Real Estate Act into effect tomorrow: A new era begins, says Centre

New Delhi: Ending the nine year long wait, regulation of real estate sector involving over 76,000 companies across the county becomes a reality from May 1st with the Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016 coming into force.

With all the 92 Sections of the Act coming into effect from tomorrow, developers shall get all the ongoing projects that have not received Completion Certificate and the new projects registered with Regulatory Authorities within three months i.e by July end.This enables the buyers to enforce their rights and seek redressal of grievances after such registration.

"Real Estate Act coming into force after a nine year wait marks the beginning of a new era making buyer the King while developers benefit from the confidence of the King in the regulated environment. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi`s personal interest in the matter made the Act a reality now. The Act ushers in the much desired accountability, transparency and efficiency in the sector with the Act defining the rights and obligations of both the buyers and developers. This important legislation gained momentum under this Government and could see the light finally," said Union Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Venkaiah Naidu.

Ahead of the Act coming into force, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation has formulated and circulated Model Real Estate Regulations for adoption by the Regulatory Authorities in the States/UTs.

Under these Regulations, developers are required to display sanctioned plans and layout plans of at least 3 feet X 2 feet size at all marketing offices, other offices where properties are sold, all branch offices and head office of the promoters in addition to the site of project.

Real Estate Regulatory Authorities may take decisions on all issues preferably through consensus failing which through voting with Chairman using Casting Vote in case of a tie.There shall be quorum for the meetings of the Regulatory Authorities and if a meeting is adjourned due to lack of such quorum, such meeting can take place without quorum. Members of Regulatory Authorities shall declare interest if any in the matters coming up for discussion and shall not participate there in.Some of the major provisions of the Act, besides mandatory registration of projects and Real Estate Agents include:1.

Depositing 70% of the funds collected from buyers in a separate bank account in case of new projects and 70% of unused funds in case of ongoing projects.2.

Projects with plot size of minimum 500 sq.mt or 8 apartments shall be registered with Regulatory Authorities.3.

Both developers and buyers to pay the same penal interest of SBI`s Marginal Cost of Lending Rate plus 2% in case of delays.4.

Liability of developers for structural defects for five years5. Imprisonment of up to three years for developers and up to one year in case of agents and buyers for violation of orders of Appellate Tribunals and Regulatory Authorities.Further to several rounds of consultations, the Ministry of HUPA has made several and substantial changes in the Real Estate Bill that was first introduced in the Rajya Sabha in 2013 to make the final Act more effective towards promotion of the sector.

As per industry information, between 2011 and 2015, real estate projects in the range of 2,349 to 4,488 projects were launched every year amounting to a total of 17,526 projects with a total investment of Rs.13.70 lakh crore in 27 cities including 15 State capitals.

About ten lakh buyers invest every year with the dream of owning a house.