Over 29,000 Complaints Filed by Homebuyers
•Pre-RERA Projects Top Complaint List
•Real Estate Scams Haunt Maharashtra Buyers
•Lapsed Projects Expose Sector Crisis
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
Over 29,000 complaints have been filed against 5,500 real estate projects in Maharashtra, primarily linked to pre-RERA launches, reveals MahaRERA data. Despite registering over 50,000 projects since 2017, over 13,000 projects stand lapsed. MahaRERA has resolved 74% of complaints, with its conciliation mechanism increasingly preferred by homebuyers and developers.
In a striking revelation that highlights persistent issues in Maharashtra’s real estate sector, the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has disclosed that over 29,000 complaints have been filed by homebuyers against more than 5,500 projects since its inception. The data underscores deep-rooted systemic challenges even after the introduction of regulatory mechanisms aimed at protecting buyers.
Majority Complaints Linked to Pre-RERA Projects
According to MahaRERA data accessed by the Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT), out of the total 5,508 projects facing complaints, 3,473 pertain to projects that were already under construction before MahaRERA was operationalized in May 2017. In contrast, 2,035 complaints have been registered against projects launched after the implementation of RERA guidelines.
Contents
Over 29,000 Complaints Filed by Homebuyers•Pre-RERA Projects Top Complaint List•Real Estate Scams Haunt Maharashtra Buyers•Lapsed Projects Expose Sector CrisisMajority Complaints Linked to Pre-RERA ProjectsOver 50,000 Real Estate Projects Registered in MaharashtraComplaint Resolution Rate Stands at 74%Conciliation Mechanism Gaining TractionOver 13,000 Projects Declared LapsedAlso Read: Thane Illegal Construction: Bombay HC Raps Civic Officials.MahaRERA: India’s Leading Real Estate RegulatorPersistent Challenges Call for Stronger Enforcement
This significant skew towards pre-RERA projects indicates the magnitude of irregularities and unresolved grievances that existed prior to the enactment of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Many of these legacy projects were plagued by delayed possession, financial mismanagement, and lack of transparency.
Over 50,000 Real Estate Projects Registered in Maharashtra
Since May 2017, MahaRERA has registered a total of 50,131 real estate projects across Maharashtra—making it the highest in the country. Pune district leads with 12,788 registrations, followed by Thane (6,746), Mumbai suburbs (5,907), and Raigad (5,360).
In comparison, Tamil Nadu has 27,609 registered projects, while Gujarat has 15,322. According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs data referenced by MahaRERA, Maharashtra alone accounts for nearly 35% of the country’s registered housing projects. Nationwide, all RERA bodies combined have registered 1,44,617 housing projects.
Complaint Resolution Rate Stands at 74%
Of the total 29,374 complaints filed by homebuyers in Maharashtra, 23,908 are linked to pre-RERA projects, while 5,466 are associated with projects launched post-RERA. MahaRERA officials report that 21,888 complaints have been successfully disposed of, reflecting a resolution rate of approximately 74%.
MahaRERA Chairman Manoj Saunik told Sprouts News that, “As many as 81% of the complaints filed against projects ongoing since pre-RERA inception have been disposed of, and 46% of the complaints filed against projects ongoing post-RERA inception.” This highlights the regulator’s ongoing efforts to clear the backlog while also addressing new disputes emerging under the current regime.
Conciliation Mechanism Gaining Traction
Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) notes that the conciliation mechanism introduced by MahaRERA is increasingly being utilized by both developers and homebuyers to settle disputes amicably. According to official data, 6,474 complaints have been referred for conciliation so far. Out of these, 2,006 disputes have been successfully resolved, reflecting a 30% success rate.
Chairman Saunik added, “We are taking several steps to ensure complaints by homebuyers are resolved by our intervention. The majority of the homebuyers prefer online hearing of complaints, considering the ease and comfort. Several NRIs have praised the online option.” However, physical hearings are also conducted upon request, maintaining flexibility in the dispute resolution process.
Over 13,000 Projects Declared Lapsed
While a significant number of projects have reached completion, MahaRERA data reveals that over 13,300 projects have been declared lapsed due to various reasons, including non-compliance and financial distress. As per the latest figures, out of the 50,131 projects registered since 2017, only 17,280 have been marked as completed with full compliance documentation submitted by developers.
This large number of lapsed projects remains a serious concern for both regulatory authorities and homebuyers, many of whom have invested their life savings into these delayed or stalled developments.
Also Read: Thane Illegal Construction: Bombay HC Raps Civic Officials.
MahaRERA: India’s Leading Real Estate Regulator
Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) highlights that MahaRERA remains India’s largest and most active real estate regulatory authority. Its establishment in 2017 under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 was a watershed moment aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and safeguarding consumer interests in the highly unregulated real estate sector.
Over the years, MahaRERA has implemented several digital reforms, including mandatory online disclosures, quarterly project updates, and strict penalties for non-compliance. These measures have significantly improved project visibility and buyer confidence, though challenges persist in older, legacy projects.
Persistent Challenges Call for Stronger Enforcement
Despite these reforms, the real estate sector in Maharashtra continues to grapple with multiple challenges, particularly regarding stalled projects, financial mismanagement by certain developers, and delayed deliveries. Experts consulted by the Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) emphasize the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms, stricter financial audits of ongoing projects, and faster judicial interventions to safeguard consumer rights fully.
As India’s real estate market continues to expand, MahaRERA’s performance remains under close watch by policymakers, industry stakeholders, and thousands of affected homebuyers.
