When the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) came into force, it transformed India’s property market. For the first time, developers were held accountable for delays, fund diversion, and misleading advertisements.
But nearly a decade later, many homebuyers are asking — has RERA lost its bite?
Let’s break it down.
RERA was created to:
Mandate project registration
Ensure 70% of buyer funds are kept in an escrow account
Penalize delays in project delivery
Standardize carpet area calculations
Provide a time-bound dispute resolution system
It aimed to restore trust in a sector once plagued by delays and lack of transparency.
While RERA authorities often pass orders in favor of buyers, enforcement can be slow. Developers sometimes delay compliance, forcing buyers into prolonged legal battles.
Builders frequently challenge RERA rulings in appellate tribunals or High Courts. This extends resolution timelines and reduces immediate relief for buyers.
Since RERA is implemented at the state level, efficiency varies. Some states have proactive authorities with faster complaint resolution, while others struggle with staffing shortages and backlog.
Even after winning a case, buyers may face hurdles in recovering compensation if the developer is financially stressed.
No.
Despite challenges, RERA has:
Increased transparency in project disclosures
Reduced fly-by-night developers
Improved documentation standards
Empowered buyers with legal recourse
Today, buyers can verify project registration, approvals, timelines, and litigation history before investing — something that wasn’t easily possible before 2016.
Check your state’s RERA portal before booking any property.
Developers are required to upload construction and financial updates.
Ensure delivery timelines and compensation clauses are clearly defined.
Keep payment proofs, brochures, email communications, and signed agreements.
Do not wait indefinitely if project delays or violations occur.
RERA has not lost its relevance — but its effectiveness depends on enforcement strength and judicial efficiency. It remains a strong framework, though implementation gaps in certain regions have reduced its deterrent impact.
For buyers, awareness and proactive action remain key.
RERA may not be perfect, but it still offers far stronger protection than the pre-regulation era. The law is a tool — and like any tool, its power depends on how effectively it is used.
An informed homebuyer remains the strongest safeguard in India’s evolving real estate landscape.
