How to Check RERA-Approved Projects

Author: Shivam Chanana Updated: 23 March 2026

Table of Contents +

1.What is RERA and Why Does It Matter?
2.How to Check RERA-Approved Projects Step-by-Step
6.Sale Deed vs Agreement to Sell Key Differences Explained
1. 7.Deed of Assignment vs Sale and Purchase Agreement
8.What to Do If a Project Is Not RERA-Registered?

Since its enactment in 2016, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act — commonly known as RERA — has transformed India’s real estate landscape. Buyers now have a powerful tool to verify projects, ensure builder accountability, and protect their investments.

This guide explains exactly how to check if a project is RERA approved, what information you can access, and also clarifies the critical difference between a Sale Agreement vs Sale Deed — two documents at the heart of every property transaction.

What is RERA and Why Does It Matter?

RERA mandates all residential real estate projects with more than 8 apartments or exceeding 500 sq. mt. of land to be registered with the state RERA authority before launch. This protects buyers by ensuring:

Developers cannot collect money before RERA registration
Construction timelines are legally binding
70% of funds collected must be deposited in a separate escrow account
Any changes to the project plan require buyer consent
Buyers can file complaints and receive compensation for delays

How to Check RERA-Approved Projects — Step-by-Step

Step 1: Identify Your State RERA Portal

Each state has its own RERA authority and portal. Key portals include:

State	RERA Portal
Maharashtra (MahaRERA)	maharerait.maharashtra.gov.in
Delhi (DRERA)	rera.delhi.gov.in
Karnataka (K-RERA)	rera.karnataka.gov.in
Haryana (HARERA)	haryanarera.gov.in
UP (UPRERA)	up-rera.in
Gujarat (GUJRERA)	gujrera.gujarat.gov.in
Tamil Nadu (TNRERA)	tnrera.in
Telangana (TSRERA)	rera.telangana.gov.in

Step 2: Search by Project Name, Registration Number, or Builder

On the portal’s homepage, navigate to ‘Registered Projects’ or ‘Search Projects.’ You can search by:

RERA Registration Number (format: P51700000001 in Maharashtra)
Project name
Promoter / Builder name
District and locality

Step 3: Verify Project Details

Once you find the project, verify:

Registration validity date: Ensure the RERA registration has not expired
Completion date: The builder’s declared completion date
Escrow account details: Confirms 70% funds are secured
Project documents: View approved building plans, layout, and commencement certificate
Quarterly progress reports: Builder’s self-reported construction updates
Complaint history: Check if the project has pending complaints from other buyers

Always cross-check the RERA number on the developer’s brochure, advertisements, and agreement — it should match the registration on the portal exactly.

Sale Deed vs Agreement to Sell — Key Differences Explained

Two documents that every property buyer must understand are the Sale Agreement (Agreement to Sell) and the Sale Deed. These are often confused but serve very different legal purposes.

Feature	Agreement to Sell / Sale Agreement	Sale Deed
Definition	Contract to sell in the future on agreed terms	Final transfer of ownership
Legal effect	Creates a right to sell, not ownership transfer	Transfers legal title to the buyer
Registration	Optional but advisable	Mandatory at the Sub-Registrar’s office
Stamp Duty	Nominal (varies by state)	Full stamp duty applicable
Timing	Signed at the beginning of the deal	Signed at the conclusion of the deal
Can it be cancelled?	Yes, with penalty clauses	Very difficult to reverse
Possession transfer?	No (usually)	Yes, possession transfers with the deed

Deed of Assignment vs Sale and Purchase Agreement

Deed of Assignment: Used when the original buyer of an under-construction flat transfers their rights to a new buyer before possession. The builder’s NOC is usually required.

Sale and Purchase Agreement: A comprehensive agreement signed in most jurisdictions that combines the terms of sale with the commitment to complete, — similar to India’s Agreement to Sell.

What to Do If a Project Is Not RERA-Registered?

Do not invest in any unregistered project — it is illegal for the builder to market or sell
File a complaint with the state RERA authority
Report to the local Consumer Forum or Real Estate Regulatory Authority
On SquareYards, every listed project displays its RERA registration number for complete transparency

Browse RERA-registered projects across India on SquareYards.com. Every listing is verified for legal compliance, builder credibility, and construction status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RERA registration mandatory for all projects in India?

Yes, for residential projects with more than 8 units or land exceeding 500 sq. mt. Some states have extended this to all projects. Commercial projects are also covered.

Can a builder sell flats before getting RERA registration?

No. Selling, advertising, or collecting booking amounts before RERA registration is illegal and can lead to penalties up to 10% of the project cost.

What is the difference between an agreement to sell and a sale deed?

An agreement to sell is a promise to transfer ownership in the future on agreed conditions. A sale deed is the actual legal instrument that transfers ownership, and it must be registered.

How do I check the RERA registration number's authenticity?

Enter the registration number on the official state RERA portal. The project details, builder name, completion date, and approved plans will match what the builder has shown you.

What happens if a builder delays beyond the RERA completion date?

Buyers can claim interest at the SBI MCLR rate + 2% for every month of delay. Alternatively, buyers can seek a full refund with interest by filing a complaint on the RERA portal.