In its efforts to promote transparency, accountability and consumer awareness in the real estate sector, the Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP RERA) organized an awareness programme for stakeholders of the Agra Division through video conferencing on Thursday. The programme was held at the ADA Auditorium, Agra, with participation from homebuyers, allottees, promoters and registered real estate agents.

The session focused on safe real estate investment practices, key provisions of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, the rights and responsibilities of homebuyers, and the grievance redressal mechanism available through UP RERA.

The workshop commenced with an opening statement by UP RERA Secretary Mahendra Verma, who welcomed the participants and outlined the key highlights and objectives of the session. He informed the participants about the important issues that would be covered during the workshop, particularly those relating to safe property investment, verification of project information, homebuyers’ rights and responsibilities, and the mechanism available for grievance redressal under RERA.

Mahendra Verma emphasized the importance of active participation by all stakeholders in such awareness programmes and encouraged participants to make effective use of the information and guidance provided during the session.

The programme was presided over virtually by UP RERA Chairman Mr. Sanjay Bhoosreddy. The Secretary, Agra Development Authority (ADA) also participated in the workshop and joined the stakeholders during the awareness session.

Awareness as the First Step Towards Safe Investment

Addressing participants, UP RERA Chairman Mr. Sanjay Bhoosreddy emphasized that informed consumers are better equipped to protect themselves from misleading claims, fraudulent practices and risky property investments. He said that the Authority’s role extends beyond dispute resolution to creating awareness among citizens about their legal rights and responsibilities.

He advised prospective homebuyers to verify all available information about a registered project through the UP RERA portal before committing their funds. He also encouraged consumers to approach the Authority without delay whenever they face violations of their rights or contractual obligations.

The Chairman reiterated UP RERA’s commitment to developing a transparent, accountable and consumer-oriented real estate environment throughout the state.

Detailed Guidance on RERA Provisions

UP RERA Principal Advisor Mr. Abrar Ahmad conducted a detailed session on the important provisions of the RERA Act and their practical relevance for property buyers. Participants were briefed on due diligence before purchasing a property, the process of filing complaints, statutory rights of allottees and the role of UP RERA in providing effective and timely remedies.

He stressed that verifying project credentials and documents before making an investment can substantially reduce the possibility of financial loss, fraudulent transactions and disputes at a later stage.

Verify Project Details Before Making Payment

During the programme, stakeholders were advised to check essential information such as the RERA registration number and validity, approved layout plans, land ownership details, construction status, expected completion date, designated project bank account, promoter’s previous record and the registration status of the real estate agent before investing.

Participants were also cautioned against taking investment decisions solely on the basis of advertisements, brochures or verbal assurances and were encouraged to independently verify project-related information available on the UP RERA portal.

Safeguarding Documents After Booking

The session highlighted that due diligence should continue even after a property has been booked. Homebuyers were advised to retain important documents, including the allotment letter, Agreement for Sale, payment receipts and relevant project records available on the UP RERA portal.

Proper preservation of these records can play an important role in establishing a buyer’s rights and supporting a claim in the event of a dispute.