If You Own Properties in Multiple States in India — Where Should You Register Your Will?
Owning multiple properties across different states in India is a sign of financial success — but it can also create confusion when it comes to estate planning. Owning real estate or assets in more than one Indian state is increasingly common. As property portfolios diversify, many individuals face the critical question: If I own properties in multiple states, where should I register my Will?
The Legal Reality: One Will, One Registration
Under the Indian Succession Act, a single Will can include all properties regardless of their location across India. There is no need for separate Wills for separate states.
Registration of a Will is not mandatory, but it’s highly recommended for authenticity and to help prevent future disputes.
You should register your Will at the Sub-Registrar office in the jurisdiction of your place of residence—not necessarily where your properties are situated. For example, if you live in Bengaluru but own property in Delhi, UP, and Maharashtra, you can register your Will in Bengaluru
Registration of a Will — Is It Mandatory?
First, remember: registering a Will is not mandatory in India. An unregistered Will is legally valid as long as it is properly signed and witnessed. However, registration adds legal weight and minimizes the chances of disputes after your lifetime — especially when multiple properties are involved.
Step-by-Step: How to Register Your Will
Draft a comprehensive Will listing all assets/properties, beneficiaries, and executors.
Visit the Sub-Registrar’s office in your area of residence.
Take two witnesses. They must be present at registration.
Submit the draft, pay the nominal registration fee (varies by state, often from ₹10 to ₹200).
Collect your registered copy usually within a week.
Best Practice: Register Where You Reside
Even if you have assets spread across multiple states — say, an apartment in Mumbai, farmland in Punjab, and a holiday home in Goa —the most practical and recommended approach is to register your Will in the state (and city) where you currently reside.
Why Register in Your State of Residence?
The testator’s residence determines the Sub-Registrar office for registration.
Registration in your home state makes legal proceedings easier for your heirs.
Your Will should clearly mention all your assets, regardless of their physical location.
Alternative Option: Registration at Property Location
You can also register your Will in any state where one of your properties is located — for instance, in the city where your main or ancestral property lies. This can make sense if your primary or largest asset is in another state, or your executor or family resides there and managing the Will from that location is easier.
Do You Need Separate Wills for Each State?
No. You do not need separate Wills for each state. A single Will can cover all your assets — movable and immovable — across India. Just ensure the Will clearly lists each property’s full address, type, and ownership details. This makes execution and probate much easier later.
Online Will Services and Pan-India Validity
With services like iwills.in, you can: Draft your Will digitally, Get legal vetting, Execute and register it through proper legal channels. Your Will remains valid across all Indian states once signed and witnessed correctly — regardless of where your properties are.
Conclusion
If you hold properties in several states, create one comprehensive Will and register it at the Sub-Registrar office in your area of residence. This ensures nationwide legal validity for all your assets and simplifies estate planning for your heirs. Whether your assets span multiple states or cities, you only need one well-drafted Will — registered in a jurisdiction that makes the process simple for you and your heirs. A properly written, signed, and optionally registered Will ensures that your legacy — not legal confusion — is what you leave behind iWills.in to get started!