Consumer Groups Call for MahaRERA to Regulate Real Estate Influencers in Pune
Consumer groups in Pune are urging the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) to establish regulatory control over real estate influencers. These influencers often promote housing projects without verifying their registration numbers, leaving homebuyers vulnerable to misleading information.
Real EstateMahareraInfluencersConsumer RightsPuneReal Estate PuneOct 15, 2025
I saw a project walkthrough on social media by an influencer. It looked perfect. But when I checked the MahaRERA portal, there was no registration number. That was a red flag, Neha Patil, a homebuyer from Navi Mumbai, said. She added that many homebuyers are not aware that they need to check these details. Consumer groups and activists said ignoring influencers was no longer an option. Real estate influencers have become a part of the buyer's decision-making journey, said Ramesh Prabhu, chairman of the Maharashtra Societies Welfare Association.
MahaRERA must build a structured framework to keep a check on them as well. A dedicated team should check social media platforms, too, he told TOI. Consumer activist Shrikant Joshi said that MahaRERA has made a provision for the registration of real estate agents, the purpose being to curb unfair trade practices. Therefore, they are bound to keep a check on real estate influencers, too, he said. MahaRERA officials acknowledged the concern. Regulating social media influencers is difficult, but essential, a senior official said.
The challenge is to define who qualifies as an influencer and how to hold them accountable. Currently, our focus remains on developers and registered agents. MahaRERA regulations already mandate developers to submit quarterly updates, requiring real estate agents to pass a competency exam and report transaction details twice a year. However, influencers — who can shape buyers' decisions — operate outside this framework.
It may be difficult, but we agree it is essential, said a senior official. The call for stricter norms follows action by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), which in 2023 issued guidelines to rein in financial influencers or ‘finfluencers'. SEBI barred registered entities from associating with unregulated finfluencers and created a closed payment system to protect investors. Now, consumer rights groups want a similar model in real estate.
If SEBI can regulate financial advice online, why can't MahaRERA apply the same logic to real estate? asked Maithali Deshmukh, a member of a housing federation. For most people, buying a house is the biggest investment in their lives. Misinformation can have serious consequences. Meanwhile, MahaRERA has been cracking down on developers flouting disclosure norms. Many projects have been suspended for not displaying RERA numbers and QR codes in advertisements, and MahaRERA has levied penalties on such delays.
While developers face increasing scrutiny, influencers promoting unregistered projects remain largely unregulated. Our goal is to strengthen the system so that homebuyers always have access to reliable and complete information, a MahaRERA official said. But since influencers are not currently part of the RERA framework, regulating them would require broader policy changes — possibly at the central level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MahaRERA?
MahaRERA stands for the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority. It is a regulatory body established to protect homebuyers and ensure transparency in the real estate sector in Maharashtra, India.
Why are consumer groups urging MahaRERA to regulate real estate influencers?
Consumer groups are urging MahaRERA to regulate real estate influencers because these influencers often promote housing projects without verifying their registration numbers, which can mislead homebuyers and cause financial harm.
What are the current regulations for real estate agents under MahaRERA?
MahaRERA regulations mandate developers to submit quarterly updates, require real estate agents to pass a competency exam, and report transaction details twice a year. However, influencers are currently not part of this framework.
How has SEBI regulated financial influencers?
SEBI, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, has issued guidelines to regulate financial influencers or ‘finfluencers'. These guidelines bar registered entities from associating with unregulated finfluencers and create a closed payment system to protect investors.
What are the potential challenges in regulating real estate influencers?
The main challenges in regulating real estate influencers include defining who qualifies as an influencer and how to hold them accountable. Additionally, the current regulatory framework focuses on developers and registered agents, making it difficult to incorporate influencers without broader policy changes.
Related News Articles
Ashwin Sheth Group Embarks on Aggressive Expansion Plan with Rs 5000 Cr Investment and IPO Launch
Ashwin Sheth Group is set to invest Rs 5000 crore to expand its business, with plans to launch an IPO in the next 2 years. The company aims to double its sales bookings to Rs 3,000 crore in the current fiscal and foray into new markets.
Prestige Estates Projects Sees 3.40% Dip in Net Profit in Q1 FY25
Prestige Estates Projects' net consolidated total income stood at Rs 2024.50 crore in Q1 FY25, with a growth of 2.96 per cent from Rs 1966.30 crore in the similar quarter last year.
Kolte-Patil Developers Shares Plummet to 52-Week Low After Disappointing Q1 Results
The real estate developer's weak Q1FY25 results led to a 4% drop in share price, hitting a fresh 52-week low of Rs 357 per share.
Bajaj Housing Finance IPO Listing: Details, GMP Clues, and Investor Expectations
Bajaj Housing Finance shares are trading at a grey market premium of 113% over the issue price, signaling potential mega listing gains for investors.
Equity Investments in the Real Estate Sector Poised to Hit Record USD 10 Billion in 2024: CBRE-CII Report
Equity capital inflows into the real estate sector have already reached USD 8.9 billion between January and September 2024, marking a significant 46% year-on-year (YoY) increase.
CERA Sanitaryware Ltd. Launches Premium Company-Owned Display Studio in Pune
CERA Sanitaryware Ltd., a leading name in the sanitaryware industry, has opened a state-of-the-art company-owned display studio in Pune. The event was attended by industry leaders and VIP guests, marking a significant milestone in CERA's expansion strateg