If you’re planning to buy an under-construction property in India, one of the first and most important steps is to check whether the project is registered under RERA — the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.
Why?
Because RERA registration is what separates legally compliant builders from the ones who cut corners.
Let’s walk through exactly how to verify this and why it matters.
🧾 What Is RERA and Why Does It Matter?
The RERA Act was introduced in 2016 to protect homebuyers and bring transparency to the real estate sector.
Under this law:
- Every builder developing a project over 500 sq.m or 8 units must register it with the State RERA Authority
- Builders must disclose the project layout, completion timelines, financials, and more
- Penalties apply if builders delay possession or deviate from approved plans
If a project is not RERA-registered, it is technically illegal to advertise or sell it to the public.
🧐 Why Should You Check for RERA Registration?
Here’s what you risk if you don’t:
- The builder may delay the project indefinitely
- You may end up with incomplete documentation
- There’s no legal remedy for delays or misrepresentation unless the project is registered
- The builder may not have valid approvals or title rights
So checking RERA registration is your first line of legal defence.
✅ How to Check If a Project Is RERA Registered?
Follow these steps:
1️⃣ Visit Your State’s RERA Website
Each state has its own RERA portal. Some common ones:
- Maharashtra – maharera.mahaonline.gov.in
- Karnataka – rera.karnataka.gov.in
- Tamil Nadu – www.tnrera.in
- Delhi – www.rera.delhi.gov.in
- Uttar Pradesh – www.up-rera.in
- Gujarat – gujrera.gujarat.gov.in
🔎 Just Google “RERA + State Name” to find the correct website
2️⃣ Use the “Project Search” Option
On the RERA homepage, look for a tab that says:
- “Search Registered Projects”
- “Project Registration”
- Or simply “Search Project”
Click on it to open the search window.
3️⃣ Search Using Project or Promoter Details
You can search by:
- ✅ Project Name
- ✅ Promoter/Developer Name
- ✅ RERA Registration Number (if you have it)
- ✅ Project Location (City/District)
🔹 Tip: Keep the exact spelling as advertised in brochures or builder documents
4️⃣ Verify the Project Information
Once you locate the project, check:
- 📌 Registration Status – Should say “Registered”
- 📌 RERA Registration Number
- 📌 Promoter Details
- 📌 Project Start and End Dates
- 📌 Land Title and Approvals
- 📌 Litigation Details (if any)
- 📌 Project Layout and Sanctioned Plan
- 📌 Number of Booked Units
5️⃣ Download the Registration Certificate
You can download the RERA Registration Certificate (PDF format) and keep a copy for your legal records.
This is useful when:
- Verifying title with your lawyer
- Applying for a home loan
- Preparing for registration
📋 What If the Project Is Not RERA-Registered?
If the project is not listed:
🚫 Do not proceed with booking or token advance.
🚫 Ask the builder for clarification and RERA registration status.
🚫 If you are being pressured to buy, consider this a red flag.
You can also file a complaint with the RERA authority against builders who advertise or collect funds for unregistered projects.
⚖️ Legal Risks of Buying a Non-RERA Property
- ❌ You won’t get a structured builder-buyer agreement
- ❌ No legal deadlines or penalties for delay
- ❌ No clarity on project land title or approvals
- ❌ No authority to escalate issues if builder defaults
- ❌ You cannot file a RERA complaint for compensation
Even if the builder promises “registration coming soon,” never invest in a non-RERA registered project.
🛡️ Quick Legal Checklist Before Booking
Before signing anything or paying a rupee:
✅ Confirm project on State RERA website
✅ Verify builder’s name, registration number, and project status
✅ Download the RERA certificate
✅ Share the link and docs with your property lawyer for verification
📌 Summary
| Step | Action |
| 1. | Visit State RERA Website |
| 2. | Search for the Project |
| 3. | Verify All Project Details |
| 4. | Check for Valid Registration Certificate |
| 5. | Consult a Legal Expert Before Booking |
📩 Call to Action
Buying a property in India?
We at RJ Property Law offer end-to-end legal assistance, including:
- ✅ RERA verification
- ✅ Title search and document review
- ✅ Legal opinion and registration support
- ✅ Builder Agreement vetting
🧾 Don’t make costly legal mistakes. Let us help you verify before you buy.
📧 Email: ranjinijayaram@rjpropertylaw.com
📱 Phone: +91 80884 17193
🌐 Website: www.rjpropertylaw.com