What RERA Does Exceptionally WellSince its inception in the lawbook it safeguards the rights of investors and developers alike. All the details regarding the project are listed on the RERA website, for instance, you can find all the details just by mentioning the name of the developer and RERA ID of the project. It is required that 70% of the funds are to be kept in an Escrow account, it is a special bank account under which the real estate developer needs to open and then manage for each and every project.
The main purpose of creating this account is to ensure that the amount that is collected from the homebuyers (allottees) is used only for that specific project. It protects the buyers from any kind of fund diversion and unnecessary project delays. Project timelines are enforceable under this law which gives the buyers the right to compensation or a full refund if in case the possession is delayed. Buyers also have the right to opt for legal resolution of their dispute with developers and a fast-track legal mechanism is added to the layer of protection which sheds the buyers to dodge years of civil court proceedings.
Where RERA Has Its Limitations
Once the RERA is formed then the effectiveness of this law depends on how it is being implemented throughout. The following information regarding this law highlights its limitation:
RERA does not cover resale transactions between individuals. Because there is no provision in the Act that brings under its purview the resale or transfer of a property from one individual to another after the initial sale by the promoter. Such transactions are considered private agreements between individuals and do not involve the promoter or the real estate project as defined by RERA. The RERA law only rules over the very first sale made by the builder. If you buy a property from an individual who owned it before you, the law does not apply. These second-hand sales are private deals between two people. Because the builder is not involved, the RERA law cannot protect you or help with the deal.
Real-World Example:
Imagine a builder named Developer X Pvt Ltd builds a new apartment building. First Sale (RERA applies): Surinder Sharma buys a brand-new apartment directly from Developer X Pvt Ltd. Because this is the initial sale, RERA rules protect Surinder Sharma if the builder delays the project.
- Resale (RERA does not apply): Two years later, Surinder Sharma decides to sell that same apartment to Sam. This is a private deal between Surinder Sharma and Rahul. Developer X Pvt Ltd is not involved. If Surinder Sharma lies to Rahul about the apartment or delays handing over the keys, Rahul cannot use RERA to solve the problem. Rahul must use standard property laws instead.
RERA-registered project can still have a disputed land title, therefore, we can say that It does not validate land title Enforcing rules against struggling developers can take a long time. For example, during COVID-19, developers got a six-month extension if their delivery date fell during that period.
Unregistered projects still exist in smaller micro markets, therefore, those buyers who make investments in these projects always remain vulnerable.
How to Get a Home Loan Approved Quickly
Applying for a home loan for a RERA-registered project makes the process much smoother. Banks quickly pre-approve loans for these projects if the developer is credible, reducing processing times from months to days. If you maintain a good credit score above 750, securing a loan is straightforward.
The bank will only need to complete standard KYC verification, so keep your identity and address documents ready. Furthermore, you are not obligated to use the developer's preferred lenders; you have the freedom to choose your own bank. However, avoid applying to multiple banks simultaneously, as multiple hard inquiries can temporarily lower your credit score.
Should I Take a Loan from a Builder or a Bank?
Get your home loan from a bank or registered housing finance company, and never from the builder.
Higher costs: As an investor you should note that builders often charge secret fees or higher interest. It is advisable to take a loan from any bank like SBI or PNB etc.
Bad rules: Builder loans have strict, unfair terms for repayment which may later on instigate legal battles.
Fewer rights: In a loan acquired from the government you are secured, on the contrary, to a loan secured from a developer. If something goes in the latter case then you don't have the government's strong protection.
Safe choice: Real banks follow strict rules and offer clear and honest terms.
Direct bond: The builder only introduces you to the bank, but your contract is with the bank directly.
What Smart Buyers Do Beyond RERA
RERA is necessary, but it's not enough on its own. Along with checking RERA registration, smart buyers should also:
Visit the developer's completed projects and talk to the people living there
Hire a property lawyer to go through the builder-buyer agreement
Check the land title separately with revenue department records
Look into the developer's financial standing and how construction is progressing
Confirm that all NOCs and layout approvals are in place
A RERA-registered project from an established developer like SBP Group — with 32+ completed projects and over 15,000 homes delivered — is far safer than a RERA-registered project from a first-time developer.
Conclusion
RERA has undoubtedly made homebuying safer in Punjab, but the responsibility doesn't end with regulation alone -it also comes down to choosing the right developer. For buyers who make it a point to check whether a project is RERA-approved, SBP Group stands out as one of the most trusted names across the Tricity and Punjab region.
Every customer who walks in to explore a property is guided carefully through the entire process, with complete transparency at every step. And for those still searching for a financially sound, RERA-compliant developer, SBP Group's track record speaks for itself — with full project details openly available and registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority.
With 18 years of proven delivery backing its RERA compliance, SBP Group continues to set the benchmark for trust in the region. Visit sbpgroup.in or call 9316004242 to explore our project credentials.
FAQs
Q1. Can a RERA-registered developer still default?
Yes. RERA significantly reduces the risk but does not eliminate it. Developer financial health remains an important independent factor to evaluate.
Q2. Is a builder-buyer agreement legally binding under RERA?
Yes. The registered builder-buyer agreement is enforceable under RERA. Any deviation from its terms is a violation that can be taken to the RERA authority.
Q3. How can I check complaints against a developer?
Search the developer name on rera.punjab.gov.in to see any filed complaints or authority orders against them.
Q4. Does a bank home loan approval mean the project is safe?
Bank approval indicates the project has met basic lender due diligence. It is a positive signal, but it does not replace your own RERA verification and developer evaluation.
Q5. What is the IBC, and how does it affect homebuyers?
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code governs developer insolvency. In cases where a RERA-registered developer becomes insolvent, IBC proceedings may complicate buyer rights. This is why developer financial strength matters beyond RERA registration alone.




