RERA Basics for First-Time Homebuyers in Pune

Purchasing your first home is a major milestone—but without the right legal protections, it can quickly become a nightmare. Fortunately, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) offers powerful safeguards for homebuyers across India, especially in rapidly growing markets like Pune.

In this blog, we explain the fundamentals of RERA, how it protects first-time buyers, and how Lexcellence Advocates LLP assists clients in navigating disputes and ensuring compliance.

🏗️ What Is RERA?

RERA is a central law that aims to bring transparency, accountability, and efficiency to India’s real estate sector. In Maharashtra, it is enforced by MahaRERA, headquartered in Mumbai with jurisdiction across Pune and PCMC.

Under RERA:

  • All residential and commercial projects above 500 sq. m or 8 units must be registered.

  • Builders must disclose project details, financials, approvals, and delivery timelines.

  • Advance payments cannot exceed 10% of the cost before a registered agreement for sale.

🛡️ Key Protections for First-Time Buyers

If you're buying a home in Pune or PCMC, RERA gives you:

  1. Transparent Project Information
    Check the builder’s registration status, delivery timelines, approvals, and legal title at maharera.mahaonline.gov.in.

  2. On-Time Delivery
    If a builder delays possession beyond the promised date, you're entitled to:

    • Refund with interest, or

    • Interest for every month of delay until handover.

  3. Defect Liability Period
    Developers must fix any structural, workmanship, or quality defects within 5 years of possession—at no cost to you.

  4. Dispute Resolution
    RERA allows buyers to file complaints directly with MahaRERA for violations, delays, or misrepresentations.

⚖️ How Lexcellence Advocates LLP Helps

At Lexcellence Advocates LLP, we regularly represent homebuyers in RERA complaints, consumer forums, and property litigation. Here’s how we can help:

  • Pre-purchase legal due diligence on project legality, title, and RERA status

  • Drafting and vetting agreements to protect your interests

  • Filing complaints under MahaRERA for delay or non-compliance

  • Mediation and representation in builder-buyer disputes

✅ Steps to Verify a RERA-Registered Project in Pune

  1. Visit MahaRERA Portal

  2. Click on Search Project

  3. Enter the project name, builder name, or RERA ID

  4. Review the approval documents, layout plans, and delivery timelines

📞 Have Questions About Your Property?

Don’t navigate the real estate maze alone. Whether you're buying a flat in Wakad, Baner, Hinjawadi, or Ravet, our experienced legal team is here to ensure you make informed decisions—and stand by you if problems arise.

Contact Lexcellence Advocates LLP today for a consultation on your property transaction or RERA issue.