How to verify a project's RERA registration in Punjab

Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, most residential and commercial projects must be registered with the state's real estate regulatory authority before they are advertised, marketed or sold. In Punjab, that is the Punjab Real Estate Regulatory Authority. Checking registration yourself takes about ten minutes and is the single most useful check you can make.

Step by step

1. Go to the official portal at rera.punjab.gov.in and open the registered projects search.
2. Search by project name, promoter (developer) name or registration number. If you were given a number, search by it and confirm the project name and promoter match exactly.
3. Check the registration validity date. Compare it with the possession date you've been promised.
4. Open the project details to see the promoter's filings: approvals, sanctioned plans and the quarterly progress updates promoters are required to file.
5. Check whether the specific phase or tower you are being offered is covered. Large projects are often registered phase by phase under different numbers.
6. Look at the Authority's notices for projects flagged as unregistered or under action.

Red flags

• "Pre-launch", "EOI" or "soft launch" offers for a project that has no registration number.
• A number that belongs to a different project, phase or promoter.
• Advertising that says "RERA approved". Registration is not an approval of the project's quality or returns.
• Pressure to pay a large amount before signing a written agreement for sale. Under section 13 of the Act, a promoter cannot take more than 10% of the cost as an advance or application fee without first entering into a registered agreement for sale.
• Promises of assured returns, buy-back or guaranteed rent with no clear written terms.

Agents must be registered too

Real estate agents who facilitate sales in registered projects must themselves register with RERA and quote their registration number. You can ask any broker, including us, for their agent registration number and check it on the same portal.

This article is general information, not legal advice. For title and agreement review, consult an independent lawyer.