The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has taken regulatory action by placing the registration of 1,750 lapsed housing projects in abeyance across the state. Additionally, the authority has initiated the process to suspend registration for another 1,137 projects whose developers have not updated their project status beyond the declared completion dates.
This move follows repeated non-compliance by developers who failed to either apply for registration renewal, submit completion certificates, or seek project deregistration, as mandated under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA).
Of the 1,750 projects placed in abeyance, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) accounted for the highest number at 761, followed by 628 in Pune. Other regions affected include North Maharashtra (135), Vidarbha (110), Marathwada (100), Dadra and Nagar Haveli (13), and Daman (3). The figures indicate widespread delays and lapses in project completion and communication across major and minor markets of Maharashtra.
Developers are required to mention a proposed date of completion while registering a project with MahaRERA. Once that date passes, the developer must take one of the following steps:
- Submit Form IV, which is an occupancy certificate (OC) confirming project completion.
- Apply for renewal of registration in case of delays.
- File for deregistration if the project is not going to commence.
In cases where none of these steps are taken, the project is deemed "lapsed." Such classification leads to the freezing of associated bank accounts and prohibits any further advertising, sales, or registrations related to the project.
MahaRERA’s Statewide Action and Developer Response
MahaRERA had issued show-cause notices to 6,638 projects across Maharashtra that had exceeded their proposed completion timelines. In response, 3,751 developers submitted the required Form IV or applied for project renewal or cancellation. However, 2,887 projects remained non-compliant, triggering further regulatory scrutiny.
From this pool, 1,750 projects have now been placed in abeyance, while the authority is moving toward suspending registration for the remaining 1,137 projects that showed no response.
This is part of MahaRERA’s broader strategy to enforce accountability and transparency in Maharashtra’s real estate sector. By freezing the registration and financial activity of such projects, MahaRERA aims to prevent further investor and homebuyer exposure to potentially stalled or non-viable developments.
Implications for Homebuyers and Developers
Once a project is classified as lapsed, all marketing and sales activities are to be immediately stopped. Developers are prohibited from registering any new agreements for sale and from accepting payments from prospective buyers.
For homebuyers, this move serves as a warning to verify the regulatory status of a project before making any investment. MahaRERA maintains a public dashboard on its website where consumers can view the compliance status of all registered projects.
Developers, on the other hand, are being pushed to maintain project timelines and regulatory disclosures. The authority has consistently emphasized the importance of periodic updates from developers and the submission of project progress reports, financial disclosures, and OCs.
Regulatory Framework and Precedents
MahaRERA’s latest action builds upon its powers under Section 7 and Section 8 of the RERA Act. These provisions allow the authority to revoke or suspend registration and appoint an external agency to complete a project if needed.
In the past, MahaRERA has also issued circulars standardizing the renewal process and requiring project updates every quarter. Despite such measures, delays remain a major challenge in Maharashtra’s real estate market, especially in suburban and peri-urban belts where liquidity constraints and legal bottlenecks hinder completion.
Going forward, MahaRERA has indicated that stricter enforcement will be maintained for all projects nearing their declared deadlines. The authority is also working on system improvements that will automate alerts and reminders to developers when deadlines approach.
In parallel, there are discussions to introduce graded penalties for non-compliance and public blacklisting of developers who persistently ignore regulatory obligations. By maintaining a strict compliance framework and enforcing lapses, MahaRERA aims to improve homebuyer confidence and encourage timely delivery of real estate projects in Maharashtra.
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