How to read a RERA registration before you buy

Every registered project in Gujarat carries a registration number and a validity date. Both are published on the Gujarat RERA portal, and both are worth checking against what the developer prints.

Five things to check on the portal

• The promoter's name matches the company on your agreement.
• The validity date sits comfortably after the promised possession date.
• Every phase you are buying into is registered, not just the first.
• The approved plans match the brochure layout.
• Quarterly progress updates are being filed on time.

Carpet area is defined by law

Carpet area under RERA is the net usable floor area of the apartment, excluding external walls, service shafts and exclusive balconies. If a brochure quotes an area without saying whether it is carpet, built-up or super built-up, that omission is the answer.

If the registration and the brochure disagree, the registration is the one the law will enforce.

Your protection after possession

For five years from possession, the developer is responsible for fixing structural defects and workmanship issues free of charge, normally within thirty days of being told. Keep the possession letter; that date starts the clock.