As India strengthens its presence in the global market, multiple industries and businesses have experienced rapid expansion, driving up real estate prices. To manage this rise and protect homebuyers, the government introduced the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016—commonly known as RERA. This act oversees and regulates the real estate sector across all states. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the RERA Act and its significance.
Latest updates
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, continues to evolve as it aims to bring greater accountability, transparency, and fairness to India’s property sector. The past few months have witnessed significant updates across various states, reflecting both challenges and progress in the implementation of RERA. Below is a concise overview of the most notable developments shaping the real estate landscape in 2025.
Supreme Court calls for stronger RERA enforcement
In March 2025, the Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of RERA implementation, labelling its performance as “disappointing.” The Court stressed the need for stricter enforcement to ensure the Act fulfils its primary objectives—protecting homebuyers, improving transparency, and speeding up dispute resolutions. Despite handling over 1.21 lakh complaints nationwide, concerns remain about procedural delays and the uneven functioning of RERA authorities across states.
Introduction of ‘RERA 2.0’ for improved buyer safeguards
The 2025 amendments—collectively referred to as RERA 2.0—introduce stronger compliance standards for developers and agents. These include tighter project monitoring mechanisms and higher penalties for non-registration or misinformation. The move seeks to rebuild buyer confidence, reduce fraudulent practices, and encourage buyers to verify project details through official state RERA portals before making purchases.
UP RERA’s action against incomplete ‘canvas flats’
In May 2025, the Uttar Pradesh RERA issued a strict warning against builders offering unfinished “canvas flats,” which lack essential fittings and facilities. Developers violating this directive now risk penalties of up to 5% of the total project cost. This step directly addresses rising complaints from buyers forced to accept incomplete properties and aims to ensure full delivery of promised amenities.
Maharashtra leads in project registrations
Maharashtra continues to set benchmarks with its strong regulatory framework. By May 2025, MahaRERA had surpassed 50,000 registered projects—representing nearly 35% of all RERA registrations in India. This achievement highlights Maharashtra’s leadership in transparent project oversight, discouraging speculation and reinforcing investor confidence in the state’s real estate market.
Gujarat introduces new banking compliance norms
Starting January 2025, GujRERA enforced stricter financial management rules requiring three distinct bank accounts for every registered project. Of these, 70% of collected funds must remain in a dedicated escrow account for construction-related expenses. The reform aims to curb fund misuse, ensure timely project completion, and strengthen financial accountability among developers.
What is RERA ACT?
The RERA Act (Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016) was introduced to bring transparency and accountability to the real estate sector in India. Enacted by the Indian Parliament, the Act came into effect in May 2017, addressing the issues and discrepancies in the home buying process. Its primary goal is to protect the interests of homebuyers while regulating builders, brokers, and other stakeholders in the industry. Since its implementation, the RERA Act has led to several reforms, with more expected in the future. Whether you are a homebuyer or builder, understanding RERA rules and guidelines is essential for navigating the real estate market effectively. Each state has also framed its own set of rules to enforce the RERA Act locally.
RERA registration fees
The registration fees for RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) vary from state to state in India. Each state has its own set of rules and regulations, and the registration fees are determined accordingly. The fees are generally calculated based on the type of project, the number of units, and the area of the project.
In most states, the registration fees are charged based on the square footage or the number of apartments/ units in the project. It is typically a percentage of the project cost or a fixed amount, whichever is higher. The registration fees can range from a few thousand rupees to several lakhs, depending on the size and value of the project.
To know the specific registration fees applicable in your state, it is advisable to visit the official website of the respective state's RERA authority or consult with a qualified professional familiar with real estate regulations in that particular state.
Penalties and charges under the RERA Act
Category |
Offence |
Penalty |
For buyers |
Failure to comply with RERA |
Daily penalty of up to 5% of the project's estimated cost |
|
Failure to comply with the Appellate Tribunal |
Imprisonment up to 1 year or a fine of 10% of the project cost, or both |
For promoters |
Failure to register |
10% of the project's estimated cost |
|
Providing incorrect information |
5% of the project's estimated cost |
|
Legal violations |
Up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of 10% of the project cost, or both |
For agents |
Failure to register projects |
Rs. 10,000 per day, up to 5% of the project's cost |
|
Failure to comply with RERA |
Daily penalty of up to 5% of the project's cost |
|
Failure to comply with the Appellate Tribunal |
Imprisonment up to 1 year or a fine of 10% of the project cost, or both |
Projects that come under RERA
Once all states and union territories comply with RERA, all real estate projects will come under its purview. In the interim, take a look at a few conditions that determine when a project falls under RERA and when it does not.
