Understanding RERA A Guide for Builders & Buyers

RERA reshaped Indian real estate by introducing structure, clarity, and accountability. For builders, it defines operational discipline. For buyers, it establishes enforceable rights. Understanding RERA today determines how safely and confidently one participates in the property market.

What Is RERA?

RERA refers to the Real Estate Regulatory Authority, created under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Its role centers on regulating real estate projects and protecting stakeholders through mandatory disclosures and legal oversight.

When people ask what RERA is, they usually seek assurance. RERA provides that assurance through registration, reporting, and enforcement.

Why RERA Was Introduced

The real estate sector required standardisation. Delays, shifting project details, and informal commitments had become routine. Buyers lacked visibility, and developers operated without uniform benchmarks.

RERA introduced a framework where timelines, layouts, and financial flows follow declared commitments. The law brought consistency to an industry shaped by variation.

Who Needs RERA Registration?

RERA registration establishes regulatory accountability. It applies to projects that exceed 500 square metres or include more than eight units.

Residential projects, commercial developments, and ongoing projects without completion certificates fall within its scope. Any publicly marketed project operates under this framework.

RERA Registration Process (Step-by-Step)

The RERA registration process evaluates a project before sales begin. Approval depends on documentation, legal clarity, and declared timelines.

For Builders / Developers

1. Register on the state RERA portal

2. Submit project layouts, approvals, and schedules

3. Upload land ownership documents

4. Declare completion milestones

5. Pay the applicable registration fee

Upon approval, the project receives a RERA registration number. This number appears on all advertisements, brochures, and booking documents.

How to Check RERA Registration Number (For Buyers)

Verification allows buyers to assess a project’s legal standing and progress. The process takes minutes and offers clarity.

Steps to check RERA registration number

1. Visit the state RERA website

2. Access the registered projects section

3. Search by project or developer name

4. Review approvals, timelines, and current status

This step establishes transparency before any financial commitment.

RERA Rules for Builders

RERA rules for builders focus on financial discipline and delivery alignment. These rules create predictable project execution.

Key provisions include:

• Seventy percent of project funds deposited in a dedicated account

• Fund usage restricted to the registered project

• Buyer consent required for layout changes

• Compensation applicable for possession delays

• Advertising aligned with registered disclosures

Builders who follow these rules benefit from higher buyer confidence.

What RERA Means for Homebuyers

RERA formalised buyer rights within the transaction process. Information access, delivery timelines, and compensation frameworks now carry legal weight.

Buyers engage with projects through verified data rather than assumptions. Agreements gain enforceability through registration. Here’s an exhaustive First Time Home Buyer Guide. Make sure you check all the boxes before making a decision.

RERA Complaint Process (When Things Go Wrong)

The RERA complaint process provides a structured dispute-resolution channel. It operates through state authorities with defined timelines.

Process overview

1. File a complaint on the state RERA portal

2. Upload agreements and supporting documents

3. Attend hearings as scheduled

4. Receive a binding order

This mechanism offers a focused alternative to extended litigation.

Common Misconceptions About RERA

Misunderstanding RERA often leads to unrealistic expectations. The law establishes accountability rather than guarantees.

RERA regulates conduct, documentation, and timelines. Outcomes depend on compliance and enforcement within each state.

Why RERA Matters Long-Term

RERA influences behaviour across the market. Builders operate with clearer disclosures. Buyers approach transactions with verification habits.

Over time, this alignment improves trust, reduces disputes, and professionalises real estate development. The judiciary actively enforces new laws, like the Karnataka New Apartment Law to make sure all parties are operating in good faith.