Buying a Flat? Here’s How to Use the RERA Website to Avoid Fraud

Homebuyer checking RERA website to verify builder credentials and avoid real estate fraud before purchasing a flat

Buying a home in metropolitan cities like Pune, Mumbai, or Bangalore is a dream come true for many, a milestone that brings both excitement and financial responsibility. As one of the biggest investments most people make, it’s important to approach it with caution. With the rise in real estate scams and project delays, safeguarding your investment has never been more critical. This is where the RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) becomes an essential tool for homebuyers. Established under the RERA Act, the platform provides transparent and reliable information about developers, projects, and their legal status. In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to use the MAHARERA website effectively to verify crucial details and avoid potential fraud before finalizing your flat purchase.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you check crucial project and builder information on the MAHARERA website before buying a flat:

Step 1: Visit the Official RERA Website of the State

Before buying a flat, the first step every homebuyer should take is to visit the official RERA website. In India, each state has its own dedicated RERA portal. For example, if you're purchasing property in Maharashtra, head to https://www.maharera.maharashtra.gov.in. To ensure you're on the official government site, always check that the web address includes “. gov.in”—this confirms it’s a legitimate MAHARERA portal and not a third-party site.

Step 2: Search for the Project You're Interested In

Once you’re on the official MAHARERA portal, the next step is to search for the project you’re planning to invest in. Look for Registered Projects under the Projects section; these are typically easy to find on the homepage or under the main menu.

You can search using any of the following details:

•  Project Name

•  MAHARERA Registration Number

•  Location (Division, District or pin code)
  

Entering accurate information will help you quickly access the project’s full profile, including its registration status, approvals, and timelines.

Alternatively, you can use the “Advanced Search” option to view all projects on a map. This feature allows you to see every registered project under construction in the specific area you're interested in, giving you a better understanding of the local real estate landscape.

Step 3: Verify the Project's MAHARERA Registration

Make sure the project is registered with MAHARERA. A valid registration confirms that the builder is legally allowed to sell and develop the property.

Check:

• Registration number

• Registration validity (start and end dates)

• Current project status (ongoing, completed, delayed, etc.)
  

Step 4: Review Project Details

Once you’ve verified that the project is registered with MAHARERA and you're confident in its basic details, the next step is to closely examine the project profile on the RERA portal. This section contains essential documents and disclosures that can help you make a decision.

• Land title status – This document reveals who legally owns the land and whether the developer has full rights to construct on it. It also indicates if there are any existing encumbrances—like mortgages, legal disputes, or other claims—which could affect the property’s legal standing.

• Approved building plans – These plans should be sanctioned by the local municipal authority and must match what the builder has presented in brochures, ads, or on-site visits. Verifying this ensures that the construction is lawful and not deviating from approved designs.

• Project timeline – The RERA profile will mention when the construction began and the proposed completion date.

• Layout plan – This includes features like parking or landscaped areas. What’s listed here is legally binding, so it gives you a clear picture of what the builder is obligated to deliver. By thoroughly reviewing the project profile on the RERA portal, you can make a much more informed and secure decision before committing to a property purchase.
  

Step 5: Go Through the other Legal Documents

After reviewing the project details and approved plans, the next critical step is to examine the key legal documents uploaded by the developer on the MAHARERA portal. These documents are not just formalities—they provide the legal backbone of the project and protect your interests as a buyer. such as:

• Commencement Certificate (CC)

• Declaration Form B

• CA certificate (form 5)

• Encumbrance Certificate (EC)

Step 6: Check the Builder/Promoter's Track Record

Once you’re confident about the details of the current project, it’s wise to take a step further and evaluate the developer’s overall credibility. On the RERA portal, this can be done by exploring the Promoter section. Simply enter the name of the developer or builder to access a list of all projects associated with them. This section gives you valuable insights into their past performance, including completed projects, any delays or deviations, and ongoing developments. Most importantly, you’ll be able to check if there are any pending complaints or legal disputes filed against the builder. This background check helps you assess whether the developer has a consistent track record of delivering projects on time, fulfilling commitments, and maintaining financial stability. 

Step 7: Look at Complaints and Litigation (if any)

Many MAHARERA portals have a “complaints” or “grievance” section where you can see if any buyers have filed legal complaints against the builder or project. This gives you insight into the builder’s credibility and buyer satisfaction.

Using the MAHARERA website is more than a formality—it’s a powerful way to ensure your real investment is safe, legal, and reliable.