MahaRERA Halts Real Estate Project Grading Initiative

Mumbai, India: The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has been forced to halt its proposed grading system for real estate projects due to regulatory constraints. The Real Estate Regulatory Act, 2016, does not provide the authority for regulators to assign grades to projects.

Earlier this year, MahaRERA announced plans to implement a grading system to assist homebuyers in making informed decisions. The regulatory authority had identified four criteria based on information provided by developers, including technical, financial, legal details, and a project overview. The decision to halt the grading initiative came after the Bombay High Court questioned MahaRERA’s authority to rate or classify developers. In response, MahaRERA had proposed the grading matrix approximately four months later. The grading matrix was intended to be updated every six months within a financial year, with the initial period running from October 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024.

The matrix was set to commence once the deadline for uploading the last quarterly progress report (QPR) was passed on April 20, 2024. Section 32 (f) of the Real Estate Regulatory Act, 2016, refers to measures aimed at promoting the grading of projects based on various development parameters, including the grading of promoters. In June 2023, MahaRERA emphasized the importance of this section in facilitating the grading of projects. Despite the setback, the decision to halt the grading initiative underscores the need for further clarity and regulatory guidance within the framework of the Real Estate Regulatory Act, 2016. While the initiative aimed to enhance transparency and protect homebuyers, the lack of legal authority has prevented its implementation.

The future of grading systems in the Indian real estate sector remains uncertain. Stakeholders will need to explore alternative measures to foster buyer confidence and ensure the integrity of project information. The government may also need to consider amending the Real Estate Regulatory Act to provide regulators with the necessary authority to implement grading systems.