What is RERA and Why Was It Introduced?

The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, passed in 2016, established RERA, aimed at bringing accountability, efficiency, and consumer protection to India’s real estate sector.

Before RERA, homebuyers often faced challenges:

• Builders diverting funds to other projects.

   

• False promises on possession dates.

   

• Misrepresentation of property specifications.

   

• Complicated legal recourse in case of disputes.

   

With RERA, every state has its own authority (e.g., ORERA in Odisha), mandating project registration, verified documentation, clear timelines, and legal enforcement mechanisms.

Key Benefits of RERA-Approved Projects in 2025

1️. Verified Project Details and Documentation

RERA mandates that developers disclose all critical project information on state RERA portals:

• Approved plans and layouts

   

• Land titles and ownership proof

   

• Completion timelines and phase schedules

   

• Status of approvals and licenses

   

This public database allows homebuyers to verify legitimacy before investing, reducing risks of fraudulent or incomplete projects.

2️. Escrow Account Protection for Your Payments

One of RERA’s strongest safeguards is its escrow rule:

• Builders must deposit 70% of buyer payments into a dedicated escrow account.

   

• Funds can only be used for construction and land costs for that specific project.

   

This prevents fund diversion—a common issue pre-RERA—and ensures steady project progress.

3. Strict Timelines and Compensation for Delays

Under RERA, builders must deliver homes on the promised date. Delays can result in:

• Interest compensation (often 10–11% annually) to homebuyers.

   

• Buyers even have the right to withdraw investment and claim refunds with interest in case of excessive delays.

   

This clause has compelled developers to stick to realistic timelines and adopt better project management.

4️. Standardized Carpet Area – No More Hidden Charges

RERA has eliminated ambiguities around carpet area:

• Buyers pay only for the usable floor space (carpet area).

   

• Builders can no longer inflate pricing by including walls, shafts, or balconies in saleable area calculations.

   

This leads to clearer pricing and eliminates cost discrepancies.

5️. Clear Rules on Advance Payments

Builders can’t demand more than 10% of the property value as advance booking amount before signing a formal sale agreement.

This protects buyers from paying large sums upfront and facing risks if projects stall.

6️. Five-Year Structural Defect Liability

Post-possession, if any structural defects or quality issues arise within 5 years, the builder must rectify them free of cost.

This encourages developers to maintain high construction standards and provide better workmanship guarantees.

7️. Swift and Dedicated Dispute Resolution

Traditional property disputes often dragged on for years in courts. With RERA:

• Buyers can file complaints online.

   

• Grievances are addressed within 60 days through the state authority.

   

This quick redressal boosts buyer confidence and holds developers accountable.

8️. Higher Resale Value and Market Credibility

In 2025, resale buyers increasingly prioritize RERA-registered properties. Verified documentation and compliance assure secondary market buyers of legitimacy, leading to higher resale values.

RERA-Approved vs. RERA-Registered: Is There a Difference?

You may often see both terms used interchangeably. Technically:

• RERA-Registered: A legally valid term; the project is listed on the state RERA portal.

   

• RERA-Approved: Common industry usage but not an official certification; it implies compliance with all RERA norms.

   

Always verify RERA registration numbers on the official ORERA site to confirm authenticity.

Why RERA is Crucial in Bhubaneswar’s 2025 Market

Bhubaneswar’s real estate market is booming with infrastructure development and rapid urban expansion. This growth also attracts smaller, unverified players. RERA ensures:

• Projects are backed by legal land titles.

   

• Builders operate under strict compliance frameworks.

   

• Buyers can compare and choose safer investments using the ORERA portal.

   

With developers like Utkal Builders, every project comes with transparent RERA registration, making your purchase safe and future-proof.

How to Verify RERA Registration Online

1. Visit ORERA’s official website.

    

2. Search using:

    

   • Project name

      

   • Developer’s name

      

   • RERA registration number

      

3. Check all details: land title, approved plans, construction status, and compliance reports.

    

Future of RERA in 2025 and Beyond

• States are strengthening digital portals for better buyer access.

   

• Penalty enforcement is getting stricter with real-time compliance checks.

   

• Unified National RERA integration is expected, allowing buyers to verify projects across states seamlessly.

   

What the Trends Say in 2025

Homebuyers are actively choosing RERA-approved developments:

• Search volume for “RERA-approved projects Bhubaneswar” rose nearly 40% in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024.

   

• Queries like “is my builder RERA compliant?” surged as customers grew cautious post lock-down delays.

   

• RERA-certified listings consistently outperformed others in click-through rates (by up to 20%) in search engine results.

   

How Utkal Builders Embrace RERA Standards

Utkal Builders leads with transparency and compliance:

• All projects are RERA-registered and publicly verifiable.

   

• Our project timelines are strictly adhered to or compensated.

   

• Complete cost transparency: no unexpected charges.

   

• We are committed to worksite visibility, detailed progress updates, and regular audit reports.

Final Word: Buying Smart in 2025

Are you planning to buy a home in 2025?

Make sure it’s a RERA‑approved project.

In today’s competitive real estate market—especially in Bhubaneswar—RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) approval is not just a certificate; it’s a promise. A promise of legal safety, on-time delivery, budget clarity, and transparent communication.