RERA Registration — Why It Matters
Under RERA 2016, any person facilitating the sale or purchase of a RERA-registered project must be registered as an agent with the state RERA authority. Agents receive a RERA registration number that buyers can verify on the state portal. Unregistered agents face fines of ₹10,000 per day of violation.
Verify before engaging: Ask any agent for their RERA registration number and verify it on your state's RERA portal — e.g. rera.karnataka.gov.in for Karnataka, maharera.mahaonline.gov.in for Maharashtra. A registered agent is more accountable — complaints against them can be filed with RERA.
How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent
| Green Flags | Red Flags |
|---|---|
| Valid RERA registration number | Cannot or will not provide RERA number |
| Transparent about brokerage upfront | Vague about fees; changes brokerage mid-deal |
| Shows multiple properties — not just one | Pushes only one property repeatedly |
| Explains title issues and dues honestly | Dismisses or minimises your due diligence questions |
| Gives time to decide | Creates false urgency ("another buyer is interested") |
| Has references from past clients | Cannot provide references; new to area |
Brokerage Rates and Who Pays
Standard brokerage in Indian real estate is 1–2% of the transaction value — paid by buyer, seller, or split between both. In new project sales, brokerage is typically paid by the builder (factored into the project cost). In resale transactions, it is often paid by the buyer at 1% or split 0.5% each. Always agree on brokerage amount in writing before viewing properties.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
A real estate agent facilitates property transactions — connecting buyers and sellers, assisting with negotiations, documentation, and closing. Under RERA 2016, all agents must register with the state RERA authority. Brokerage is typically 1–2% of the transaction value. Always verify an agent's RERA registration number on your state's RERA portal before engaging.
Yes. Under RERA 2016, any person facilitating sale or purchase of RERA-registered projects must be registered as a RERA agent with the state authority. Operating without registration invites a penalty of ₹10,000 per day. Buyers should always ask for and verify the agent's RERA registration number — RERA-registered agents are more accountable.
Standard brokerage is 1–2% of the transaction value. In new project sales, builders typically pay 1–2% brokerage to agents (factored into project cost — buyers don't pay separately). In resale, brokerage is typically paid by buyer (1%) or split equally between buyer and seller. Always agree on brokerage amount in writing before viewing properties.
Check: (1) Valid RERA registration number — verify on state RERA portal, (2) Experience in the specific area and property type you need, (3) References from past clients, (4) Transparent about fees upfront, (5) Does not create false urgency or pressure, (6) Willing to show multiple properties and discuss pros/cons honestly. A good agent facilitates; a bad one manipulates.
No. Real estate agents facilitate transactions but are not qualified to give legal advice. Do not rely on an agent for title verification, legal due diligence, or interpretation of property documents. Always engage a qualified property lawyer independently for legal aspects — checking title, EC, reviewing sale deed, and advising on any encumbrances or risks in the transaction.