RERA in Maharashtra: What Every Property Buyer Should Know

Buying a property is a major financial decision. Whether you are purchasing a new apartment, a residential project, commercial property or an under-construction home, understanding RERA can help you make a more informed decision.

In Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) plays an important role in regulating applicable real estate projects and promoting transparency between promoters and buyers.

The RERA framework was created to improve transparency, protect buyers’ interests, reduce fraud and delays, and provide a mechanism for resolving disputes.

Important: This article is for general awareness and should not be treated as legal advice. Always verify the latest MahaRERA information and consult a qualified professional for a specific property transaction.

1. What Is RERA?

RERA stands for the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.

The law aims to bring greater accountability and transparency to the real estate sector and protect the interests of property buyers.

In Maharashtra, the regulatory authority is known as MahaRERA.

The objectives include:

• Protecting the interests of homebuyers
• Increasing transparency
• Reducing fraud and delays
• Improving accountability
• Creating greater information symmetry between buyers and promoters
• Providing a regulatory mechanism for enforcing contracts
• Providing a dispute-resolution framework

2. What Is MahaRERA?

MahaRERA is the Maharashtra authority responsible for implementing the RERA framework in the state.

For property buyers, it provides an important source of project and promoter information.

Before buying an applicable new or under-construction project, buyers should independently check the project’s MahaRERA registration and available project information.

3. Is Every Property Project Required to Be Registered?

No.

There are exemptions under the RERA framework and Maharashtra’s applicable rules and clarifications.

MahaRERA’s current clarification states that a project generally does not require mandatory registration where:

• The land proposed to be developed is 500 square metres or less, irrespective of the number of apartments/units; or
• The number of apartments/units proposed to be developed is 8 or fewer, inclusive of all phases, irrespective of land area.

However, promoters may voluntarily register projects that fall within these exclusions.

Important

Don’t assume that:

“No RERA number = illegal project.”

First determine whether the project is actually required to be registered.

4. Always Check the MahaRERA Registration

If the project is subject to RERA registration, check its MahaRERA registration before making a significant commitment.

Look for information such as:

• Project name
• Promoter/developer
• Registration number
• Project location
• Proposed completion information
• Buildings/towers
• Apartment details
• Project status
• Available disclosures

Don’t rely only on information provided in a sales brochure.

Verify the information independently.

5. Don’t Confuse the Builder’s Name With the Project Name

A developer may have multiple projects across Maharashtra.

Therefore, when checking RERA information, make sure you are looking at the correct project and phase.

For example:

Builder → Project → Phase/Tower → Apartment

The exact project details matter.

A RERA registration for one project does not automatically mean that every project of the same developer has the same registration.

6. Check the Project Status

MahaRERA information can help buyers understand the status of an applicable registered project.

Before booking, check whether the project is:

• Ongoing
• Completed
• Registered
• Extended, where applicable
• Subject to relevant orders or updates

Project status can change, so check the latest available information rather than relying on an old brochure or screenshot.

7. Check the Promoter Details

Research the promoter/developer as well as the project.

Look at:

• Promoter name
• Previous projects
• Project history
• Construction progress
• Delivery record
• Relevant MahaRERA information
• Orders or regulatory information, where applicable

A strong developer track record doesn’t guarantee a particular project’s outcome, but it can be an important part of your due diligence.

8. Understand the Possession Timeline

Possession is one of the most important factors when buying an under-construction property.

Don’t rely only on statements such as:

“Possession coming soon.”

Check the project’s documented timeline and understand the terms in the agreement.

Also consider what you will do if possession takes longer than expected.

If you are currently renting, a delay could mean continuing to pay rent while also meeting loan-related obligations.

9. Understand the Agreement for Sale

Don’t treat the agreement as just paperwork.

Before signing, carefully understand:

• Property details
• Carpet area
• Total consideration
• Payment schedule
• Possession terms
• Project specifications
• Parking terms
• Maintenance-related provisions
• Default provisions
• Cancellation provisions
• Other applicable conditions

For a major property purchase, having the agreement reviewed by a qualified property lawyer can be worthwhile.

10. Carpet Area Is Important

When comparing homes, pay attention to the carpet area.

Don’t compare properties only using phrases such as:

• “1,200 sq. ft. apartment”
• “Luxury 3 BHK”
• “Huge home”

Ask for the applicable carpet-area details and compare properties on a like-for-like basis.

A larger advertised area does not automatically mean more usable living space.

11. Don’t Rely Only on the Brochure

A property brochure is a marketing document.

It may show:

• Attractive amenities
• Artistic images
• Proposed landscaping
• Lifestyle features
• Future infrastructure
• Sample interiors

Use the brochure as one source of information, but independently verify important claims.

Compare:

Brochure → MahaRERA Information → Agreement → Approved/Relevant Documents → Actual Site

This can give you a more complete picture.

12. Check Project Phases Carefully

Large developments may be divided into different phases.

