MahaRERA Tightens Rules in 2025, Rolls Out Strong Buyer-Friendly Reforms

• Over 1,900 housing projects suspended for regulatory non-compliance

• QR code and registration number made mandatory in all property ads

• Time-bound compensation and clearer parking rights enforced

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) remained firmly in the spotlight throughout 2025 as it rolled out a series of decisive, homebuyer-focused measures aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the state’s real estate sector.

The year marked the first full calendar year under Chairman Manoj Saunik, who took charge in September 2024. Under his leadership, MahaRERA issued multiple landmark orders that addressed long-pending grievances related to project delays, misleading advertisements, parking disputes, and compensation recovery.

Mass Suspension of Non-Compliant Projects

In one of its most significant actions, MahaRERA suspended the registrations of 1,905 real estate projects across Maharashtra in January 2025. The authority also froze the bank accounts of developers who failed to comply with statutory disclosure norms despite repeated notices.

This large-scale action followed show-cause notices issued in December 2024 to developers of over 10,700 projects, giving them 30 days to update mandatory project information on the MahaRERA portal. Developers who failed to respond within the deadline faced suspension, marking the first time MahaRERA took such sweeping enforcement action in bulk.

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Stricter Advertising Norms with QR Codes

To curb misleading promotions, MahaRERA made it compulsory in April 2025 for developers and real estate agents to display the MahaRERA registration number and a QR code linking directly to the project’s official RERA webpage in all advertisements.

The authority clarified that the registration number must be clearly visible, with font size equal to or larger than the project’s contact details. Poor visibility, incorrect placement, or colour contrast issues could attract penalties of up to ₹50,000, MahaRERA warned.

Parking Rights Clarified for Homebuyers

In July 2025, MahaRERA delivered a buyer-friendly ruling by directing a Mumbai-based developer to allot parking spaces within the same wing as the buyer’s apartment. The case involved homebuyers who were assigned parking in a different wing, leading to disputes after separate housing societies were formed.

The regulator ruled that failure to provide dedicated, wing-specific parking amounted to a deficiency in service under RERA. Developers were directed to hand over numbered parking spaces within 60 days.

Hybrid Hearings for Faster Access to Justice

Following directions from the Bombay High Court, MahaRERA introduced a hybrid hearing system in August 2025, allowing parties to choose between physical and virtual hearings. While complaints continue to be filed online, litigants can now opt for in-person hearings before MahaRERA benches.

The authority also streamlined procedures by publishing seating arrangements in daily cause lists and uploading all orders with timestamps to improve transparency.

Time-Bound Compensation Recovery

To ensure faster relief for aggrieved buyers, MahaRERA introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in November 2025 for recovering compensation from developers. Under the new framework, developers are expected to pay compensation within 60 days of the order.

If payments are delayed, homebuyers can file a non-compliance application, which MahaRERA is required to hear within four weeks. The SOP aims to strictly enforce Bombay High Court directives and reduce prolonged litigation.

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Strengthening Buyer Confidence

With at least five major regulatory interventions in 2025, MahaRERA has reinforced its role as a strong watchdog for homebuyers. Industry experts believe these measures will enhance buyer confidence, discourage non-compliance, and bring greater discipline to Maharashtra’s real estate market.