What is RERA Registration in India? Complete Guide for Homebuyers and Brokers
RERA registration is the mandatory certification a real estate developer must obtain before selling any flat, plot, or commercial unit in a project in India. Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, projects above a defined size must register with the state RERA authority before launching sales. The registration gives buyers access to the project’s approved plans, delivery timeline, escrow account details, and construction updates. As of 2026, over 1.18 lakh projects are registered across India. Source: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Checking RERA registration before paying a booking amount is the single most important step an Indian homebuyer can take. For brokers, selling an unregistered project is illegal and carries serious penalties. This guide explains what what is rera registration india means in full, who it applies to, and how to use it.
RERA Registration Defined: RERA registration is the official enrolment of a real estate project or broker/agent with the state Real Estate Regulatory Authority under the RERA Act, 2016. A registered project is assigned a unique registration number displayed on all project advertisements, sale agreements, and correspondence.
What is RERA Registration in India?
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 came into force on 1 May 2017. Every state and Union Territory was required to establish a RERA authority to implement the Act.
RERA registration exists for two reasons. First, it protects homebuyers. Before RERA, developers could collect advances from buyers for projects that had no approvals, no land title, and no completion timeline. Buyers had little recourse. RERA changed that by requiring disclosure before sales begin.
Second, it brings accountability to the sector. Developers must maintain 70% of buyer advances in a ring-fenced escrow account and use it only for construction of that specific project. They cannot move funds to another project.
A RERA registration number looks like this (format varies by state):
- Maharashtra: P51700012345
- Karnataka: PRM/KA/RERA/1251/308/PR/200814/000123
- Telangana: P02400001234
This number must appear on every advertisement, brochure, sale agreement, and website for that project. If a developer’s advertisement does not show the RERA registration number, the project is either unregistered or the developer is non-compliant. Both are red flags.
Which Real Estate Projects Must Be RERA Registered in India?
The RERA Act sets out specific thresholds for mandatory registration.
A project must be RERA registered if:
- The land area is more than 500 sq metres, or
- The project involves more than eight apartments (across all phases)
This covers the vast majority of residential and commercial developments by any mid-size or large developer.
Exemptions under RERA:
The following do not require RERA registration:
- Projects where the land area is 500 sq metres or less AND the total apartment count is eight or fewer
- Renovation or repair or redevelopment that does not involve marketing, advertising or sale of apartments
- Projects that received the occupancy certificate (OC) or completion certificate before RERA came into force in that state
Note: some states have stricter thresholds. Kerala, for example, has different provisions. Always check the state-specific RERA Act.
Real estate agents / brokers must also register with their state RERA authority. Registration is separate from the project registration. Over 25,000 agents are registered across India. Source: MoHUA 2026.
What Information Does a RERA Registration Show?
A RERA registration listing for a project reveals the following.
Project details:
- Total land area and survey/plot number
- Number of buildings, floors, and units
- Type of units (one-BHK, two-BHK, three-BHK, villa, commercial)
- Carpet area of each unit type
- Approved site plan and floor plan (downloadable)
- Land title status and encumbrance details
Developer details:
- Promoter’s name and contact information
- PAN, GST registration
- Previous project history (if applicable)
Financial details:
- Escrow account number and bank
- Amount collected from buyers so far
- Amount withdrawn from escrow
- Percentage utilised for construction
Timeline:
- Declared possession date
- Construction status updates (quarterly in most states)
- Any extensions granted by the RERA authority
Complaints and notices:
- Whether any complaints have been filed against the project
- Whether any RERA authority orders have been passed
This is the most actionable information. A project with multiple complaints and delayed construction but no updates is a serious risk. A project where the escrow balance is low relative to the amount collected and the stage of construction is also a concern.
How Do You Check RERA Registration in India?
Checking RERA registration takes under two minutes. Use the state portal for the state where the property is located.
Step 1: Go to the relevant state RERA portal (see the table below).
Step 2: Click on “Search Project” or “Project Search” (terminology varies by state).
