India’s flagship property regulation has moved from cautious acceptance to broad institutional backing, with the Union home minister stating that the Real Estate Regulation Act has fundamentally reshaped how the housing market operates. Speaking at a national developers’ conclave in New Delhi, the minister said the law has brought order, accountability and buyer protection to a sector long criticised for opacity and uneven standards.
Introduced in 2016 and fully operational since 2017, the legislation marked a decisive shift in how residential projects are planned, sold and delivered. According to the minister, early apprehensions within the industry have gradually given way to recognition that transparent regulation strengthens long-term business viability. He argued that clearer rules have improved construction quality, reduced disputes and enhanced confidence among households investing their life savings in homes. Government data presented at the event shows the scale of adoption. The regulatory framework has been implemented across 35 states and Union Territories, with dedicated authorities functioning in most regions. More than 1.5 lakh housing projects and over one lakh developers are now registered, creating a nationwide digital trail that allows buyers to track approvals, timelines and legal disclosures. Industry experts say this shift has made Indian real estate more investable and aligned it closer to global best practices. The minister also addressed the perception that regulation constrains growth. Instead, he suggested that rules, when designed well, expand opportunity by improving credibility. An urban policy analyst present at the conclave noted that predictable regulation reduces speculative behaviour and channels capital into genuine housing demand, which is essential for inclusive city-building.
Beyond regulation, the government has sought to lower construction costs through tax reforms. Reduced goods and services tax rates on housing and key building materials have eased financial pressure on developers, potentially allowing savings to be passed on to buyers. Officials estimate that cumulative tax changes could lower overall project costs by up to seven per cent, supporting affordability without diluting quality. Sustainability formed a notable part of the address. Developers were urged to treat green building practices not as optional add-ons but as standard design principles. Energy-efficient layouts, water recycling, rainwater harvesting and scientific waste management were highlighted as measures that improve liveability without significantly increasing costs. The minister also called on the sector to work towards net-zero development, reflecting India’s broader climate commitments. Looking ahead, the focus is shifting to land transparency and curbing speculative holding, which often distorts urban growth.
Analysts argue that as RERA real estate reform matures, its success will increasingly be judged by how well it supports affordable housing, gender-neutral neighbourhoods and climate-resilient cities. The consensus at the conclave was clear: disciplined regulation, when paired with sustainable design, offers a durable foundation for India’s next phase of urban expansion.
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