The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 — commonly known as RERA — transformed the real estate sector in India by introducing transparency, accountability, timely delivery, and buyer protection in property transactions. RERA registration is mandatory for real estate projects and agents in most states and union territories across India, and compliance is essential for legal and successful operations in the real estate market.
At Helios Global, we provide end‑to‑end RERA registration and compliance services for developers, promoters, and real estate agents. Our team guides clients through every step of the process — from understanding statutory requirements to securing registration and maintaining ongoing compliance. Whether you are a real estate developer looking to register a project or a property agent seeking formal recognition, our services are tailored for seamless execution.
This detailed guide explains:
- What RERA is and why it was enacted
- Key features and objectives of RERA
- Who must register under RERA
- Step‑by‑step RERA registration process
- Required documents and compliance obligations
- Benefits of RERA registration
- Scope of services offered by Helios Global
- Legal and post‑registration considerations
What is RERA?
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 was introduced by the Government of India to regulate the real estate sector and protect the interests of homebuyers and other stakeholders. It establishes a statutory authority — the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) — in every state and union territory. These authorities oversee registration, enforce compliance, and resolve disputes arising from real estate transactions.
RERA applies to most residential and commercial real estate projects and requires developers, promoters, and agents to register with the authority before advertising, selling, or booking properties. The law mandates mandatory disclosures, financial discipline, timeline commitments, and grievance redressal mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in the sector.
Why is RERA Important?
Before RERA came into effect, homebuyers often faced challenges such as delays in project completion, lack of transparency regarding project status, and unfair pricing. With the introduction of RERA, the real estate sector has become more organized and fair. Key benefits include:
- Timely Delivery: RERA requires developers to commit to a timeline for project completion and imposes penalties for delays.
- Transparency: Builders must provide detailed information about the project, including approved plans, project layout, and completion schedule.
- Protection of Buyer’s Rights: Any discrepancies in the project can be addressed through RERA’s grievance redressal mechanism.
- Fair Pricing: RERA helps ensure that property prices are calculated based on the carpet area rather than the super built-up area, reducing ambiguity.
Key Objectives and Features of RERA
The overarching purpose of RERA is to bring transparency, standardization, and consumer protection to the real estate market. The overarching purpose of RERA is to bring transparency, standardization, accountability, and consumer protection to the real estate market. Specifically, RERA’s objectives include: (heliosglobal.in)
It aims to ensure ethical practices, timely project delivery, financial discipline, clear disclosures, and enhanced buyer confidence, thereby transforming the real estate sector into a more reliable and trustworthy industry for all stakeholders.
Specifically, RERA’s objectives include:
1 Protection for Homebuyers
RERA requires developers to disclose complete and accurate project information — including approvals, layout plans, legal clearances, timelines, and financial status. This empowers buyers with the data necessary to make informed decisions and pursue legal recourse in case of default or delay.
2 Increased Transparency
Project details, registrations, approvals, and updates must be made available on the official state RERA portal. This transparency builds trust, reduces information asymmetry, and prevents misleading or fraudulent practices.
3 Accountability of Developers
Developers are held responsible for completing projects within the registered timeline. Failure to adhere to agreed deadlines or altering project plans without consent can result in penalties, financial compensation to buyers, or other regulatory actions.
4 Standardization of Practices
RERA ensures uniform standards in real estate documentation, disclosures, and practices across states. Promoters must follow standardized formats for advertising, contract terms, pricing based on carpet area, and construction schedules.
5 Financial Discipline and Escrow Norms
One of the most impactful requirements under RERA is that developers must deposit at least 70% of the funds collected from buyers into a separate escrow account. These funds must be used only for the construction and land costs for that specific project, preventing diversion of money to unrelated ventures and safeguarding project completion.
6 Dispute Resolution Framework
RERA establishes a regulatory authority and associated Appellate Tribunal to facilitate fast and effective resolution of complaints and disputes between buyers, developers, agents, and other stakeholders. This mechanism significantly reduces the time, cost, and complexity of litigation for real estate disputes.
Who Must Register Under RERA?
The RERA Act mandates registration for:
1 Real Estate Promoters and Developers
Any individual, company, firm, or authority that undertakes the development, sale, or marketing of real estate projects must register under RERA if the project:
- Extends over an area exceeding 500 square meters, or
- Includes more than eight apartments (inclusive of all phases).
Certain exemptions may apply for smaller projects, renovation or repair works that do not involve new allotments, or projects with completed certificates issued before the enactment of RERA.
2 Real Estate Agents
Real estate brokers and agents involved in facilitating the sale or purchase of properties in RERA‑registered projects must also obtain a separate RERA agent registration. This ensures that agents operate with ethical standards, maintain proper documentation, and provide transparent services to buyers and sellers.
RERA Registration Process
- The RERA registration process involves a series of steps that must be completed before a project or agent can operate legally in the real estate market. The exact procedure may vary slightly by state, but the core steps are generally uniform:
1 Prepare Required Documentation
Collect all essential documents, including project blueprints, legal clearances, land title deeds, financial statements, approvals from municipal bodies, and promoter credentials. For agents, identity proof, business registration, and experience documentation are required.
2 Fill Out the Application Form Promoters and agents must complete the prescribed application form on the official state RERA portal. Accurate data entry and correct document uploads are crucial, as any discrepancies can lead to delays or rejection.
3 Submit Fees
RERA charges registration fees for projects and agents, typically payable online during application submission. These fees vary by state but are a necessary part of the registration process.
4 Verification by RERA Authority
Once the application is submitted, the state RERA authority reviews the documents, verifies details, and may request additional information or clarifications. A thorough review ensures that compliance requirements are met before a certificate is issued.
