A. Introduction: A Big Step for Indian Real Estate
Indian real estate has been on a transformative journey ever since the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) came into force. While the Act created a framework of transparency and accountability, the process was still fragmented across multiple state-level portals.
That’s now changing. The Housing Ministry has launched the Unified RERA Portal, a single-window platform that consolidates real estate data from all states and Union Territories. This move is expected to redefine transparency, accelerate project monitoring, and restore buyer trust in one of the country’s most dynamic industries.
Let’s break down how this development will impact homebuyers, developers, regulators, and the entire property market.

Fig 1. RERA registrations of Projects & Agents between 2016 and 2025.
B. A unified platform for homebuyers
Until now, buyers had to search through multiple state-specific RERA portals to track projects, approvals, and updates. The new portal eliminates this hassle.
• One-Stop Information Hub: Buyers can now check project approvals, progress reports, developer track records, and grievance redressal status in a single place.
• Better Comparisons: Access to nationwide project data makes it easier to compare properties across states, helping buyers make informed choices.
• Increased Trust: Transparency in updates reduces the fear of delayed or fraudulent projects.
For the average homebuyer, this isn’t just a portal, it’s a confidence booster.
C. Stronger regulatory oversight
The Unified RERA Portal isn’t just about convenience; it also strengthens regulatory control.
• Centralized Database: With over 1.5 lakh projects and over 1 lakh registered agents already under RERA, the unified system creates a powerful repository of information.
• Early Intervention: Regulators can now identify red flags such as project delays or non-compliance much earlier than before.
• Standardization: Differences in rules, definitions, and procedures across states often created confusion. A single portal makes it easier to enforce uniform Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) nationwide.
This ensures that accountability and governance improve across the board.
D. Boosting speed of grievance redressal

Fig 2. Increasing number of complaints resolved post RERA
One of the biggest concerns in real estate has been the delay in resolving disputes.
The Unified RERA Portal addresses this by:
• Creating a nationwide system for complaint monitoring, ensuring grievances don’t get lost in state-level silos.
• Supporting the revival of stalled projects, a pain point for thousands of buyers in states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
• Encouraging states to adopt best practices from one another in dispute resolution.
For buyers waiting years for justice, this is a game-changer.
E. Developers under greater scrutiny
For developers, the portal increases visibility and with it, accountability.
• Mandatory updates: Developers will have to upload progress reports, certificates, and financial disclosures on time, or risk being flagged.
• Reputation at stake: Buyers can check a developer’s past record in seconds, making transparency a competitive advantage.
• Market discipline: Developers who follow compliance will benefit from increased trust, while defaulters will find it harder to attract customers.
In short, the portal is set to separate responsible builders from unreliable ones.
F. Data-driven policy and investment
A unified real estate database has benefits beyond buyer-developer interactions.
• For policymakers: Access to real-time trends helps in designing incentives, monitoring housing supply, and addressing market bottlenecks.
• For investors: Institutional investors, banks, and funds get a clearer view of project risks, making real estate a more attractive investment class.
• For urban planning: The data can guide long-term planning for housing, infrastructure, and smart city initiatives.
This is where AI and data analytics will play a huge role in shaping future real estate policies.
G. Challenges that need attention
While the Unified RERA Portal is promising, execution challenges remain:
• Data Gaps: Many state portals already have missing or outdated information. Unless these gaps are filled, the national portal risks becoming unreliable.
• Integration Issues: Different states use different IT systems. Ensuring smooth data migration will take time.
• User Awareness: Buyers, especially in smaller towns, may need awareness campaigns to learn how to use the portal effectively.
• Uniform Enforcement: States must commit to updating data regularly, otherwise, the portal may end up as a half-functional tool.
If these challenges are addressed early, the initiative will achieve its full potential.
H. Who gains the most?
Here’s a quick look at how different stakeholders’ benefit:
 
I. A Step Toward Real Estate Maturity
The Unified RERA Portal is more than just a tech platform; it represents a maturing real estate ecosystem. By addressing long-standing issues of transparency, accountability, and buyer protection, it can help:
• Accelerate housing demand
• Revive stalled projects
• Encourage foreign investments
• Strengthen India’s urban development goals
If implemented effectively, this could be the foundation for a more reliable, trustworthy, and investment-friendly property market in India.
J. What does the future hold? A portal of promise
The launch of the Unified RERA Portal is a landmark reform for Indian real estate. It signals a future where:
• Buyers are empowered with information
• Developers are held accountable
• Regulators have stronger oversight
• Investors can trust the market more
Of course, execution will determine success. But if India gets this right, the portal could become the single most important step in making real estate a transparent and trustworthy sector, something that millions of Indian homebuyers have been waiting for.

Source: ET article published on 5th September 2025; authored by Ankit Sharma

Author: Sumedha Das