MahaRERA: What Every Home Buyer in Virar Must Know Before Buying a Flat

What is MahaRERA?

MahaRERA — Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority — was established under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA Act). It became operational in Maharashtra on 1 May 2017. Its primary mandate is to regulate the real estate sector in Maharashtra, protect home buyers, and ensure project completion on time.

For home buyers in Virar, Nalasopara, and Vasai, MahaRERA is the single most important legal safeguard when purchasing a flat in any new or under-construction project.

Which Projects Must Be Registered Under MahaRERA?

Under the RERA Act, any residential project that meets all of the following criteria must be registered with MahaRERA before the builder can advertise or sell units:

• The plot area is more than 500 square metres, OR
• The project has more than 8 apartments to be sold

Most projects in Virar, Nalasopara, and Vasai easily cross these thresholds and are therefore required to be MahaRERA registered. You should not buy a flat in any project that is not RERA registered.

How to Verify a Project's RERA Registration

The official MahaRERA portal is maharera.mahaonline.gov.in. To verify a project:

1. Visit the portal and click on "Registered Projects"
2. Search by project name, registration number, or promoter name
3. Review the project details: approved plan, number of units, carpet areas, completion date, and builder's previous project history

The RERA registration number is typically in the format P51700XXXXXX for Maharashtra. Every advertisement, brochure, and sale agreement for a RERA registered project must display this number prominently.

Key Buyer Rights Under MahaRERA

• Right to information: Builders must disclose all project details — approved plans, layout, carpet area, possession date, and financial details — on the RERA portal.
• Carpet area guarantee: You pay only for carpet area (not super built-up area). The builder cannot charge you for common areas beyond what is disclosed.
• Possession date: The builder must give possession by the date specified in the registered agreement. Delay entitles you to interest at State Bank of India's marginal cost lending rate (MCLR) + 2% per annum on the amount paid.
• Structural defect liability: If any structural defect is found within 5 years of possession, the builder must rectify it free of cost within 30 days.
• Escrow account: 70% of the money collected from buyers must be deposited into a separate escrow account and can only be used for construction of that specific project.

What to Check Before Signing a Sale Agreement

1. Verify the RERA registration number on the official portal — not just on the builder's brochure.
2. Confirm the possession date mentioned in the agreement matches the RERA portal.
3. Check that the carpet area mentioned in the agreement matches what you were shown in the floor plan.
4. Understand all extra charges: GST (1% for affordable housing, 5% for other projects), stamp duty (5% in Maharashtra + 1% metro cess), registration charges, maintenance deposit, and parking.
5. Check the builder's track record on MahaRERA — have their previous projects been delivered on time?

Filing a Complaint Under MahaRERA

If a builder violates the sale agreement or RERA provisions, buyers can file a complaint directly on the MahaRERA portal. Complaints can be filed for delays, false advertising, non-refund of booking amount, or structural defects. The adjudicating officer has the power to direct the promoter to compensate the buyer and can impose penalties on the builder.

Need Help Verifying a Project?

At Prathamesh Realty, we list only MahaRERA registered projects and display the RERA registration number on every project page. If you need help verifying a project's registration or understanding a sale agreement, contact us — our team can guide you through the process at no charge.