The real estate market in Karnataka, particularly in cities like Bengaluru, has seen rapid growth over the past decade. However, with expansion came concerns over delayed possession, non-transparent dealings, and unregistered builders. To address these issues and instill trust, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) was implemented across India, including in Karnataka.
What Is RERA Karnataka?
Karnataka RERA (KRERA) is the state-level authority responsible for regulating and promoting transparency in real estate transactions within the state. It became fully functional in July 2017, and since then, it has made it mandatory for all eligible residential and commercial real estate projects and agents to register under its platform.
How RERA Karnataka Protects Homebuyers
1. Mandatory Project Registration
All real estate developers must register projects with RERA Karnataka before any marketing, selling, or advertising. Unregistered projects are illegal to promote or sell.
2. Escrow Accounts
Developers are required to deposit 70% of the funds collected from buyers into a separate bank account dedicated to that project, ensuring the money is used for construction and not diverted elsewhere.
3. Timely Delivery
If the builder fails to complete the project within the promised timeline, the buyer is entitled to a full refund with interest or can choose to wait and receive compensation for the delay.
4. Transparency in Project Details
Buyers can view detailed project information online, including:
- Project approval status
- Timeline for delivery
- Land ownership documents
- Sanctioned layouts
- List of agents involved
5. Legal Recourse
RERA Karnataka provides a fast and efficient grievance redressal mechanism. Buyers can file complaints against developers or agents for delays, quality issues, or violations of the Act.
How to Check Project Approval & Builder Registration on Karnataka RERA
It’s simple to verify if a project or builder is registered under KRERA. Follow these steps:
To Check Project Registration:
1. Visit the official website: https://rera.karnataka.gov.in
2. Click on “Registered Projects” under the “Search” section.
3. Enter the project name, promoter name, or RERA registration number.
4. View project details including layout plans, construction status, timelines, and more.
To Verify Builder/Promoter Registration:
1. On the same website, click “Registered Promoters”.
2. Enter the builder’s name or firm name.
3. You can check the promoter’s past and current projects, registration status, and compliance records.
RERA Karnataka is a crucial safeguard for homebuyers in the state. By mandating transparency, ensuring legal compliance, and enforcing accountability, KRERA is helping to clean up the real estate sector and restore buyer confidence. Before investing in any property, it is highly advisable to check the project and promoter’s registration on the official RERA Karnataka portal.