Delays in Gujarat RERA Hit Real Estate

Developers in Gujarat are facing prolonged wait times for project registrations with the Gujarat Real Estate Registration Authority (RERA). This delay is attributed to the absence of a chairperson for an extended period within the state's real estate regulatory body. As a result, the authority's operations are expected to take some time to normalize. Sources reveal that the registration process is now more time-consuming, with over 500 consumer complaints pending for hearing at RERA. In early October, there were around 450 pending registration applications for new projects. There was no chairperson at RERA for almost eight months, and members also retired. Now, all positions have been filled, but the new team is getting familiar with the processes, resulting in some delays. The process will get streamlined again soon, explained a source within RERA. Previously, a project could secure its registration number within 35 days of the application. Now, this timeframe has expanded to approximately two months, leading to a backlog of pending files. Developers are hopeful that things will return to normalcy by Diwali. Buyers who have sought RERA's intervention in disputes with developers are also experiencing delays in hearings. There are reportedly about 800 pending consumer applications against developers. Due to a hiatus in hearings for a few months, these cases have accumulated. However, the authority has begun addressing these matters, indicating that resolutions for these cases will be forthcoming. Last year and earlier this year, Ahmedabad witnessed a substantial number of land deals, prompting many developers to plan project launches during the festival season. However, they are now awaiting RERA approvals before proceeding with their ventures.