UP-RERA consolidates rules for builders, agents: 7 key things homebuyers must know

To make these rules easier to follow, the Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP-RERA) has consolidated its regulations, bringing together key amendments made up to July 13, 2026. The updated framework covers builders, homebuyers and real estate agents.Buying a home is a big financial decision, and for many buyers, the paperwork and rules can be just as confusing as the purchase itself. From where the builder keeps buyers’ money to what appears in a property advertisement, several things can affect a homebuyer’s interests.To make these rules easier to follow, the Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP-RERA) has consolidated its regulations, bringing together 12 amendments made up to July 13, 2026. The updated framework covers builders, homebuyers and real estate agents.Here are the key changes buyers should know.BUILDERS MUST DISCLOSE MORE PROJECT DETAILSBuilders, or promoters, will have to disclose details of key professionals associated with a project, including the architect, engineer and chartered accountant. They must also provide a customer relationship manager and a contact or toll-free number. Promoters will have to submit quarterly progress reports (QPRs), along with certificates from the relevant professionals. This is aimed at giving buyers more reliable information about the progress of a project.Builders must also maintain an updated profile on the UP-RERA website. Any changes in company details, including directors, partners, trustees, financial information and income tax returns, will have to be updated.THREE BANK ACCOUNTS FOR PROJECT FUNDS One of the important changes relates to how builders handle money collected from homebuyers.A project will have to maintain three separate bank accounts — a collection account, a separate account and a transaction account.Of the money deposited by buyers into the collection account, 70% will be transferred daily to the separate account and 30% to the transaction account. Project-related loan money will also have to be deposited into the separate account.The accounts will be audited every financial year, with the audit report uploaded on the UP-RERA website. Builders will also not be allowed to collect project payments from buyers in cash.MORE PROTECTION FOR BUYERSThe rules also bring clarity on possession. Builders will have to issue the Offer of Possession in the format prescribed by UP-RERA.Buyers who have purchased property in an unregistered project will also be able to file complaints online with UP-RERA. However, they will have to provide additional details about the project and builder.Transfer charges have also been specified. If a property is transferred to a family member following the death of an allottee, the fee will be Rs 1,000. For transfers outside the family, the fee can go up to Rs 25,000.PROPERTY ADVERTISEMENTS FACE TIGHTER RULESBuilders and agents will have to provide important project information prominently in advertisements and brochures. This includes the UP-RERA registration number, website, QR code, collection account details, project launch date and the agent's registration number.The project name used in advertisements must also match the name in the approved plan.REAL ESTATE AGENTS TO HAVE CERTIFICATIONReal estate agents will need a training certificate for registration and renewal. They must also maintain proper records and submit details of their transactions every three months.Late submission of mandatory reports will attract fees. The late fee is Rs 15,000 for QPRs, Rs 25,000 for annual audit reports and Rs 10,000 for quarterly reports submitted by agents.MAINTENANCE MONEY CANNOT BE USED FREELYThe rules also clarify how IFMS (Interest-Free Maintenance Security) collected from buyers should be handled.Builders will have to keep the money in a separate bank account. Once the residents' association takes over maintenance of common areas, the entire IFMS amount must be transferred to it.The money can only be used for maintaining, repairing and making necessary changes to common facilities. Proper records and audits will also be required.RULES FOR STALLED PROJECTS CLARIFIEDThe consolidated regulations also set out provisions covering extension or withdrawal of project registration and situations where a stalled project's responsibility can be transferred to another promoter.The aim is to protect homebuyers when projects run into trouble and, where possible, help such projects move forward.UP-RERA has made the consolidated regulations available in the Legal Section of its website. For homebuyers, the move means several rules that were spread across different amendments can now be accessed in one place.- EndsPublished By: Jasmine anandPublished On: Aug 18, 2026 17:55 IST