Goa RERA Issues Strict Guidelines to Prevent Misleading Real Estate Ads
Panaji: In a significant move to ensure transparency and fairness in the real estate market, the Goa Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has issued a new set of guidelines aimed at preventing misleading advertisements by builders and real estate developers. The guidelines, issued to the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) and the Goa Association of Realtors, emphasize the importance of clear and accurate information in real estate promotions.
RERA has specifically instructed developers to refrain from adding disclaimers in their advertisements. According to the notification, vague mentions of project amenities will be considered misleading. “Amenities as promised in the agreement or brochure should be clearly indicated, and the mention of the mere number of amenities, such as 11+ amenities, shall be treated as prima facie misleading,” stated RERA Secretary Paresh Faldesai in the circular.
The guidelines also mandate that all advertisements for real estate projects must prominently display the Goa RERA registration number, which should be clearly visible in the top right corner of the advertisement. This rule applies to both print and online media, including real estate portals that list projects and plots for sale in the state.
“No disclaimer clause should be mentioned in the advertisement, such as terms and conditions apply,” Faldesai emphasized. This directive is aimed at preventing developers from using fine print to negate the promises made in their promotional materials. Often, builders entice potential buyers with images of luxury facilities and amenities, only to include a small disclaimer stating that the images are for representational purposes. RERA aims to put an end to such practices to protect consumers from false expectations.
Additionally, the guidelines require developers to accurately represent the location of the project in their advertisements. “The location of the project as given in the approved plan should be mentioned in the advertisement. Travel time should not be mentioned as it varies depending on traffic conditions,” the RERA circular stated. This ensures that buyers are not misled by claims of proximity to essential amenities like hospitals, schools, airports, and railway stations.
These new guidelines are part of RERA’s broader efforts to regulate the real estate market and enhance consumer protection. By enforcing these rules, RERA hopes to create a more transparent and trustworthy environment for both buyers and developers in Goa. The implementation of these guidelines is expected to reduce the number of disputes and complaints related to misleading advertisements, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more reliable real estate market in the state.
