Difference Between RERA-registered and RERA-approved Projects

Understanding what is the difference between RERA-registered and RERA-approved projects can help you make secure investments – by ensuring transparency, accountability, legal compliance, and enhanced protection in the real estate market.

The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) has transformed the Indian property market, by introducing transparency, accountability, and legal safeguards for homebuyers. However, terms like ‘RERA-registered’ and ‘RERA-approved’ create confusion among buyers. Both indicate compliance with certain standards, but they differ in scope, implications, and benefits for consumers.

This blog helps you understand what is the difference between RERA-registered and RERA-approved projects – explaining their definitions, requirements, and key features. It also addresses common misconceptions, provides tips to verify a project’s RERA status, and highlights the benefits of choosing RERA-registered projects for a secure investment. With this blog, you will be equipped to take informed decisions in your property journey.

Importance of RERA in Real Estate

RERA has redefined the real estate landscape of India, by fostering transparency, accountability, and consumer protection. It ensures you make secure property investments through regulated processes. Here is why RERA is pivotal in the sector:

• Consumer Confidence: Mandates disclosure of project details, ensuring transparency
• Timely Completion: Developers are legally bound to adhere to timelines, with compensation for delays
• Financial Security: 70% of project funds are allocated to an escrow account, and are utilised exclusively for project construction
• Standardised Practices: Protects against misleading advertisements and false claims
• Grievance Redressal: RERA tribunals offer swift resolution
• End to Malpractices: Guarantees compliance with legal approvals and quality standards

What are RERA-registered Projects?

This term refers to a real estate development that has been formally registered under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act with the relevant state authority. RERA-registered projects ensure that the developer has complied with essential legal and procedural requirements, thereby increasing accountability and transparency.

To qualify for RERA registration, developers must submit the following:

• Approved building plans and layout designs
• Details of the land title and ownership
• Financial disclosures, including funding sources for the project
• Project timelines and delivery schedules
• Certification ensuring the property is free from legal disputes

Key Features of RERA-registered projects

RERA-registered projects are designed to protect your interests and ensure a transparent and reliable property-buying experience. Here are the key features that make them a secure choice for buyers:

• Basic Compliance: RERA registration signifies that the project meets the minimum regulatory requirements set by the Act, ensuring legal and procedural adherence
• Unique Registration Number: Each project receives a unique registration number, allowing you to download its documents and track its status, on the state RERA website for added clarity
• Developer Accountability: The registration holds developers accountable for their commitments – ensuring adherence to timelines, quality standards, and financial transparency

By choosing RERA-registered projects, you secure your investment and benefit from a regulated, buyer-friendly environment.

Benefits of Choosing RERA-registered Projects for Homebuyers

Investing in RERA-registered projects offers unparalleled advantages, ensuring a secure and transparent homebuying experience. With the RERA Act in place, homebuyers enjoy the following key benefits:

• Transparency: Developers must disclose detailed information about the project, including layout plans, approvals, and completion timelines – enabling you to take informed decisions
• Accountability: RERA holds developers accountable for their promises, ensuring adherence to timelines and preventing delays in project completion
• Legal Protection: Buyers can track a project’s unique registration number on the state RERA portal, verifying its compliance with regulations and minimising risks
• Financial Security: Developers must deposit a portion of funds collected from buyers into a dedicated escrow account, ensuring that money is utilised only for the intended project
• Timely Dispute Resolution: RERA provides an efficient grievance redressal mechanism, allowing you to address disputes swiftly and effectively
• Assured Quality: RERA mandates developers to fix structural defects reported within 5 years of possession, offering long-term assurance

By choosing RERA-registered projects, you safeguard your investment while benefiting from transparency, accountability, and legal security.

What are RERA-approved Projects?

RERA-approved projects signify a level of reliability that provides assurance to homebuyers. While all RERA-registered projects adhere to the compliance standards outlined by the Act, RERA-approved projects go further. Their status indicates that the project has been thoroughly vetted, and has received the necessary approvals from the respective state regulatory authority.

This additional layer of scrutiny ensures that the project meets essential criteria – such as clear land titles, proper building permissions, and adherence to legal & safety standards. For buyers, this approval acts as a hallmark of the project’s credibility and viability.

How to Check if a Project is RERA-approved or Not

Approval assures compliance with the RERA Act, offering transparency and safeguarding your investment. However, understanding what is the difference between RERA-registered and approved projects can provide additional clarity.

While RERA-registered projects obtain registration under the Act and are listed on the respective state’s RERA portal, RERA-approved projects ensure full compliance with all regulations. Here is how you can verify whether a project is RERA-approved.

1. Visit the State RERA WebsiteEvery state in India has a dedicated RERA portal. Start by visiting the website of the state where the project is located. For instance, if you are considering a project in Bangalore, access the Karnataka RERA website.
2. Search for the ProjectClick Services >> Project Status on the RERA portal.
3. Verify Registration DetailsCheck the registration certificate. Ensure the details match the information provided by the developer. You can input details like the project name, developer name, or RERA registration number. The results will display relevant project information.
4. Consult the Developer’s DocumentsAsk the developer to share the RERA registration certificate. Authentic projects will readily provide this document, as it is a key compliance marker. Compare the certificate details with those listed on the RERA portal, to check for discrepancies.
5. Scrutinise the Project StatusOnce you locate the project on the RERA portal, review its status. Click on ‘Applications Approved’. You can input details like the project name, developer name, or RERA registration number. The results will display relevant project information, including its approval status.

