The Bombay High Court took issue with a demand of 24% interest on alleged ground rent arrears by MHADA as a condition for conveying land ownership to a cooperative society. MHADA also sought advance ground rent till 2026 totaling over INR 18 crore. The HC said the demand was unacceptable and directed MHADA to execute a land lease agreement and conveyance deed for the commercial building within three weeks. It asked MHADA to consider its observations while revising the demand legally within the next 10 weeks, failing which conveyance cannot be delayed.Read more

The National Green Tribunal has issued notices to the UP government, Noida, Greater Noida authorities, and other bodies following a petition alleging illegal construction on farmland. The petition, filed by a former BJP councillor from Ghaziabad, highlights concerns over the encroachment of fertile farmland and unauthorised plotting in Noida and Greater Noida, prompting the NGT to schedule a hearing on July 8. The NGT's intervention underscores the need for strict enforcement of environmental regulations and urban planning to address environmental degradation and safeguard agricultural land in the region.Read more

The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) has introduced new regulations to deter builders from erecting high-rise buildings on narrow roads within colonies. These measures include raising completion certificate rates and earnest money required for construction work. Builders now face fees of INR 15 to INR 30 per square foot for buildings exceeding 15 metres in height. The move addresses safety concerns and road congestion arising from inadequate parking in such constructions. Additionally, rules now permit three-floor buildings on plots of 350 to 500 square metres on 60-metre-wide roads, but without ground floor parking. These changes signify the JDA's proactive approach to enhancing safety and functionality in Jaipur's residential areas.Read more

Over 3,300 farmers in Amaravati who gave up their agricultural lands for the proposed capital city development have been left stranded without clear ownership rights to the returnable plots promised to them as compensation. Although plots were allotted to farmers by the government which acquired lands as part of the capital city masterplan, the new state government halted all land acquisition proceedings and withdrew the previous notification. While most farmers received plot registration, around 3,300 find themselves in limbo without official ownership as the government did not transfer the lands to the Capital Region Development Authority responsible for allotment and registration. The unclear legal status of the plots has impacted the farmers who are still awaiting ownership documents years after sacrificing their livelihood lands for the capital project now stalled due to shifting political priorities.Read more

MahaRERA has directed Godrej Greenview Housing Private Limited, part of Godrej Properties, to refund more money to a homebuyer, Ajit Dabhade, who cancelled his booking in the Godrej Emerald housing project in Thane. Dabhade had booked a flat worth INR 92.17 lakh in 2019 but cancelled due to issues securing a home loan. Godrej Properties forfeited the entire initial payment amount. MahaRERA ruled this was illegal under RERA and ordered Godrej to deduct only 2% of the flat value from the refund instead of the 5% allowed in the booking form. This ensures Dabhade receives more money back. MahaRERA also clarified its directives of a maximum 2% forfeiture in cancellation cases apply retrospectively to registered projects. Consequently, Godrej Greenview must refund Dabhade's payment within 45 days after deducting 2%.Read more

The Bombay High Court rejected a petition filed by the resolution professional of Truly Creative Developers Pvt Ltd, which is facing insolvency proceedings, to stop the Slum Rehabilitation Authority from acquiring a land parcel in Mumbai. The builder had acquired the land in the 1990s for a slum rehabilitation project but failed to complete it for over 16 years. In 2021, the slum society terminated Truly Creative as the builder and appointed a new one. The High Court observed that the resolution professional failed to explain how the land could be used to rehouse slum dwellers and deemed the petition an abuse of the legal process.Read more

In Gautam Budh Nagar district, homebuyers witnessed an 18% revenue increase in FY24, attributed to the resumption of flat registrations in stalled projects. Previously, builders owed INR 44,700 crore to development authorities, causing registration halts. Following the Uttar Pradesh government's adoption of the Amitabh Kant committee's recommendations in December 2023, registrations resumed, bringing relief to homebuyers and boosting revenue collection. Despite missing the FY24 target of INR 4,728 crore, the department collected INR 3,585 crore, with a target of INR 4,800 crore set for FY25. Positive developments, including registrations in over 13,000 apartments, signal a brighter future for homebuyers and the real estate market.Read more

The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has enforced self-certification of property tax data for all property transactions, including sale, purchase, lease, and rental registrations at the revenue department office. This decision, made in a recent review meeting chaired by MCG Commissioner Narhari Singh Banger, aims to ensure accuracy in property owners' data such as names, plot size, and address, consequently leading to precise tax bill generation. Property owners can self-certify their data via the government portal property.ulbharyana.gov.in, provided they clear any outstanding dues and obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC).Read more

Noida Authority struggles as only 14 out of 57 projects sign up for UP government's rehabilitation package, despite much efforts. This package was initiated based on Amitabh Kant-led panel recommendations and it aims to address issues of pending dues and flat registrations. Of the identified projects, builders of 35 agreed to the deal and about 14 submitted 25% of recalculated dues, enabling registration of 4,000 flats. The Authority anticipates more registrations in April as builders consider deposits in the new financial year. The Stamps department has organised camps to expedite registries, registering 500 flats so far.Read more

The state government has opted to keep land-ready reckoner (RR) rates unchanged for 2024-25, maintaining stability in property purchases for the fourth consecutive year. This decision, praised by industry experts, ensures affordability for homebuyers and prevents additional costs that could have arisen from rate increases. The strategy has proven effective, with a notable rise in property registrations in Mumbai city contributing significant revenue to the state. Predictable pricing fosters buyer confidence and investment planning, driving increased activity in the real estate market. This move by the Maharashtra government is anticipated to sustain market momentum, stimulate property sales, and surpass previous revenue collections, benefiting both homebuyers and the real estate sector.Read more