Introduction: Why Understanding Real Estate Regulations Matters
Buying a property is one of the biggest financial commitments most people make in their lifetime. To ensure that buyers are protected and developers maintain transparency, the Government of India introduced the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, commonly known as RERA.
In Maharashtra, this law takes a more localized form known as MahaRERA, which enforces the same principles under a state-specific regulatory authority. While both serve similar purposes, there are key distinctions between RERA and MahaRERA that every homebuyer and developer should understand especially in regions like Kolhapur and Pune, where trusted developers such as Deshpande Infra follow full compliance.
What is RERA & Its Full Form?
RERA stands for Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, which was passed by the Parliament of India in 2016 and came into force in May 2017.
The primary goal of RERA is to regulate the real estate sector, protect buyers’ interests, and bring accountability to property developers.
Key Objectives of RERA:
- Ensure transparency in project development.
- Mandate RERA registration for all ongoing and new real estate projects.
- Protect homebuyers from project delays or fraud.
- Enforce timely delivery and maintain quality standards.
- Establish a platform for grievance redressal.
Every state in India has its own RERA authority to oversee the local real estate market which brings us to MahaRERA for Maharashtra.
What is MahaRERA & Its Full Form?
MahaRERA stands for Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority. It is the state-level implementation of the national RERA Act specifically for Maharashtra.
MahaRERA was among the first state authorities to become fully operational in May 2017, setting a benchmark for other states. It governs projects in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur, and Nagpur, ensuring developers like Deshpande Infra operate transparently and ethically.
What is the MahaRERA Act and Rules?
The MahaRERA Act is based on the central Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, but includes additional rules and guidelines suited to Maharashtra’s real estate environment.
Key MahaRERA Rules:
- Mandatory project registration: Developers must register projects before advertising or selling.
- 70% fund allocation rule: Builders must deposit 70% of buyer payments into a separate account for construction use only.
- Transparency in communication: Project details must be publicly available on the MahaRERA official website.
- Penalty system: Non-compliance leads to fines or license cancellation.
- Grievance handling: MahaRERA has a clear complaint process for buyer-developer disputes.
MahaRERA Project Details: All You Need to Know in Maharashtra
Every registered project in Maharashtra has a unique MahaRERA ID, visible on the official MahaRERA website.
When you search a project’s ID, you can view:
- Project layout plans and approvals
- Developer information and track record
- Construction progress and possession timeline
- Legal documents and financial disclosures
Developers like Deshpande Infra consistently list all their projects under MahaRERA, ensuring buyers have complete transparency before making a decision.
What is MahaRERA Registration?
MahaRERA registration is a legal requirement for all residential and commercial projects that meet certain size or unit criteria.
To register, developers must:
- Submit project details and approvals.
- Provide financial and construction timelines.
- Disclose all legal documents publicly.
Buyers should always check a developer’s MahaRERA number for instance, Deshpande Infra’s projects are fully registered, reflecting their adherence to the highest ethical and regulatory standards.
Difference Between RERA and MahaRERA
While both operate under the same central act, the main difference lies in jurisdiction and implementation.
| Aspect | RERA (Central) | MahaRERA (Maharashtra) |
| Scope | Applies across India | Applies only in Maharashtra |
| Authority | Central RERA Authority | Maharashtra State RERA Authority |
| Regulation | General national guidelines | State-specific rules and penalties |
| Website | Varies by state | maharera.mahaonline.gov.in |
| Objective | Protect homebuyers and regulate builders | Ensure transparency and accountability in Maharashtra’s real estate sector |
Essentially, MahaRERA is the Maharashtra chapter of RERA, functioning under the same law but with localized rules and oversight.
Difference Between RERA Registered and RERA Approved
- RERA Registered: Means the project is officially listed under the RERA authority, ensuring all disclosures are made.
- RERA Approved: A commonly misused term approval implies permission, but registration is the official compliance term used legally.
Homebuyers should always verify the registration number rather than relying on marketing claims of “RERA approval.”
Difference Between RERA and Non-RERA Projects
- RERA Projects: Transparent, regulated, and legally protected for buyers.
- Non-RERA Projects: Operate without legal oversight buyers risk delays, miscommunication, and lack of recourse.
Reputed builders like Deshpande Infra develop only RERA-registered projects, offering buyers peace of mind and legal assurance.
Difference Between RERA and CREDAI
| Aspect | RERA | CREDAI |
| Nature | Government-regulated authority | Private builders’ association |
| Role | Enforces law and consumer protection | Promotes best practices among developers |
| Accountability | Legal and binding | Voluntary membership-based |
While CREDAI promotes professionalism, RERA (and MahaRERA) legally enforces accountability.
Why Choose MahaRERA Projects?
Choosing a MahaRERA-registered project ensures:
- Transparency: All details are publicly accessible.
- Legal protection: Safeguards against fraud or delays.
- Quality assurance: Developers must meet declared specifications.
- Financial security: 70% of funds used strictly for project work.
- Dispute resolution: Buyers can file complaints directly with MahaRERA.
For instance, Deshpande Infra’s projects in Kolhapur are all MahaRERA-compliant, ensuring every buyer benefits from safety, clarity, and trust.
Conclusion: RERA vs. MahaRERA Empowering Buyers, Building Trust
The difference between RERA and MahaRERA ultimately lies in their jurisdiction but their shared purpose is clear: to make real estate transactions more transparent, secure, and buyer-friendly.
In Maharashtra, MahaRERA has set the gold standard for real estate accountability, and developers like Deshpande Infra have strengthened that trust through full compliance and ethical practices.
Whether you’re buying your first home or investing in a project, always check the MahaRERA ID it’s your assurance of a safe, transparent, and reliable investment.
FAQsQ1: What is the difference between MahaRERA and RERA?
RERA is the central law for real estate regulation across India, while MahaRERA is the Maharashtra-specific authority implementing it.
Q2: What is the advantage of RERA-registered property?
It ensures transparency, timely possession, and buyer protection against false claims.
