RERA Kerala — Registration of Real Estate Projects and Agent Compliance

The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) was enacted to protect homebuyers and regulate the real estate sector. In Kerala, RERA is implemented through the Kerala Real Estate Regulatory Authority (K-RERA). Compliance with K-RERA is mandatory for all developers, promoters and real estate agents in Kerala. Here is the complete guide.

Which Projects Must Register with K-RERA?

• Any real estate project where the land area exceeds 500 square metres OR the number of apartments/units exceeds 8
• Both residential and commercial projects are covered
• Ongoing projects (not completed/OC received before May 1, 2017) must also register
• Plotted development projects above 500 sq.m are also covered
• Projects with land area below 500 sq.m AND 8 or fewer units are exempt

Developer/Promoter Obligations Under RERA

• Register the project with K-RERA before launching any advertisement or booking
• Quote RERA registration number in all advertisements
• Deposit at least 70% of booking amounts received in a designated escrow bank account — withdrawable only for land and construction costs
• Update project information on K-RERA portal quarterly — including approvals obtained, construction updates, financial position
• Hand over possession on the date specified in the sale agreement — any delay entitles the buyer to interest at prescribed rate
• Obtain all statutory approvals (building permit, fire NOC, environment clearance) before advertising

Real Estate Agent Registration

• All real estate agents/brokers in Kerala must register with K-RERA
• Registration is valid for 5 years — renewable
• An agent cannot facilitate sale of unregistered RERA projects
• Documents required: PAN, Aadhaar, address proof, income tax returns, photographs, professional details

Buyer Rights Under RERA

• Right to information on project approvals, layout, progress
• Right to interest on delayed possession (same rate as builder's penalty on buyer defaults)
• Right to file complaint with K-RERA adjudicating officer for grievance redressal
• Right to appeal to RERA Appellate Tribunal against K-RERA orders

Conclusion

K-RERA compliance is non-negotiable for real estate developers and agents in Kerala — with significant penalties for non-registration and non-disclosure. SPOTON provides RERA compliance advisory for real estate developers and agents in Calicut, Kochi, Thrissur and across Kerala. Contact us for expert K-RERA compliance services.