The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) has been one of the biggest regulatory changes made to the real estate industry in India. The RERA was passed in 2016 and went into effect in May 2017. It was created to address persistent issues like funding mismanagement, lack of transparency, and project delays. Since each state has jurisdiction over real estate, the success of RERA has mostly rested on state adoption and implementation. RERA's implementation in almost every state over the last five years represents a significant turning point in the regulatory environment for the sector.
Examining RERA's development aids in determining how well it works to promote openness, foster confidence, and safeguard homebuyers' interests. Additionally, it offers valuable perspectives on how to enhance the regulation's influence on developers and other interested parties.
RERA’s Influence on the Residential Sector
Significant changes occurred in the residential real estate market between 2016 and 2022. During this time, several policy changes were made, but RERA was crucial in providing the industry with much-needed discipline. Residential sales and project launches increased as a result of the restoration of buyer confidence through requirements for transparency and compliance.
Prior to RERA, homebuyers frequently encountered challenges as a result of project completion delays, deceptive advertising, and hidden expenses. Developers must adhere to strict guidelines regarding project timelines and financial disclosures now that RERA is in effect. Despite short-term market disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic, RERA has generally had a positive impact by fostering a more organized and responsible real estate environment.
Reduced Project Delays
The biggest challenge in the real estate sector in India used to be project delays. It’s still a matter of concern, however, things have changed considerably. Earlier, developers often failed to complete projects on time, leaving buyers in financial distress. Additionally, many buyers fell victim to misleading advertisements that over-promised features and amenities that were never delivered.
To address these issues, RERA introduced strict guidelines requiring developers to register all projects before advertising or selling them. The Act mandates that developers disclose accurate project details, including estimated completion dates and financial aspects. If a project is delayed beyond the promised timeline, developers must compensate buyers, either by refunding their money or paying interest on the delayed period.
These provisions have significantly reduced project delays and ensured that homebuyers are not left in a financial lurch due to false promises. As a result, trust between developers and buyers has improved, making the home-buying process more reliable.
Standardised Pricing for Greater Transparency
Before RERA, developers had their methods of calculating property prices, often leading to discrepancies that confused buyers. Some builders included built-up areas, common spaces, or additional charges in pricing, making it difficult for buyers to determine the actual cost of the property.
RERA has eliminated this ambiguity by standardising pricing based on the carpet area, which is the usable space within an apartment. This ensures that buyers receive a clear and uniform pricing structure, allowing them to make informed financial decisions. The removal of hidden costs has further strengthened consumer confidence in real estate investments.
Enhanced Efficiency through State-Level Implementation
The real estate market in India varies significantly across states due to differences in local demand, regulations, and economic factors. Recognising this, RERA has been implemented at the state level through independent regulatory bodies. This decentralised approach has improved efficiency, allowing state-specific concerns to be addressed while ensuring that overall compliance with the Act remains strong.
The establishment of state-specific RERA authorities has also improved dispute resolution processes, making it easier for buyers to seek redressal in case of conflicts with developers.
A More Transparent Future for Real Estate
The real estate market in India has undergone a paradigm shift since the implementation of RERA. It has created a more professional and buyer-friendly market by placing a higher priority on accountability, transparency, and consumer protection.
Even though RERA has greatly enhanced the industry, problems still exist. The Act is still being fully implemented in some states, and enforcement mechanisms could be strengthened even more. RERA has, however, established a solid basis for a more regulated and reliable real estate sector.
The article is authored by Mohit Goel, Managing Director, Omaxe Ltd.