- Projects that do not have a completion certificate but were completed before the implementation of the RERA Act is a part of RERA.
- Projects that have undertaken construction for the purpose of renovation/ repair/ re-development, and are not re-allotting, marketing, advertising, selling, or allotting any apartments, plot, or building, will not come under the purview of RERA.
- Project that is under construction have to report each phase of construction as a standalone project through a fresh RERA registration.
How to Check if a Property is RERA Compliant
Before investing in a property, it's important to verify if it is RERA compliant. Here’s how you can do that:
- Visit the State RERA Website: Each state has its own RERA portal. Visit the official website and navigate to the “Registered Projects” section.
- Search for Project Details: Enter the project name, promoter name, or registration number to check whether the project is registered with RERA.
- Verify Important Information: A RERA-registered project must display details like project status, approvals, timelines, layout plans, and builder credentials. Confirm that all required information is available and matches what the builder claims.
- Check for RERA Registration Number: A valid RERA registration number should be clearly mentioned in all advertisements and brochures related to the project.
Ensuring RERA compliance not only protects you from fraud but also gives you legal recourse in case of delays or disputes.
Provisions under RERA Act
1. Registration of projects:
- Developers must register their real estate projects with the respective state's Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) before advertising, marketing, or selling any units.
- Detailed information about the project, including land title, approvals, layout plans, schedule, and implementation status, must be provided at the time of registration.
2. Compulsory disclosure:
- Developers are required to disclose all relevant information about the project on the RERA website, such as project details, plans, specifications, carpet area, amenities, etc.
- Any changes or modifications to the project must be disclosed and communicated to buyers.
3. Escrow account:
- Developers must maintain a separate escrow account for each project, where a minimum of 70% of the funds received from buyers is to be deposited. These funds can only be utilized for the specific project's construction and development.
4. Carpet area:
- The sale of units is based on the carpet area, which is the net usable floor area within the walls of the unit, excluding the balcony, terrace, and common areas.
- Developers must clearly mention the carpet area in the sale agreements and advertisements.
5. Timely completion:
- RERA emphasizes timely completion of projects, and developers must adhere to the proposed timeline and deliver the project as per the commitments made to buyers.
- If there is any delay, developers are liable to pay penalties and compensation to buyers.
6. Real estate agents:
- Real estate agents and brokers must register with RERA and provide accurate information about themselves, the projects they are dealing with, and the commission they receive.
7. Buyer protection and grievance redressal:
- RERA provides a platform for buyers to file complaints and seek redressal for any issues or grievances they have with developers or agents.
- Each state establishes a Real Estate Appellate Tribunal to hear and resolve disputes between buyers and developers.
It is important to note that the rules and regulations may vary from state to state, so it is advisable to refer to the specific RERA rules of the concerned state for detailed provisions and requirements.
Understanding RERA provisions helps you make informed property decisions. Once you have identified a RERA-compliant project that meets your needs, the next step is arranging finance for your dream home. Check your eligibility for a home loan from Bajaj Finserv today. You may already be eligible, find out by entering your mobile number and OTP.
Key benefits offered by RERA
RERA has brought about a positive change in every facet of the real estate sector. Here is how:
- RERA aims to reduce project delays and property fraud. To do so, authorities have made it mandatory for all builders/ developers to carry out RERA registration before they start a project.
- RERA is sub-divided into smaller regulatory bodies, each of which looks after the real estate development in a single state or union territory in India.
- RERA rules apply to both residential and commercial properties.
- The standardisation brought about by RERA aims to protect the interests of buyers and developers alike.
- The RERA Act has brought about more accountability and transparency within the real estate industry.
