How to Check Which Flats Your Builder Has Already Sold: A MahaRERA Guide for Homebuyers
In the bustling real estate market of Maharashtra, transparency is key to making informed decisions as a homebuyer. Imagine investing your life savings into a dream home, only to later discover discrepancies in the project’s inventory or multiple bookings on the same unit. Fortunately, the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has tools in place to help you avoid such pitfalls. Back in 2021, MahaRERA issued a crucial circular mandating promoters (builders) to disclose detailed information about sold or booked units in their projects. Even today, this remains a vital resource that many prospective buyers overlook, empowering you to verify exactly how many flats have been sold, which ones, and more—all at your fingertips.
The 2021 MahaRERA Circular: A Game-Changer for Transparency
On April 9, 2021, MahaRERA released Circular No. 29/2021, emphasizing the obligations under Rule 3 (a) and (b) of the Maharashtra Real Estate (Regulation and Development) (Registration of Real Estate Projects, Registration of Real Estate Agents, Rates of Interest and Disclosures on Website) Rules, 2017. This rule requires promoters to publicly disclose:
- The number of apartments sold or allotted, including their sizes based on carpet area (even if previously sold on bases like super built-up area).
- For plot-based projects, the area of plots sold, including the allottee’s share in common areas and amenities.
The circular’s primary goal? To provide clarity to buyers and prevent issues like double bookings or fraudulent sales. It directs all promoters to furnish this information in a standardized format for each registered project, broken down building-wise. This includes details such as:
- Building name or number
- Serial number of units
- Floor or wing details
- Flat, shop, plot, or row house number
- Carpet area in square meters
- Status: Sold/Booked or Unsold
- Registration date with the sub-registrar (if applicable)
Importantly, this data must align with the certifications provided by a Chartered Accountant in Annexure ‘A’ of Form 3, ensuring accuracy and accountability.
While issued over four years ago, this directive is as relevant today as ever. With Maharashtra’s real estate sector continuing to boom—think new developments in Mumbai, Pune, and beyond—homebuyers face ongoing risks from opaque practices. MahaRERA’s enforcement of these disclosures helps level the playing field, allowing you to cross-verify claims made by builders during site visits or marketing pitches.
How to Access Sold Inventory Details on the MahaRERA Website
The best part? You don’t need to rely on the builder’s word—you can check this information yourself online, free of charge. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to viewing project details, including sold and booked inventory:
- Visit the Official MahaRERA Website: Head to the portal at https://maharera.maharashtra.gov.in/. This user-friendly site is the central hub for all registered real estate projects in the state.
- Navigate to Registered Projects: On the homepage, look for the “Registered Projects” or “Project Search” section. You might find it under tabs like “Home Buyers” or “Registration.”
- Search for Your Project: Enter details such as the project name, promoter’s (builder’s) name, or the MahaRERA registration number (usually starting with ‘P’ followed by numbers). This number is mandatory for all ads and brochures, so note it down from the builder’s materials.
- View Project Details: Once the project appears, click on it to access comprehensive information. Scroll to sections on “Booked/Sold Inventory” or “Unit Details.” Here, you’ll see building-wise breakdowns, including which units are sold, booked, or available—often with carpet areas and status updates.
- Cross-Check and Download: Verify the data against the builder’s promises. You can often download PDFs or reports for your records. If discrepancies arise, report them directly via the website’s complaint portal.
This process takes just a few minutes but can save you from costly mistakes. For instance, if a builder claims a particular flat is available but the MahaRERA records show it’s booked, that’s a red flag.
Why This Matters for You as a Buyer
Knowing the sold inventory isn’t just about numbers—it’s about trust and smart investing. It helps you:
- Gauge Demand: A high number of sold units might indicate a popular project, but low sales could signal issues like delays or poor quality.
- Avoid Fraud: Prevents scenarios where the same unit is promised to multiple buyers.
- Plan Better: Understand availability in specific buildings or floors to match your preferences.
- Ensure Compliance: Confirms the project adheres to RERA norms, including timely updates (promoters must refresh this info promptly after sales).
Today, with rising property prices and economic uncertainties, due diligence is non-negotiable. MahaRERA’s disclosures, stemming from that 2021 circular, put power back in the hands of consumers. Next time you’re eyeing a property, make this check your first step—it’s quick, easy, and could be the difference between a wise investment and a regrettable one.
Also Read: Builder Knocks MahaRERA Door For Payments From Homebuyers