Step 3: Enter the project name, developer name, or RERA registration number. You can also search by district or taluka.
Step 4: Open the project listing. Download the approved plan, check the possession date, review the escrow details, and look for any orders or complaints.
If you are purchasing from a broker, ask them to show you the RERA registration certificate directly from the portal. Do not accept a photocopy or a PDF. Pull the live data yourself.
RERA Portals by State in India
| State | Portal Name | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | MahaRERA | maharera.mahaonline.gov.in |
| Karnataka | K-RERA | rera.karnataka.gov.in |
| Telangana | TS RERA | rera.telangana.gov.in |
| Andhra Pradesh | AP RERA | rera.ap.gov.in |
| Uttar Pradesh | UP RERA | up-rera.in |
| Delhi | Delhi RERA | rera.delhi.gov.in |
| Haryana | HRERA | haryanarera.gov.in |
| Gujarat | GUJRERA | gujrera.gujarat.gov.in |
| Rajasthan | RRERA | rera.rajasthan.gov.in |
| Tamil Nadu | TNRERA | tnrera.in |
| Kerala | K-RERA | rera.kerala.gov.in |
| West Bengal | WBHIRA | hira.wb.gov.in |
| Madhya Pradesh | MP RERA | rerap.mp.gov.in |
| Punjab | RERA Punjab | rera.punjab.gov.in |
| Odisha | ORERA | orera.in |
Note: MahaRERA is widely regarded as India’s most functional and transparent RERA portal. It provides detailed quarterly updates, a complaints status tracker, and a publicly accessible escrow balance viewer.
How Does a RERA-Registered Project Differ from an Unregistered One?
| Factor | RERA-Registered Project | Unregistered Project |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | Compliant and can be legally sold | Illegal to market or sell |
| Escrow protection | 70% of collections ring-fenced for construction | No escrow requirement; developer can use funds freely |
| Approved plans | Available on RERA portal; changes need approval | Plans may not be approved; can change without notice |
| Delivery commitment | Legally binding possession date | No binding commitment |
| Buyer recourse | File complaint with RERA authority | Approach civil court only (slow, expensive) |
| Delay compensation | RERA mandates SBI MCLR-based compensation for delays | No legal compensation obligation |
| Advertising | Must show RERA number on all ads | No RERA number means no registration |
| Broker commission | Broker must also be RERA-registered | Broker sells without accountability |
What Are the Benefits of RERA Registration for Homebuyers in India?
RERA registration changes the power balance between buyers and developers in four specific ways.
Financial transparency. The escrow account ensures that the money you pay as booking amount or instalment goes toward your project — not to another project or the developer’s personal use. Before RERA, developers routinely moved funds from one project to pay for another. Buyers discovered projects were stalled because the money had been used elsewhere.
Completion commitment. A registered developer has committed to a specific possession date. If they miss it, they are liable to pay compensation at the SBI MCLR + 2% rate per annum on the amount paid by the buyer. For a buyer who has paid ₹50 lakh and waits two extra years, that is significant compensation.
Plan protection. Developers cannot make significant alterations to the project plan without the written consent of two-thirds of the buyers who have booked in that project. This prevents developers from reducing amenities, changing flat dimensions, or adding commercial space that buyers did not agree to.
Grievance redressal. RERA provides a fast-track grievance mechanism. The RERA authority must decide a complaint within 60 days. Civil courts take years. This speed matters when a developer is in default.
What Happens If a Real Estate Project Is Not RERA Registered in India?
Non-registration is not just a regulatory gap. It is a criminal offence under the Act.
For developers: A promoter who launches a project without RERA registration faces a penalty of up to 10% of the estimated project cost. Repeat offences carry up to three years’ imprisonment and a 10% project cost fine. RERA authorities have levied multi-crore fines on developers in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan.
For brokers/agents: A broker who sells, markets, or facilitates the sale of an unregistered project faces a penalty of up to 5% of the project’s estimated cost for each day of the violation. RERA Karnataka and MahaRERA have both cancelled broker registrations for this offence.
