In what may bring relief to housing aspirants across the country, chances of home buyers being cheated by realty companies might be minimised as the proposed real estate regulator will not only be empowered to penalise errant developers by imposing fines but also recommend imprisonment of up to three years if they are found guilty. The information, to be posted on the regulator’s website, will also mention the names of blacklisted developers.

For any housing project exceeding 1,000 square metres or four apartments, the builder will have to procure a registration certificate from the regulator after furnishing all relevant project details and permissions from the competent authorities. This includes the number and size of plots, layout plan, carpet area and plinth area of the flats or apartments and the facilities provided. A project can not be marketed or advertised without the registration certificate. The government has prepared a draft of the model Real Estate (Regulation of Development) Bill, and has invited views of all stakeholders by November ahead of giving it a final shape.

The model bill is quiet on the rights and powers of those already residing in builder apartments. “The idea is to safeguard the interests of future home buyers as the current residents are covered under other relevant government acts and rules,” said a housing and urban poverty alleviation ministry official. The ministry, which drafted the model bill, has circulated it amongst all stakeholders, inviting their comments by November 15.

Safeguarding the interests of buyers, the regulator makes it mandatory for the developer to enter into a sales agreement ahead of taking the deposit from a potential buyer and provide stand-in warranty for the project for two years after handing over the possession for any construction related problems. Any buyer wishing to quit the project due to delays or false promises shall be returned the entire investment along with interest at the existing rate.

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