The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority, established under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), found that one-fourth of housing projects in the state breach RERA provisions after a recent compliance review across multiple districts. The regulator said these projects had failed to meet mandatory registration, disclosure and execution requirements under the law. The assessment has heightened scrutiny of ongoing developments and prompted enforcement action by the authority. The review covered projects at various stages and aimed to enforce transparency in the sector.

Common breaches identified included failure to register projects with the regulator, incomplete disclosure of project timelines and approvals, repeated delays in possession and unauthorised deviations from sanctioned plans. The regulator also reported instances of misrepresentation of amenities and discrepancies in the builder-buyer agreements that affected delivery commitments. Many developers were cited for inadequate escrow management and for not updating changes to project status on the public registry.

The authority has exercised powers under the act to issue orders that include stop sale directives, financial penalties and directions to refund purchasers or to complete pending work within stipulated timelines. Affected homebuyers have been advised to seek redress through the regulator and to use the statutory complaint mechanism rather than informal channels. Consumer groups have urged faster resolution of pending cases to reduce financial and legal hardship for purchasers.

The regulator has called on developers to improve compliance and to ensure accurate, timely disclosures on the official portal. State departments have been urged to strengthen coordination with municipal bodies to monitor project approvals and execution. Prospective buyers are advised to verify project registration, scrutinise timelines and payment terms and to consult the regulator's records before committing funds. Legal experts noted that adherence to statutory escrow norms is central to protecting purchaser funds.