Don’t assume that the registration of one phase covers the entire development.

Check:

• Phase name
• Buildings included
• Number of units
• Amenities applicable to your phase
• Possession timeline
• Registration details

This is particularly important for large township-style projects.

13. Understand Your Payment Schedule

Before booking, understand exactly when and why you are expected to pay.

Your payment schedule may be connected to:

• Booking
• Agreement
• Construction milestones
• Other contractual events

Never make a large payment simply because a salesperson tells you that prices are about to increase.

Understand the contractual terms first.

14. Be Careful With Verbal Promises

A salesperson may verbally promise:

• A particular view
• Special amenities
• Parking
• Discounts
• Modifications
• Possession dates
• Additional facilities

Don’t rely on important promises that are not properly documented.

For any significant commitment, ask:

“Where is this mentioned in the agreement or official project documentation?”

Written documentation is much more useful than verbal assurances.

15. What If a Project Is Not Registered?

If you believe an applicable project should be registered but isn’t, MahaRERA provides a mechanism for reporting non-registration.

MahaRERA’s FAQ explains that complaints regarding non-registration can be filed online.

However, whether a particular project legally requires registration can depend on the facts and applicable exemptions.

If you are unsure, obtain professional legal advice rather than making assumptions.

16. Can Buyers File Complaints?

RERA provides a regulatory framework through which eligible complaints can be made regarding violations or contraventions covered by the Act, Rules and Regulations.

MahaRERA’s official FAQ notes that complaints can be filed against registered projects for relevant violations or contraventions.

If you believe your rights have been affected, review the applicable MahaRERA process and seek professional advice where necessary.

17. RERA Does Not Replace Your Due Diligence

This is one of the most important points.

Having a RERA registration does not mean you should stop checking everything else.

You should still investigate:

• Title/ownership
• Approvals
• Building permissions
• Project documents
• Agreement
• Location
• Construction quality
• Developer history
• Financial affordability
• Taxes and charges
• Other legal issues

Think of RERA as an important layer of protection and transparency—not a substitute for independent verification.

18. RERA Checklist for Property Buyers

Before booking an applicable project, consider this checklist:

Project

☑ Correct project name
☑ Correct phase
☑ MahaRERA registration number
☑ Project status
☑ Promoter details
☑ Proposed completion information

Property

☑ Configuration
☑ Carpet area
☑ Floor
☑ Apartment number
☑ Parking details
☑ Amenities
☑ Specifications

Financial

☑ Total property price
☑ Applicable taxes
☑ Registration/stamp duty costs
☑ Maintenance-related charges
☑ Payment schedule
☑ Loan/EMI affordability

Legal

☑ Title/ownership verification
☑ Relevant approvals
☑ Agreement for Sale
☑ MahaRERA information
☑ Professional legal review where appropriate

19. A Simple RERA Verification Process

Before making a booking:

Step 1: Identify the exact project and phase
↓
Step 2: Search for the project on MahaRERA
↓
Step 3: Verify the promoter
↓
Step 4: Check registration and project information
↓
Step 5: Review project status and relevant updates
↓
Step 6: Compare the information with the builder’s documents
↓
Step 7: Visit the project
↓
Step 8: Review the Agreement for Sale
↓
Step 9: Take legal/financial advice where necessary
↓
Step 10: Make an informed decision

20. Common RERA Mistakes Buyers Should Avoid

❌ Booking without checking the project

Always research first.

❌ Checking only the builder’s website

Use independent official records where available.

❌ Assuming every project requires RERA registration

Understand the applicable exemptions.

❌ Relying on verbal promises

Get important commitments documented.

❌ Ignoring the agreement

Read and understand what you are signing.

❌ Looking only at the property price

Calculate the complete acquisition and ownership cost.

❌ Assuming RERA guarantees everything

RERA improves regulation and transparency, but buyers still need independent due diligence.

Why RERA Matters for Pune Property Buyers

Pune has a large and diverse residential market, including:

• New apartments
• Large townships
• Premium projects
• Affordable housing
• Commercial developments
• Redevelopment projects
• Under-construction properties

For buyers exploring Pune projects, RERA information can be an important part of the research process.

A good property search should therefore go beyond:

Price → Photos → Amenities

It should include:

Price → Location → Project → Promoter → RERA → Documents → Agreement → Site Visit → Total Cost

Final Thoughts

RERA has brought greater transparency and accountability to India’s real estate sector, and MahaRERA is an important resource for property buyers in Maharashtra.

But the safest approach is not to depend on a single source.

Research the project. Verify the MahaRERA information. Check the documents. Understand the agreement. Visit the property. Calculate the complete cost.

And when the transaction is significant, take advice from qualified legal and financial professionals.

Explore Real Estate in Pune

At PuneSales.com, you can explore properties, new projects, builders and locations across Pune.

Use online property information as a starting point—but always verify important project, legal and financial details independently before making a purchase decision.

Search Smart. Verify Carefully. Choose Confidently.