Builders Neglect Mandatory RERA Updates: Hyderabad's Homebuyers Left in the Dark
Hyderabad: A significant number of builders in Hyderabad are failing to upload mandatory Quarterly Progress Reports (QPRs) on the Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) portal, leaving homebuyers in the dark about project status and violating legal obligations. Under the RERA Act, all registered builders must upload a QPR within 15 days of the end of each quarter. The report should include photographs of the construction site, details of work completed during the period, and key project updates. These filings are designed to ensure transparency and help buyers track the progress of their investments.
Real estate expert and Realtor Oxygen CEO Dr Nandi Rameswara Rao said the problem is more widespread than most realise. “Around 30 to 40 per cent of builders are not uploading the required QPRs. This is a serious issue. Many buyers have paid lakhs of rupees and are still waiting for their homes, but they have no idea what stage the project is in,” he said. “The bigger problem is buyer awareness. Most buyers don’t even know these reports are mandatory. Since no one demands them, many builders skip the updates with impunity,” Dr Rao added.
Legal experts have also raised concerns. “The failure to upload QPRs is a violation of Section 11 of the RERA Act and Rule 16 of the Telangana RERA Rules,” said advocate Nikung Dugar. “These reports are not mere formalities—they are critical safeguards created to protect homebuyers after years of irregularities in the real estate sector. But since most buyers don’t know their rights, they rarely take legal action.” Experts say the lack of enforcement and public awareness is enabling builders to bypass one of the most crucial transparency measures in real estate regulation.
The RERA Act was introduced to bring transparency and accountability to the real estate sector, which has long been plagued by delays, financial mismanagement, and lack of information. The Act mandates that builders provide regular updates to ensure that homebuyers are informed about the status of their investments. However, the non-compliance by builders is undermining the very purpose of the Act. Homebuyers, who often invest a significant portion of their savings, are left in a state of uncertainty, unable to make informed decisions about their investments.
To address this issue, experts suggest a multi-pronged approach. First, there needs to be a concerted effort to raise awareness among homebuyers about their rights under the RERA Act. This can be achieved through public awareness campaigns, educational workshops, and collaboration with real estate agents and brokers. Second, the RERA authority must enhance its enforcement mechanisms, including penalties for non-compliance. Third, technology can play a crucial role in ensuring compliance. The RERA portal can be made more user-friendly and accessible, with reminders and alerts for builders to submit their QPRs on time.
The impact of non-compliance extends beyond individual homebuyers. It affects the overall credibility of the real estate sector and can lead to a loss of trust among potential investors. Therefore, it is essential for all stakeholders, including builders, homebuyers, and regulatory authorities, to work together to ensure that the RERA Act is implemented effectively. By doing so, the real estate market in Hyderabad can become more transparent, reliable, and buyer-friendly.