5 Issuance of Registration Certificate
Upon successful verification, the authority grants an official RERA registration certificate — typically valid for five years for projects and three to five years for agents. Registered entities must renew before expiry to maintain compliance.
6 Post‑Registration Compliance
After registration, promoters must regularly update project progress, financial disclosures, and construction status on the RERA portal. Agents must maintain transaction records and adhere to ethical practices as regulated.
Documents Required for RERA Registration
While the exact document list may vary between states, the core requirements include:
For Developers and Projects:
- Project layout plans, architectural drawings, and approvals
- Title deeds and land ownership documents
- Estimated cost of the project and finances
- Details of contractors, architects, and consultants
- Builder’s credentials and regulatory approvals
- Escrow account details demonstrating compliance with fund allocation norms
For Real Estate Agents:
- Identity and address proof of the applicant
- PAN card and tax registration details
- Proof of professional experience and credentials
- Digital copies of business registration and licenses
- Fee payment proof and signed declaration attesting to ethical practices
Compliance Obligations After Registration
1 Quarterly and Annual Updates
Registered projects must provide frequent progress updates, including construction status, approvals obtained, and any changes to project plans. This continuous disclosure ensures buyer confidence and market transparency. Compliance Calendar LLP
2 Financial Discipline
Promoters must maintain stringent financial discipline by placing funds in the escrow account and ensuring they are used only for project‑related costs. This prevents diversion and protects buyer investments. ezyLegal
3 Maintenance of Records
Both promoters and agents must maintain detailed records of all transactions, correspondence, and agreements related to their registered projects or dealings. These records may be audited or inspected by the authority. India Stats Filings
4 Dispute Management
RERA includes robust mechanisms for dispute resolution. Buyers can file complaints with the authority, which is empowered to adjudicate disputes, impose penalties, and order refunds or compensation in appropriate cases.
Penalties for Non‑Compliance
Failure to adhere to RERA regulations carries strict penalties:
- Unregistered Projects: Developers who market or sell without registration can face fines up to 10% of the project cost and other sanctions.
- Agents Without Registration: Agents operating without a valid RERA license may be fined daily, potentially up to ₹10,000 per day, and barred from continuing transactions. e or misleading data can result in legal action, including fines and imprisonment in extreme cases.
These penalties are designed to uphold the integrity of the sector and protect consumer interests.
Benefits of RERA Registration
RERA registration offers substantial advantages for all stakeholders in the real estate ecosystem:
1 Buyer Protection and Confidence
Buyers gain assurance of project transparency, legal compliance, and delivery timelines. Legal recourse and dispute‑resolution mechanisms give them added protection in case of default.
2 Transparency and Accountability
Mandatory disclosures and project updates facilitate transparency that was previously absent in the sector. This accountability helps prevent fraud, misrepresentation, and hidden costs.
3 Standardized Practices
Developers and agents benefit from standardized documentation and uniform processes that reduce ambiguity and streamline transactions.
4 Financial Discipline
Escrow account norms and financial reporting reduce mismanagement of project funds, improve liquidity discipline, and encourage responsible project execution.
5 Market Credibility
RERA compliance enhances a promoter or agent’s credibility with buyers, investors, and financial institutions — often leading to higher demand and investor interest.
Scope of RERA Registration Services by Helios Global
At Helios Global, we provide expert, customized, and comprehensive support for RERA registration and compliance. Our services include:
1 Personalized Advisory and Assessment
We begin with a thorough consultation to assess your projects or business model and determine applicable RERA requirements. Our experts help identify compliance gaps, timelines, and strategic objectives to ensure a smooth start.
2 End‑to‑End Documentation Support
Preparing accurate documentation is critical. Helios Global assists with document preparation, verification, and submission, reducing errors and rejection risks.
3 Application Preparation and Submission
We manage the entire application process on your behalf including professional drafting, uploading to the state RERA portal, fee submission, and follow‑ups with regulatory authorities to expedite approval.
4 Compliance Planning and Execution
Beyond registration, our team helps you establish continuous compliance systems quarterly project updates, escrow account maintenance, architectural disclosures, financial statements, and statutory updates.
5 Regulatory Liaison and Representation
We represent you in communications with the state RERA authority, respond to queries, and handle clarifications or requests from regulators to ensure timely approval and compliance.
6 Post‑Registration Support
After registration, Helios Global stays with you throughout the lifecycle of your project or business. We help maintain proper progress reports, renew licenses or registrations, and strategize for future projects and expansions.
This end‑to‑end support ensures that your RERA compliance is seamless, efficient, and strategically aligned with growth objectives.
Legal and Strategic Considerations
RERA compliance is not simply a legal obligation — it is a strategic advantage in the real estate market. With RERA, developers and agents demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and reliability. Adhering to regulations creates trust, strengthens brand reputation, simplifies access to financing, and encourages long‑term investment and partnerships.
Non‑compliance, on the other hand, exposes promoters and agents to legal liability, financial penalties, project delays, and damaged reputation — all of which can materially impact business viability.
Why Choose Us?
- Expert Guidance: Our team of legal and real estate professionals are well-versed with RERA guidelines across different states.
- Comprehensive Services: We cover all aspects of RERA compliance, from registration to dispute resolution, making us a one-stop solution for your needs.
- Customer-Centric Approach: We prioritize your needs and tailor our services to ensure you get the best outcome possible.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions or need assistance with RERA-related services, contact us today. Our experts are here to help you navigate the complexities of the real estate sector and ensure a smooth and compliant experience.