Approval Delays Hamper MMR and Bengaluru Real Estate Sectors

According to Anarock, housing supply in MMR declined by 9 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y), while sales declined by 26 per cent on year in the first quarter of calendar year 2025 (Q1CY25).

Challenges of environmental clearance in the Mumbai region and an evolving e-Khata portal in Bengaluru, coupled with lengthy approval processes for land use, building plans, layouts, and fire safety, have been hitting real estate developers’ launch schedules, project viability, and balance sheets.

Land acquisition complexities, delayed environmental clearances, and slower municipal approval processes continued to cause project delays and added execution risk. While regulatory reforms like Rera have improved sectoral transparency, procedural hurdles remain particularly acute for new developments and smaller players, as noted in a recent report by Savills.

Pending environmental approvals are a significant bottleneck for real estate developers in the MMR. According to an order issued by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), developers must obtain environmental clearance before starting any construction activities. However, the process is often lengthy and cumbersome, leading to significant delays in project timelines.

In Bengaluru, the introduction of the e-Khata portal, aimed at streamlining property registration and ensuring transparency, has also posed challenges. While the portal is a step in the right direction, the transition period has been fraught with issues, including technical glitches and a lack of awareness among property owners. These issues have further delayed the approval process, causing frustration among developers and potential buyers.

The delays in obtaining necessary approvals have a cascading effect on the real estate market. Developers are forced to extend project timelines, which increases their operational costs and affects their financial health. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding project timelines can deter investors and homebuyers, leading to a decline in demand and sales.

To address these challenges, industry experts recommend a more streamlined and coordinated approach to the approval process. This could involve setting clear timelines for each stage of the approval process, providing more transparent communication channels, and offering support to developers, especially smaller players who may lack the resources to navigate the complex regulatory landscape.

The real estate sector is a significant contributor to the economy, and ensuring its smooth functioning is crucial. By addressing the procedural hurdles and streamlining the approval processes, the government can help boost the sector's growth and ensure that it continues to thrive in the face of increasing competition and changing market dynamics.

In conclusion, while the real estate sectors in MMR and Bengaluru face significant challenges due to approval delays and regulatory hurdles, there is hope for improvement. With the right policies and support, the sector can overcome these obstacles and continue to play a vital role in the economic development of these regions.