Buying a home in 2026 isn’t just about visiting site offices and looking at sample flats anymore. It’s about digital due diligence.
While every developer will show you a glossy brochure, the “ground truth” lives on the State RERA portal. Think of the portal as the project’s medical report—it reveals the health, history, and honesty of the development.
If you are ready to hit “search” on a project, here is the ultimate checklist of what to look for on the official RERA website.
1. The “Vital Signs” Check
Before you look at the floor plans, verify the project’s legal standing.
- Registration Status: Ensure the status is “Active.” Avoid projects labeled as “Lapsed,” “Suspended,” or “Revoked.”
- The Proposed Completion Date: This is the most critical date. If the sales agent says “Possession by Dec 2026” but the portal says “Dec 2028,” the portal date is the only one legally binding.
- Project Phases: For large townships, ensure the specific building (Wing A, B, or C) you are buying in is part of the currently registered phase.
2. The Paper Trail (Legal & Structural)
A builder cannot legally build without specific approvals. The portal allows you to see them firsthand.
- Commencement Certificate (CC): Download this to confirm the builder has permission to build up to the specific floor they are selling you.
- Approved Layout Plans: Does the “green park” in the brochure actually exist on the government-approved map? Compare the portal’s layout to the marketing material.
- Encumbrances & Litigations: Check if the land is mortgaged to a bank or if there are active court cases. A few minor cases are common, but a “Title Dispute” is a major red flag.
3. The Financial “Truth” Test
RERA 2.0 has made financial transparency much stricter. Use this to your advantage.
- The 70% Escrow Account: Confirm that a dedicated bank account is listed. This ensures your money stays on your project.
- Quarterly Progress Reports (QPRs): This is the gold mine. In 2026, builders must upload these every three months. Check:
- Physical Progress: What percentage of the building is actually finished?
- Financial Progress: How much of the total estimated cost has been spent?
- Professional Certificates: Look for uploaded certificates signed by Architects, Engineers, and Chartered Accountants verifying the work done.
4. Area & Cost Transparency
- Carpet Area Verification: RERA mandates sales based on Carpet Area (the area within the walls). If the portal shows 800 sq. ft. but the builder is charging you for 1000 sq. ft. “Carpet,” ask why.
- The Draft Agreement: Download the “Proforma of Sale Agreement.” Ensure it doesn’t contain “one-sided” penalty clauses that favor the builder over you.
🚩 Red Flags: When to Walk Away
- The “Zero Update” Project: If the project was registered two years ago but the QPR shows 0% construction progress.
- The Missing QR Code: In 2026, every registered project must display a QR code. If the site office doesn’t have one that links directly to the portal, be cautious.
- Mismatched Amenities: If the “Infinity Pool” or “Clubhouse” isn’t listed in the sanctioned amenities on the portal, the builder isn’t legally required to build it.