The Indian real estate sector has long been one of the country’s largest industries, offering millions of people the dream of homeownership. Yet for years, buyers faced challenges—delays in project completion, hidden clauses, unverified builders, and missing approvals. To bring order and transparency to this sector, the Government of India introduced the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, popularly known as RERA.
RERA was designed to safeguard the interests of homebuyers and increase accountability among builders and real-estate agents. Every residential or commercial real-estate project and every real-estate agent must now be registered under RERA before advertising or selling any unit. Once approved, the authority issues a unique RERA registration number, a legal identification code that confirms the project follows all regulatory norms.
In 2025, knowing and verifying the RERA registration number has become a crucial step before investing in any property in India.
What Is a RERA Registration Number?
A RERA registration number is a unique identification code assigned by the state’s Real Estate Regulatory Authority to every registered project, developer, or agent. This number validates that the promoter has received all required approvals and that the project complies with the RERA Act’s legal framework.
For example, a registration number like UPRERA/PRJ/12345/2025 indicates that the project is registered with the Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UPRERA).
This number acts as proof that:
The builder has submitted authentic documents and clear land titles.
The project’s details—layout plan, carpet area, timeline, and financials—are uploaded on the official RERA website.
The project is under continuous supervision by the state RERA body.
Without this registration, a developer cannot advertise, market, book, or sell any property legally.
Why Is RERA Registration Important for Buyers?
The RERA registration number is far more than a code; it represents trust, transparency, and legal assurance. Here are the major reasons why it matters:
Legal Protection
When you buy a RERA-registered property, you are protected under the RERA Act. Any dispute or delay can be reported to the state authority, and you can seek compensation or refund through a quick resolution process.
Transparency in Transactions
All RERA-registered builders must disclose full project details—such as layout, carpet area, approvals, contractor names, possession timelines, and bank account details—on the official portal. This ensures buyers make fully informed decisions.
Accountability of Builders
Under RERA, builders are accountable for project timelines. Any delay attracts penalties or mandatory compensation to the buyer.
Proper Use of Funds
Developers must deposit 70% of the project’s collected funds in a separate bank account, ensuring the money is used solely for that project’s construction.
Enhanced Credibility
A builder or agent with a valid RERA number instantly gains credibility in the market. Buyers, banks, and financial institutions prefer RERA-compliant properties for loans and financing.
How to Check RERA Registration Number Online: Step-by-Step Process
Each Indian state and union territory operates its own official RERA portal. Here’s how you can verify a RERA registration number or search for project details online:
Visit your state’s official RERA website.
Example: For Delhi – rera.delhi.gov.in; for Maharashtra – maharera.mahaonline.gov.in.
Locate the “Registered Projects” or “Registered Agents” section.
Most websites feature these options on the home page.
Enter the search details.
You can search using:
Project name
Promoter/builder name
RERA registration number
Location or district
Click on the Search button.
View the results.
The page will display project details including:
Registration number
Developer name and address
Project status and completion timeline
Approvals and layout plans
Complaint details (if any)
Download or verify details.
You can even download the PDF registration certificate directly from most RERA portals.
State-Wise RERA Portals in India (Updated 2025)
Each of these portals allows citizens to verify project status, check documents, file complaints, and access builder details.
How Builders and Agents Obtain RERA Registration
For Builders or Promoters
To register a project, the developer must:
Submit the project layout, sanctioned plan, land ownership documents, and NOCs.
Provide the expected timeline for project completion.
Disclose details of previous projects.
Pay the applicable registration fee.
Receive a unique RERA registration number upon approval.
The registration remains valid until the declared project completion date, after which the builder must apply for renewal if required.
For Real Estate Agents
Every real estate agent facilitating property sales must register under RERA. The process includes:
Submitting identity proof, business details, and photographs.
Uploading PAN card, address proof, and firm documents.
Paying the registration fee (varies by state).
Obtaining a RERA agent ID valid for five years.
Agents are required to quote their RERA registration number in every advertisement or property listing they handle.
Selling or advertising an unregistered project is a punishable offence under Section 59 of the RERA Act. Developers caught doing so may face:
Penalties up to 10% of the estimated project cost.
