UP Government Tightens Home Registration Norms

The Uttar Pradesh Government has unveiled stringent new regulations aimed at streamlining the home registration process, significantly impacting both homebuyers and real estate developers. Under the new norms, builder-buyer agreements must now be registered upon the payment of just 10% of the flat’s price. This mandate introduces a 6% stamp duty on the builder-buyer cost at the agreement signing stage, alongside a non-refundable 1% registration fee, intensifying the financial burden on prospective homeowners.

Previously, property transactions in Uttar Pradesh involved signing an initial agreement on a modest Rs 100 stamp paper, with stamp duty fees of approximately 7% payable only upon obtaining an Occupancy Certificate and Completion Certificate. The abrupt shift to a higher upfront stamp duty and registration charges deviates sharply from practices in other states, where sale agreements typically incur nominal stamp paper fees ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000. This change has elicited strong reactions from industry experts, who argue that the increased costs may deter middle-income buyers and stifle growth in the region’s burgeoning real estate market.

Industry analysts suggest that the UP government’s move is designed to safeguard buyers’ interests and boost stamp duty revenue. However, experts like Sanjay Sharma, Director of SKA Group, express concerns that the additional financial strain could make homeownership more expensive and less accessible, particularly for those in the middle-income bracket. Neeraj Sharma, Managing Director of Escon Infra Realtors, warns that the new stamp duty imposition could hinder real estate transactions by adding to the already substantial costs buyers face at the time of booking properties.

Furthermore, Manoj Gaur, CMD of Gaurs Group and Chairman of CREDAI National, criticises the lack of clarity regarding the refund policy for the non-refundable registration fee in case of cancellation. He emphasises that such measures impose unnecessary financial burdens on buyers, potentially discouraging investments in Noida, Greater Noida, and other key areas within Uttar Pradesh. The sector fears that these regulations could lead to a slowdown in the real estate market, undermining the state’s economic growth driven by property development.

From a sustainability perspective, while the intent behind the reforms is to enhance regulatory compliance and protect homebuyers, the immediate financial implications may overshadow long-term benefits. The increased upfront costs could limit access to affordable housing, exacerbating the housing shortage in urban areas. Additionally, the lack of transparent guidelines on refunds and the high stamp duty rates may push buyers towards informal agreements, potentially undermining the legal framework intended to secure their investments.

The Uttar Pradesh Government’s new housing registration norms mark a significant shift in the state’s real estate landscape. While aimed at increasing transparency and protecting buyers, the regulations raise critical questions about affordability and market growth. As the real estate sector navigates these changes, stakeholders await further clarifications and potential amendments to ensure that the reforms achieve their intended objectives without stifling the housing market’s dynamism.