Key Differences Between RERA-registered and RERA-approved Projects

RERA-registered projects are legally recognised under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, ensuring compliance with all RERA guidelines – including transparency, timely updates, and buyer protection.

In contrast, the term RERA-approved is informal and often used for marketing purposes, but does not indicate any additional legal status or approval beyond registration. To ensure authenticity and compliance, buyers should verify and figure out what is the difference between RERA-registered and approved projects. Here is a quick comparison to help you navigate the nuances:

Aspect	RERA-registered Projects	RERA-approved Projects
Definition	Projects listed under RERA for compliance tracking	Projects vetted and approved by the state authority
Scope	Applies to all real estate projects that have applied	Limited to projects meeting compliance criteria
Transparency	Offers ongoing updates and disclosure requirements	Ensures pre-launch adherence to legal standards
Legal Backing	Protects buyers under the RERA Act provisions	Adds a layer of credibility and regulatory approval

By knowing what is the difference between RERA-registered and RERA-approved projects, you can choose the option that aligns with your investment priorities – ensuring both transparency and peace of mind.

Why Terminology Can Be Confusing?

Navigating real estate jargon can be challenging for buyers. Misinterpreting what is the difference between RERA-registered and approved projects can lead to costly mistakes in investments.

Common Misconceptions Among Buyers

1. Equating Registration with Approval: Many buyers assume that RERA registration automatically means the project is approved, overlooking the additional scrutiny that approval entails
2. Blind Trust in Developer Claims: Some buyers rely solely on verbal assurances from developers, without verifying the official documents
3. Confusion Over Legal Protections: Buyers may not realise that registered projects follow compliance standards, but may lack pre-launch vetting that approved projects have

Tips for Identifying Misleading Claims

• Verify Official Details: Always cross-check project details on the state RERA portal
• Request Documentation: Insist on viewing the RERA registration certificate and approval documentation
• Understand Key Differences: Be clear about what is the difference between RERA-registered and approved projects to avoid confusion
• Look for Consistency: Ensure that the developer’s claims match the information listed on the RERA portalBy staying informed and vigilant, you can confidently understand what is the difference between RERA-registered and approved projects.Read More: RERA Approved Projects: Importance, Benefits, Approval Criteria

Conclusion

Understanding what is the difference between RERA-registered and RERA-approved projects is key to taking informed property decisions. While both ensure compliance with the Act, RERA-approved projects offer an additional layer of scrutiny and reliability. By verifying a project’s RERA status and staying vigilant, you can protect your investment and enjoy transparency, accountability, and legal safeguards.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between RERA-registered and RERA-approved projects?

The difference between RERA-registered and RERA-approved projects lies in their level of compliance. RERA-registered projects are have completed the registration process with the RERA Authority and are listed in its database. RERA-approved projects have not only been registered, but have also undergone additional scrutiny, meeting specific regulatory standards including compliance with legal requirements and project specifications.

2. What does RERA-approved mean?

RERA-approved means a project has undergone thorough scrutiny by the authority, ensuring adherence to necessary regulations and standards. This includes verifying land titles, project plans, and timelines for completion.

3. Is it safe to buy RERA-approved projects?

Yes, it is safe to buy RERA-approved projects, due to the legal protections and transparency they offer. These projects are subject to strict guidelines that help mitigate risks such as delays or non-compliance.

4. What happens if a project is not RERA-registered?

If a project is not RERA-registered, it lacks legal recognition, which can lead to significant risks for buyers – including potential fraud, lack of accountability from developers, and no assurance of timely delivery or quality standards.

5. How can I check if a project is RERA-registered?

You can check if a project is RERA-registered, by visiting the official RERA website of your respective state. Search for the project using its name or RERA number or developer name, to access the registration information, ensuring transparency and compliance.

6. What are the benefits of RERA registration for homebuyers?

The benefits of RERA registration for homebuyers are transparency, ensuring clear information about project timelines and specifications, and legal protection – offering recourse with the RERA authority in case of disputes. Additionally, timely delivery is assured, as developers are required to adhere to completion schedules, while financial security is provided by protecting against financial losses arising from delays or cancellations.

7. What is the meaning of a RERA registration number?

The meaning of a RERA registration number is that it is a unique identifier assigned to each registered project. It allows buyers to track the project's status and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, providing transparency and accountability in real estate transactions.

8. What is a completion certificate under RERA?

A completion certificate under RERA is issued by the developer upon finishing a project, according to approved plans and regulations. This document confirms that the construction meets all the relevant laws and standards.

9. Why is RERA registration mandatory for projects?

RERA registration is mandatory for projects, to enhance accountability and protect buyer interests in the real estate market.

10. Is RERA registration required for completed projects?

Yes, RERA registration is required for completed projects if they are being sold or advertised post-enactment of the Act in 2016. This ensures ongoing compliance with regulations aimed at protecting buyers.