Revocation of registration and ban from future projects.
Imprisonment for repeated violations.
For buyers, this means that investing in an unregistered property is extremely risky. Without RERA oversight, you lose legal protection, and your investment remains vulnerable to fraud or indefinite delays.
How to File a Complaint Under RERA
If you encounter problems such as delayed possession, false promises, or deviation from approved plans, you can file a complaint through the state’s RERA website. Here’s how:
Go to the “Complaint Registration” section of your state RERA portal.
Fill in your personal details, project name, and developer information.
Attach supporting documents such as booking receipts, builder-buyer agreement, and correspondence.
Pay a nominal fee online (usually between ₹1000–₹5000).
Submit the complaint and note your reference number.
The RERA authority usually reviews cases within 60 days, ensuring quicker justice compared to traditional legal systems.
Not verifying RERA registration number:
Many buyers still rely only on brochures or word-of-mouth claims. Always cross-check the project on the official RERA portal before paying any token amount.
Ignoring land ownership documents:
RERA registration ensures legality, but always verify whether the developer owns or has legal possession of the land.
Not reading agreement clauses:
Review penalty clauses, possession timelines, and refund conditions carefully.
Not checking builder’s past record:
Most RERA portals allow you to view earlier projects and complaint history of a builder.
Confusing carpet area with super built-up area:
Under RERA, sale must be based on carpet area only. Ensure you understand the exact livable space you are paying for.
Real-World Example: Checking a Project in Noida
Suppose you are planning to buy a flat in Noida Sector 150.
To verify its authenticity:
Visit www.up-rera.in.
Select “Registered Projects.”
Enter the builder’s name or project name.
Review the details such as registration number, land records, and timeline.
If you find the project listed with an active RERA registration number, it means the builder is legally approved to sell. You can also download documents like layout plans and building approvals directly from the website.
Key Benefits of Buying a RERA-Registered Property
| Benefit | Description |
|---|
| Legal Assurance | Buyers have clear rights and can file complaints easily. |
| Transparency | Full disclosure of project details ensures informed decisions. |
| Financial Safety | Builder must use funds only for that specific project. |
| Accountability | Regular updates and timelines are mandatory. |
| Loan Approval | Banks and NBFCs prefer RERA-approved properties for home loans. |
How to Identify Fake RERA Numbers
With the rise in property marketing, some developers misuse the term “RERA approved” without real registration. Be alert for these warning signs:
The number format doesn’t match the state pattern.
When searched on the official portal, the number shows “No record found.”
The developer hesitates to share official documents or registration proof.
The project’s name differs slightly from the one registered.
Always verify on the official RERA website, not third-party property listing portals.
Penalties and Legal Consequences Under RERA
For Developers:
Up to 10% of project cost or imprisonment up to 3 years.
For Real-Estate Agents:
Penalty of ₹10,000 per day till compliance or up to 5% of the property cost.
For Buyers (non-compliance):
Even buyers must adhere to payment schedules. Delay may attract small penalties.
The objective is to ensure fairness for all parties and maintain credibility in the market.
The Future of RERA in 2025 and Beyond
Since its implementation, RERA has transformed India’s property landscape. In 2025, states are further digitizing the process—integrating online dashboards, AI-based project monitoring, and real-time complaint tracking.
The emphasis is on complete transparency, making it easier for homebuyers to access data and take informed decisions. Future updates may include pan-India project mapping, builder credit rating, and integration with property tax systems.
For professionals such as architects and interior designers, RERA also opens opportunities to collaborate with verified projects, ensuring legal compliance in design and execution stages.
Conclusion
A RERA registration number is much more than a legal requirement—it is a trust certificate for homebuyers. Whether you are buying your first apartment, investing in a commercial property, or hiring an interior designer for a new home, the first step should always be to verify the project’s RERA registration.
It protects you from fraudulent developers, ensures timely delivery, and guarantees that your investment remains secure. As India’s real estate market grows, RERA continues to play a crucial role in shaping a transparent, fair, and accountable property ecosystem.
Before you sign any agreement, remember this golden rule:
Verify the RERA registration number. If it’s not registered, it’s not worth your investment.