With RERA protecting your interests as a buyer, you can invest in property with greater confidence. If you are ready to take the next step towards homeownership, securing the right financing can make all the difference. Check your home loan offers from Bajaj Finserv to get started on your home buying journey. You may already be eligible, find out by entering your mobile number and OTP.
How will RERA impact real estate agents?
With RERA coming into effect, builders and developers have to be more transparent. Here are the ways in which RERA impacts real estate.
- The respective state RERA must register all proposed projects exceeding an area of 500 sq. mt. or more than 8 apartments.
- Builders must deposit 70% of the project money collected from home buyers in bank accounts, through cheques. This makes it impossible to engage in fraudulent transactions or money laundering. This requirement ensures proper documentation and accountability for every rupee spent and gained.
- There will be one model sale agreement between all builders and home buyers.
RERA Act in different states of India
The RERA Act has been implemented in more than 22 Ind working towards solving complaints and disputes in each state.ian states and 6 union territories in the past two years, actively.
For instance, MahaRERA or RERA Maharashtra, has received around 6,631 complaints (as of April 2019) and has resolved 64% disputes. Following suit are other states like West Bengal, Manipur, and Assam that are gearing up to launch their RERA websites.
How do I find RERA approved projects?
To find RERA-approved projects, follow these steps:
- Visit the RERA website: Go to the official Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) website of your state.
- Search for projects: Use the search function to look up approved projects by entering the project name, builder, or location.
- Check the RERA registration number: Ensure the project has a valid RERA registration number, which indicates its approval status.
- Verify details: Review project details, including approval status, builder information, and project timeline, listed on the RERA website.
- Consult local authorities: Contact local RERA offices or real estate agents for additional information and confirmation on project approvals.
RERA-approved projects offer added protection and transparency in real estate transactions.
List of states that have enforced RERA ACT
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) had been enacted and enforced in the following states and union territories in India:
Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, Puducherry. Here is the list of their official website:
| State-wise RERA | Official Website |
| Rera Bihar | https://rera.bihar.gov.in |
| Rera Telangana | https://rera.telangana.gov.in |
| Rera Punjab | https://rera.punjab.gov.in |
| Rera Madhya Pradesh | https://www.rera.mp.gov.in |
| Rera Haryana | https://haryanarera.gov.in |
| Rera Uttar Pradesh | https://www.up-rera.in |
| Rera Tamil Nadu | https://www.rera.tn.gov.in |
| Rera Gujarat | https://gujrera.gujarat.gov.in |
| Rera Rajasthan | https://rera.rajasthan.gov.in |
| RERA Himachal Pradesh | https://www.hprera.in |
| RERA Chhattisgarh | https://rera.cgstate.gov.in |
| RERA Karnataka | https://rera.karnataka.gov.in |
| RERA Uttarakhand | https://uhuda.org.in |
| RERA Jharkhand | https://jharera.jharkhand.gov.in/ |
| RERA Odisha | https://www.urbanodisha.gov.in/ActsRules.aspx |
| RERA Andhra Pradesh | https://rera.ap.gov.in/RERA/Views/Home.aspx |
| RERA Maharashtra | https://maharera.mahaonline.gov.in |
| RERA Delhi | https://rera.delhi.gov.in |
| RERA Lakshadweep | - |
| RERA Andaman & Nicobar Islands | - |
| RERA Dadra & Nagar Haveli | - |
| RERA Chandigarh | https://rera.chbonline.in/ |
Please note that the status of RERA implementation and the list of states may change over time. For those involved in real estate investment in India, it is advisable to check for the latest updates from the respective state authorities or the official website of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, for the most recent information on RERA enforcement.
As a home buyer it is important for you to select a RERA registered project, to make a safe investment and eliminate any possible losses. Additionally, apply for a cost-effective home loan to simplify and economise the home-buying process. For instance, you can apply for a home loan of up to Rs. 15 Crore* based on eligibility from Bajaj Finserv. Apart from getting access to a hefty sanction on a competitive interest rate, you can also enjoy a flexible tenure and other benefits. Moreover, you can apply for the loan under PMAY and get CLSS benefits of up to Rs. 2.67 lakh. Best of all, easy home loan eligibility criteria and minimal documentation requirements make this loan very easy to apply for. To get started, simply check your pre-approved offer and choose a customised loan deal that fits your needs.