Why RERA Matters for Your Property Purchase
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016 created Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) in every state. MP-RERA covers Madhya Pradesh. Key buyer protections:
- Mandatory project registration for any project >500 sq.m. or >8 units
- Defined possession timeline with builder accountability
- 70% of buyer payments must go into project-specific escrow (not other projects)
- 5-year structural warranty on construction
- Right to refund + interest if builder defaults beyond 1 year
- No advertising without RERA registration
What RERA Does NOT Cover
Important distinction — RERA only applies to certain new construction. NOT covered:
- Resale properties (homeowner-to-homeowner sales)
- Freehold plots without development
- Projects below 500 sq.m. or 8 units
- Land deals (raw land sales)
For these, manual due-diligence is essential. We do 30-year title verification on all non-RERA properties we list.
How to Verify Any RERA Number Yourself
Don't take any builder's word for it. Verify in 3 steps:
- Go to www.rera.mp.gov.in (official MP-RERA portal)
- Click "Search Project" → enter the project name or RERA registration number
- Confirm: project status (registered/expired), possession date, percentage construction complete, complaints registered
If a builder cannot give you a verifiable RERA number, that is a red flag. Walk away.
Common RERA Red Flags
- Expired RERA registration — registration has time limit, must be renewed
- Multiple complaints on portal — public record of buyer disputes
- Possession date pushed multiple times — pattern of slipping deadlines
- Percentage construction less than declared — verifies project progress
- Builder cancelled/suspended registrations — search builder history, not just project
| Project Type | Typical RERA Coverage | Verification Needed |
|---|---|---|
| New residential apartment complex | Yes (above 500 sq.m. or 8 units) | RERA + title chain + commencement certificate |
| Builder floor / row house | Yes if 8+ units | RERA + individual title |
| Plot in approved layout | Yes if layout is above 500 sq.m. | RERA + plot-level mutation |
| Standalone resale flat | No | 30-year title verification |
| Resale independent house | No | 30-year title + property tax + mutation |
| Freehold residential plot | No | Manual title chain verification |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all property projects in Ujjain RERA approved?
No. Only new construction above 500 sq.m. or 8 units requires MP-RERA. Resale properties, freehold plots, and small projects (under 8 units) do not require RERA. About 35-40% of Ujjain new-construction inventory is RERA-required.
How do I check if a project in Ujjain is RERA approved?
Visit www.rera.mp.gov.in, click Search Project, enter project name or RERA registration number. The portal shows registration status, possession date, percentage construction complete, and any complaints registered against the project.
What if I buy property that should have been RERA-registered but isn't?
You have legal recourse through MP-RERA complaint process. Builder faces penalty up to 10% of project cost. However, prevention is better — don't buy unregistered projects that should be RERA registered.
Does RERA protect me if builder delays possession?
Yes. If builder delays beyond stated possession date in RERA registration, you can: (1) wait with monthly compensation, (2) cancel and demand full refund with interest, (3) complain to MP-RERA tribunal. Effective enforcement in 70-80% of cases per published data.
Can RERA registration be cancelled?
Yes, MP-RERA can cancel registration for major violations. Cancelled projects show on the portal. Search for builder history not just project — repeat offenders are visible.
Do I need a lawyer to verify RERA documents?
Not necessarily for the RERA portal check (you can do it yourself in 5 minutes). For full due-diligence on the property purchase agreement, a lawyer review at ₹5,000-₹15,000 is advisable — small cost on a multi-lakh purchase.