Pune Leads in MahaRERA Crackdown: 1,957 Projects Face Show Cause Notices for QPR Default

Pune has emerged at the forefront of regulatory action by the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA), with the highest number of housing projects facing scrutiny. Out of 8,212 defaulting projects across the state, a significant 1,957 are from Pune district alone, making it the most non-compliant region in Maharashtra.

The action comes after developers failed to update Quarterly Progress Reports (QPRs) for the January-March quarter by the April 20 deadline, as mandated under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. These reports are crucial disclosures that provide homebuyers with updates on project progress, financial transactions, and any changes in approved plans.

Taking serious note of this lapse, MahaRERA has issued show cause notices to all erring developers under Section 7 of the Act. Builders have been granted a 60-day window to respond and upload pending QPRs. Failure to comply could lead to stringent action, including cancellation or suspension of project registration, effectively halting further development and transactions.

Apart from Pune, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Konkan collectively account for 4,644 such projects, followed by Khandesh (511), Vidarbha (483), and Marathwada (238). However, Pune's individual district count remains the highest, raising concerns over compliance in one of Maharashtra's fastest-growing real estate markets.

The implications of non-compliance are severe. MahaRERA may freeze project bank accounts, restrict advertising and marketing activities, and even direct authorities to halt property registrations. Additionally, a penalty of Rs 50,000 may be imposed on such projects, impacting both developers and prospective buyers.

Under RERA provisions, developers are required to deposit 70% of funds collected from homebuyers into a dedicated bank account and disclose project progress through Forms 1, 2, and 3, certified by engineers, architects, and chartered accountants. These disclosures ensure transparency and safeguard homebuyer interests.

Speaking to Pune Mirror, MahaRERA Chairman Manoj Saunik emphasized that the authority remains committed to protecting homebuyers. He stated that all project-related information available with developers must be transparently shared with buyers on a quarterly basis. He warned that persistent non-compliance will invite strict regulatory action, including project deregistration.

Despite clear guidelines issued at the time of project registration and repeated follow-ups, thousands of developers have failed to adhere to QPR norms. The current crackdown signals MahaRERA's intent to enforce accountability and maintain transparency in Maharashtra's real estate sector, with Pune now at the center of scrutiny.