How RERA Protects Your Rights as a Homebuyer

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial and emotional decisions you will ever make. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, the real estate market in India—especially in rapidly developing regions like Thane and Mumbai—can be complex. For many years, homebuyers often faced challenges such as project delays, lack of transparency, and misleading advertisements. However, the introduction of RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) in 2016 brought a transformative change in how the real estate industry operates in India.

For reputed developers like Dosti Realty, one of the leading builders in Thane and Mumbai, RERA has provided a framework that not only strengthens buyer confidence but also ensures accountability across every stage of a project. In this blog, we’ll explore what RERA is, how it benefits you as a homebuyer, and why buying from Thane top builders like Dosti Realty ensures a safer and more transparent homebuying journey.

What is RERA?

The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, commonly known as RERA, was enacted by the Indian government in 2016 and came into full effect in May 2017. It was established to regulate the real estate sector, enhance transparency, and protect the rights of homebuyers.

RERA mandates that all residential and commercial real estate projects above a certain size must be registered with the respective state’s Real Estate Regulatory Authority before being marketed or sold. Once registered, developers must comply with the regulations laid out under RERA, failing which they are liable to face strict penalties.

How RERA Empowers You as a Homebuyer

Let’s break down how RERA protects and empowers you throughout the homebuying process:

1. Mandatory Project Registration

Before RERA, many projects were sold even before getting basic approvals, leaving buyers vulnerable. With RERA in place, all new construction in Thane and across the country must be registered before sales begin. Developers are required to provide all relevant project details—including land title, approvals, timelines, and financial disclosures—on the RERA website.

This ensures that you, as a buyer, can verify whether a project is legitimate and fully approved. When purchasing from Thane top builders like Dosti Realty, you can be assured that the projects are RERA-registered, with every detail available publicly.

2. Transparency and Accountability

RERA mandates complete transparency from developers. Builders are required to update construction progress, legal status, and changes (if any) regularly on the RERA portal. You can now access:

• Project layout and floor plans
• Timeline for completion
• Legal approvals and certifications
• Status of amenities promised

This level of openness ensures you are always in the loop, eliminating unpleasant surprises later in the process.

3. Timely Possession Guarantee

Delayed possession has historically been one of the biggest pain points for homebuyers. Under RERA, if the builder fails to deliver the project within the stipulated time mentioned at the time of registration, the buyer is entitled to:

• Refund of the entire amount paid, with interest
• Or continued investment with compensation for delay

This clause is a major relief for buyers, especially in regions witnessing large-scale new construction in Thane, as it binds the builder to honor timelines.

4. Advance Payment Restriction

Before RERA, many buyers were asked to pay large sums upfront, which were often misused or diverted to other projects. With RERA, builders cannot ask for more than 10% of the total property cost as advance before signing a formal sale agreement.

This offers financial security to buyers and ensures developers can’t exploit customer funds without commitment.

5. Standardized Carpet Area Definition

One common practice pre-RERA was misleading pricing based on “super built-up area,” which included common areas like staircases and lobbies. RERA now mandates that pricing must be based on carpet area only—the actual usable area within the walls of the apartment.

This has brought uniformity across developers and made it easier for buyers to compare offerings from various builders in Thane on a like-for-like basis.

6. Defect Liability Period

Under RERA, builders are responsible for the structural integrity and quality of construction for a period of five years from the date of possession. If any defects in workmanship, materials, or services arise, the builder must rectify them at no additional cost within 30 days of notification.

This ensures peace of mind for homebuyers, knowing that their investment is protected for the long term.

7. Grievance Redressal Mechanism

RERA has established a dedicated grievance redressal system. If a builder violates any rules or causes inconvenience, buyers can lodge a complaint with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority or the Appellate Tribunal.

This system provides a fast-track and transparent process for conflict resolution, which previously took years in civil courts.

Why Buying from RERA-Compliant Builders Matters

Although RERA covers all eligible projects, the quality of execution still depends on the developer. That's why it's crucial to choose reputed names like Dosti Realty, which is among the most trusted builders in Thane and Mumbai.

With a legacy of over four decades and a commitment to transparency and customer-centricity, Dosti Realty has consistently delivered projects that comply with RERA regulations, ensuring that buyers get what they’re promised—on time, with quality.

Whether you're looking for luxury apartments, affordable homes, or townships, Dosti Realty’s portfolio includes a wide range of new construction in Thane, all backed by RERA-compliance and trusted execution.

Dosti Realty: Setting the Benchmark for RERA-Compliant Development

Dosti Realty is more than just a real estate company—it’s a brand built on trust, transparency, and timely delivery. As one of the Thane top builders, Dosti has embraced RERA as a framework to strengthen its customer relationships.

Here’s how Dosti Realty ensures buyer satisfaction under RERA:

• All active and upcoming projects are RERA registered
• Transparent pricing based on carpet area
• Detailed disclosures on approvals, layout, and progress
• Dedicated customer service for buyer queries and concerns
• On-time possession backed by realistic construction timelines

By adhering to RERA principles, Dosti Realty offers its customers more than just a home—it offers trust, reliability, and peace of mind.

The introduction of RERA has been a game-changer for the Indian real estate sector. It has ushered in a new era of transparency, accountability, and buyer-centric practices. For homebuyers, especially those exploring new construction in Thane, it’s essential to understand how RERA works and why choosing a RERA-compliant developer like Dosti Realty makes all the difference.

As one of the leading builders in Thane, Dosti Realty stands out not just for the quality of its homes but also for its commitment to ethical business practices and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re buying your first home or investing in a second one, choosing a developer who aligns with RERA is the smartest step toward a secure and rewarding real estate journey.