by GharFriend.com
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 – commonly known as RERA – has significantly transformed India’s property market. While most buyers in Mumbai think of RERA as a registration number seen on property ads, the impact runs far deeper.
Now, it’s easier than ever to spot a genuine Agent in Mumbai — thanks to mandatory RERA certification and exams that ensure only qualified agents operate in the market.
From empowering homebuyers to increasing accountability among builders, RERA has reshaped how real estate functions in Mumbai. In this blog, we explore how RERA has redefined property buying and selling, along with an overview of the MahaRERA exam that professionals are now expected to take.
🏗️ What Is RERA?
RERA is a central law passed by the Government of India to regulate the real estate sector, protect homebuyers, and increase transparency in project execution. It mandates:
- Project Registration before advertisement or sale.
- Timely possession commitments by developers.
- Disclosure of project details, including carpet area, layout, and status.
- Escrow account to protect buyers’ money.
- Penalties for delays or false promises.
For real estate agents, RERA certification has become a mark of trust and credibility. By passing the mandatory MahaRERA exam, agents not only prove their understanding of real estate laws, consumer rights, and ethical conduct—but also enhance their professional standing in the market. This certification ensures that agents are not just middlemen, but qualified advisors who guide buyers responsibly, helping build long-term careers based on expertise and integrity.
In Maharashtra, it is implemented by MahaRERA – Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority.
📍 The Real Impact of RERA in Mumbai
1. Greater Transparency in Project Details
Before RERA, buyers were often misled with super built-up area and vague project plans. Now, developers must register and publish:
- Carpet area
- Completion timelines
- Project approvals and OC status
- Litigations (if any)
✅ You can check these details directly on maharera.mahaonline.gov.in
2. Increased Buyer Confidence
RERA has created a more level playing field. Mumbai buyers now invest with better confidence, knowing:
- There’s a regulatory body to complain to.
- Projects cannot be sold without approvals.
- Money goes into escrow – not builder’s personal use.
3. Timely Delivery and Reduced Project Delays
One of the biggest pain points in Mumbai real estate was delayed possession. Under RERA:
- Developers must give realistic timelines.
- Delays attract penalties and interest to buyers.
- Buyers have legal recourse if the developer fails to deliver.
4. Better Regulation of Agents
RERA doesn’t just regulate builders – it also mandates brokers to be registered. Agents in Mumbai must:
- Register with MahaRERA
- Display their RERA ID
- Avoid misleading marketing
This ensures only verified agents operate in the market.
5. Reduced Misleading Ads and Overpricing
Earlier, flashy hoardings with “5 mins from station” and “sea-facing views” fooled many. RERA now requires:
- Only approved layouts and offerings in ads
- Penalties for false or exaggerated claims
- Standardized definition of carpet area
📘 Bonus Insight: MahaRERA Agent Certification & Exam
To further professionalize the sector, MahaRERA introduced a mandatory certification exam for real estate agents starting 2023.
📋 Key Details:
- Name: MahaRERA Real Estate Agent Certification
- Exam Mode: Online, multiple-choice
- Eligibility: Anyone dealing in real estate (brokers, salespersons, channel partners)
- Syllabus Includes:
- Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016
- Maharashtra Apartment Ownership Act
- Consumer protection guidelines
- Basic legal terms and real estate practices
✅ The exam ensures agents are well-informed about buyer rights, project registration, and legal safeguards.
🔗 More info: MahaRERA Certification Portal
🔎 Real Example: RERA in Action (Mumbai Case Study)
Project: XYZ Heights, Andheri
- Registered under RERA in 2019
- Promised delivery by Dec 2022
- Delayed by 9 months
- Buyers filed complaint on MahaRERA
- Developer ordered to pay 9% interest annually on the delay
- Buyers received ₹1.2 lakhs each as compensation
Conclusion: RERA isn’t just paper compliance – it empowers buyers to take action.
🏁 Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Registration Number
RERA has elevated the standards of accountability, professionalism, and transparency in Mumbai’s real estate market. While challenges still exist, especially in older or redevelopment projects, the framework has become stronger.
For buyers and investors in Mumbai, checking a project’s RERA status is just the starting point. Understand your rights, verify documents, and only deal with RERA-certified agents or developers.
📞 Want Expert Help With RERA-Verified Properties?
At Gharfriend.com, we only list RERA-registered projects and connect you with certified agents.
✅ Get expert advice, legal checks, and verified listings from Uddesh Gupta & team.
📱 Call: 9967524252
🌐 Visit: www.gharfriend.com