For buyers: If you have already paid a booking amount for an unregistered project, you can approach the RERA authority in your state or file a complaint with the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC). In some states, RERA authorities have forced developers to refund deposits with interest even where RERA registration was not completed.
What should a buyer do if they discover a project is unregistered?
Do not sign the sale agreement. Do not pay any further instalments. Send a written notice to the developer requesting clarification on the registration status. Contact a property lawyer. File a complaint with the state RERA authority if you have already paid amounts.
How Does a CRM Help Brokers Stay RERA Compliant?
For Indian brokers managing multiple projects, RERA compliance tracking is an operational challenge. A CRM built for real estate can help.
Store RERA registration numbers per project. Every project in your Realatic CRM should have the RERA registration number entered and verified against the state portal. This is part of your project setup.
Track validity and renewal dates. RERA registrations have a validity period. For ongoing projects, extensions must be filed with the authority. Your CRM can send you reminders well before the expiry date.
Document your own broker registration. Your state RERA agent registration certificate and renewal date should be stored in your profile. Realatic’s RERA compliance tools prompt you to update this before the deadline.
Capture buyer disclosures. Every buyer you work with should acknowledge that they have been shown the RERA registration details. Store this record in the lead’s file in your CRM.
See how Realatic handles RERA compliance for brokers and how the TDS compliance tools work for property transactions.
FAQ: RERA Registration in India
Is RERA registration mandatory for all real estate projects in India?
RERA registration is mandatory for all projects where the land area exceeds 500 sq metres or the apartment count exceeds eight units. Projects below these thresholds are exempt. Commercial projects, plotted developments, and villa projects in major states above these thresholds must also register. Individual home builders who are not marketing to buyers are exempt.
Can a developer start construction before RERA registration?
A developer can begin site preparation and some groundwork before RERA registration, but they cannot advertise, take bookings, or accept any advance payments from buyers before obtaining RERA registration. Any money collected before registration must be returned with interest if the registration is later denied.
How long does RERA registration take in India?
Processing time varies by state. In Maharashtra, MahaRERA typically processes applications within 30 days. In Karnataka, K-RERA takes 20 to 60 days. Faster processing is available in states with digitalised workflows. Delays occur when land documents or approvals are incomplete.
What is the difference between RERA registration and OC (Occupancy Certificate)?
RERA registration is obtained before a project launches sales. The Occupancy Certificate (OC) is issued by the local municipal authority after construction is complete and the building is certified as fit for occupation. A project can have RERA registration and still be under construction. The OC is issued at the very end. Buyers should take possession only after the developer provides the OC.
What happens to RERA registration if a developer defaults or goes bankrupt?
If a developer defaults on construction, buyers can file complaints with the RERA authority. RERA authorities have the power to appoint a registered association of buyers or a third-party agency to complete the project. In extreme cases, the RERA authority can also order a refund with compensation. MahaRERA has established a conciliation forum specifically for this type of dispute.
Is RERA registration the same as state real estate agent registration?
No. There are two separate registrations. The project registration certifies that the developer’s project is approved and compliant. The agent registration certifies that a real estate broker is authorised to transact in that state. Both are required in most states. An unregistered broker cannot legally facilitate a property transaction in states where agent RERA registration is enforced.
Can NRI buyers check RERA registration from abroad?
Yes. All major state RERA portals are accessible online from any location. An NRI buying property in India should check the RERA registration number before transferring any funds. They can also download the approved plan, possession letter, and construction updates directly from the portal.
RERA registration is not bureaucratic paperwork. It is the legal framework that protects every Indian homebuyer from fraud, fund misappropriation, and broken delivery promises. Before you book any flat or commercial unit in India, check the what is rera registration india details on the state portal. Verify the registration number. Check the escrow balance. Look at the possession date. Look for any complaints. It takes three minutes. It can save years of disputes.
Realatic’s compliance tools help brokers track RERA registration validity, store agent registration details, and capture buyer acknowledgements. Explore Realatic’s features or start free — no credit card required.