications where legally permissible; and to engage advocates or other authorised professionals. Any compromise, settlement or withdrawal shall be subject to the limits expressly stated in this instrument and applicable law.
  9. Optional sale authority - retain only if genuinely intended: To negotiate and enter into an agreement for sale of the property and, where expressly permitted by the Principal and by applicable law, to execute and present the proper deed of conveyance/sale for registration before the competent Sub-Registrar, admit execution and complete incidental formalities. This authority does not itself transfer title; title can pass only through the legally valid conveyance required by law.
  10. Where expressly authorised, to receive consideration or other money on behalf of the Principal, deposit or remit it as directed by the Principal, and issue lawful acknowledgements. Delete this clause if the Attorney is not intended to receive money.
  11. To obtain certified copies, encumbrance/registration information, property records and other documents concerning the property from competent authorities where available.
  12. To submit building plans, applications for repairs/additions/alterations, estimates and related documents only to the extent permitted by applicable building, planning, municipal and land-use laws.
  13. To appoint a substitute or sub-attorney only if this power is specifically intended and legally permissible, and only within the authority granted by this instrument. Delete this clause if delegation is not intended.

Limitations and Safeguards

  1. The Attorney shall act only for the purposes and within the authority expressly granted by this instrument.
  2. This Power of Attorney does not itself convey, assign or transfer ownership, title or interest in the property to the Attorney or to any other person.
  3. The Attorney is not authorised by this instrument to make, alter, revoke or execute a Will or other testamentary disposition on behalf of the Principal.
  4. This instrument shall be revocable unless, under the applicable law and the facts of the transaction, it is validly made irrevocable. The mere use of the expression "irrevocable" does not by itself determine its legal character.
  5. All acts lawfully done by the Attorney within the authority granted by this instrument shall bind the Principal to the extent recognised by law.

Schedule of Property

Property/Flat/House/Plot No.:

Building/Project/Street:

Locality/Village:

District/State/UT:

Area and boundaries / other identifying particulars:

Execution

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this General Power of Attorney at on this day of , 20, in the presence of the witnesses named below.

PRINCIPAL / EXECUTANT
Name:
Signature:
ATTORNEY
Name:
Signature/Acceptance (if required):
WITNESS 1
Name:
Address:
Signature:
WITNESS 2
Name:
Address:
Signature:

Stamp Duty, Authentication and Registration

Stamp duty and registration requirements for a power of attorney depend on the State/UT, the nature of the powers granted, the relationship between the parties and the underlying transaction. A property-related GPA may also require authentication or registration for particular uses. Before execution, verify the current local stamp and registration rules and the requirements of the Sub-Registrar having jurisdiction.

For Delhi property matters, the Department of Revenue provides current registration information, Sub-Registrar resources, model deeds and related guidance. Delhi also issued a circular dated 7 July 2026 concerning scrutiny and registration of GPAs relating to immovable properties and referral to the Collector of Stamps for adjudication.

Before Signing

  • Use complete names, addresses and identity particulars of the Principal and Attorney.
  • Describe the property precisely and attach a schedule if necessary.
  • Delete every power that is not actually intended.
  • State clearly whether the Attorney may sell, receive consideration, litigate, settle claims or appoint a substitute.
  • Check current stamp duty, authentication and registration requirements in the relevant State/UT.
  • For a proposed property sale, use the appropriate registered conveyance; do not treat the GPA as a title document.

Official Legal Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a GPA transfer ownership of property?

No. A GPA authorises another person to act for the Principal. It is not, by itself, a conveyance of ownership. A valid transfer of immovable property must be completed through the legally required conveyance and registration process.

Can a GPA holder sign a sale deed?

An attorney may execute acts on behalf of the Principal only when the instrument gives sufficient authority and the act is otherwise lawful. Where the GPA expressly authorises execution and registration of a sale deed, the attorney may act within that authority, subject to applicable stamp, registration and property laws.

Is every GPA irrevocable?

No. Revocability depends on the law and the circumstances. Merely inserting the word "irrevocable" is not conclusive.

Can the attorney make a Will for the Principal?

This specimen deliberately excludes that power. A Will is a personal testamentary act and should be executed by the testator in accordance with the applicable succession law.

Legal disclaimer: This page provides a general specimen for informational purposes and is not a substitute for transaction-specific legal advice. Property documents should be adapted to the facts, title documents, local stamp law, registration requirements and the intended scope of authority.