Even RERA Won’t Help If You Commit These 6 Mistakes While Buying a Property

“RERA offers protection, but it’s not foolproof. Avoid these 6 common mistakes buyers make while purchasing property—RERA won’t save you if you slip up.”

If you are buying a property—your dream home, a Konkan weekend home, or an investment—you must have heard of RERA. It was introduced to protect homebuyers and bring more transparency to the real estate world. Sounds reassuring, right?

Yes, RERA is a great step forward, but here’s the truth most people don’t talk about: RERA can only help you to a point. If you make certain common mistakes while buying property, even RERA won’t be able to save you.

Let’s break down six such mistakes that can seriously backfire—no matter how “safe” you think your deal is.

1. Not Checking Who Really Owns the Land
   One of the biggest blunders buyers make is assuming that if the builder says everything is fine, it must be. But RERA deals mostly with the developer, not necessarily the land’s actual legal ownership.
   If the title isn’t clear, or if there are disputes over the land, you’re walking into a legal mess.
   
   Tip: Always check land ownership documents such as the title deed and the encumbrance certificate. If you are unsure what to check, it is best to consult a real estate lawyer.
   
   
   
2. Interpreting RERA Registration as “All Clear”:
   Just because the project is RERA registered does not necessarily mean it is perfect. It merely means that the developer has posted some generic project details and is regulated. But here’s what RERA does not guarantee: That the builder has the funds to complete the project. That there are no pending lawsuits. That you will acquire possession on schedule.
   
   Tip: Do not just depend on the RERA certificate. Investigate the builder’s history, previous delays, customer reviews, and whether all the clearances are in place.
   
   
   
3. Failure to Read the Contract Correctly :
   We know law essays are no fun.But that Builder-Buyer Agreement isn’t something you should just skim through. It contains important things like: Cancellation clauses, Late payment penalties, Hidden charges, Actual carpet area (not just super built-up!).
   
   Tip: Don’t sign anything without reading and understanding it. And yes, it’s worth spending a little extra to have a lawyer go through it with you.
   
   
   
4. Making Cash Payments or “Off-the-Record” Deals:
   Some people still try to save on taxes by doing part of the deal in cash. It might seem like a smart “jugad,” but if something goes wrong, you’ll have zero protection. RERA only helps with registered, legal transactions.
   
   Tip: Never agree to under-the-table transactions. Pay everything legally via bank transfers and get proper receipts and a registered sale deed.
   
   
   
5. Falling in Love with Fancy Brochures Without Visiting the Site:
   The development may appear stunning in the brochure. Sea-facing apartment, infinity pool, clubhouse, greenery… we can just fall in love with the concept. But on the ground floor, things could be quite different.
   
   Tip: Always go there in person. Look at the terrain, roads, primitive infrastructure like electricity and water, and how close it’s really to the next highway or town. Don’t believe the pictures.
   
   
   
6. Not Thinking About Resale or Rental Value:
   A lot of people only think about buying. But what happens when you want to sell the property later or earn rental income? If it’s in a poor location or lacks future growth potential, you may struggle to find buyers or tenants—even if you love the place.
   
   Tip: Before buying, ask:
   Will this area grow in the next 5–10 years?
   Is it well connected?
   Are people interested in renting or buying here?

RERA is a Support, Not a Shortcut Yes, RERA has made property buying much safer than it used to be. But it’s no excuse for not taking it seriously and letting your guard down. You still have to do your own research, read the small print, and make provision. Buying a home is one of the biggest single purchases you’ll ever make—don’t leave it to chance or assumption.

Want more smart buying tips for coastal Maharashtra and Konkan? Watch this space for real estate guides, insider advice, and handpicked listings on Konkandream.com.