Blog

Back in the day, buying property in India often felt like a leap of faith. Builders could delay projects for years, change floor plans, or even vanish after collecting most of the money. Homebuyers had little recourse and almost no protection. But that changed in 2016, when the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, or RERA, came into existence. And since then, it has quietly reshaped the way real estate works in cities like Lucknow — bringing more accountability, transparency, and peace of mind.

But what exactly is RERA, and why should you care?

Think of RERA as the rulebook that every real estate developer and agent must now follow. It’s a regulatory framework that exists to protect you, the buyer. Whether you’re purchasing your first 2BHK in Gomti Nagar Extension or investing in a plotted project on Sultanpur Road, RERA ensures that your money is better safeguarded — and that your rights are no longer an afterthought.

The first and most important thing RERA mandates is project registration. No builder can advertise or sell a property without first registering the project with the state’s RERA authority. This means submitting every critical document — land titles, approvals, construction plans, financial details — to the government. So when you see a RERA registration number on a project brochure, it’s not just a formality; it’s proof that the project has crossed a basic threshold of legal clearance.

Then there’s financial discipline. Earlier, it wasn’t uncommon for builders to divert funds from one project to another — causing massive delays. But under RERA, at least 70% of the amount collected from buyers must be kept in a separate escrow account, and can only be used for the construction and land cost of that same project. This ensures that your payments actually go towards building your future home, not funding some other launch.

RERA also makes timelines matter. Developers are now legally bound to complete construction within the promised deadline — or face penalties. If a builder delays possession beyond the agreed date, they are required to compensate the buyer with interest for every month of delay. This single provision has changed the game for middle-class families who once spent years paying both rent and EMIs for under-construction flats that never seemed to get completed.

Another major benefit is that RERA brings in clarity about what you’re getting. No more vague promises or marketing gimmicks. Builders must specify the exact carpet area — not super built-up — and stick to it. They can’t make sudden changes to floor plans or amenities without written consent from a majority of buyers. And if they do, you have the right to withdraw and get your money back.

Even more importantly, RERA ensures that there’s now a proper grievance redressal mechanism. If you feel cheated, you no longer have to run from pillar to post. You can file a complaint directly with the RERA authority of your state (in this case, UP-RERA), and your case will be heard in a dedicated tribunal — often with faster resolution timelines than traditional courts.

Now, while all of this sounds great, the truth is many buyers still don’t check for RERA registration. They go by word-of-mouth, flashy brochures, or social media ads — and fall into avoidable traps. That’s why, at BRICKKLY, we don’t touch any property that doesn’t have full legal clarity and valid RERA credentials. We check every document before recommending a project to you, so your decision is not just emotional — it’s backed by regulation.

In 2025, buying a home in Lucknow should be safer than ever — but only if you stay informed. RERA isn’t just a buzzword. It’s your shield, your leverage, and your right as a homebuyer. And when you partner with people who respect that, you don’t just buy property — you invest in trust.