The Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HRera) has issued a strong advisory urging homebuyers to engage exclusively with RERA-registered real estate agents while investing in property. The regulator cautioned that dealing with unregistered brokers often results in financial losses, misleading assurances, and legal complications for buyers.
The warning comes amid increased regulatory monitoring of the real estate sector, as authorities intensify efforts to protect homebuyers and ensure transparency in property transactions.
Unregistered Brokers Pose Serious Risks
According to HRera, unregistered property agents frequently lure buyers with false promises and unverifiable claims, which later translate into disputes and stalled projects. Such dealings often leave buyers without effective legal remedies. HRera chief Arun Kumar highlighted that homebuyers who rely on unregistered agents may face:
- Invalid or unenforceable agreements
- Delays in project completion
- Difficulty in seeking legal recourse
- Assurances that carry no legal backing
“In many cases, buyers later realise that the promises made by such agents have no legal basis,” the authority noted.
RERA Law Bars Unregistered Agents
Citing the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, HRera clarified that unregistered agents are legally prohibited from:
- Selling real estate units
- Advertising real estate projects
- Facilitating or negotiating property transactions
Any person carrying out such activities without registration is acting in violation of the law.
Broad Definition of ‘Real Estate Agent’
HRera emphasised that the term “real estate agent” has a wide scope under RERA. It includes:
- Property dealers
- Brokers
- Consultants
- Middlemen operating under any name
“Practically, anyone who negotiates deals, introduces buyers and sellers, or acts on behalf of another person for commission, fees, or any form of remuneration falls within the definition of a real estate agent,” the authority clarified.
Advisory to Homebuyers: Verify Before You Invest
To safeguard their interests, HRera has advised homebuyers to:
- Carefully read the guidelines applicable to real estate agents available on the official HRera website
- Verify agent credentials by checking the updated list of registered agents on the HRera portal
- Avoid relying on verbal assurances not supported by written, legally valid documentation
The regulator stressed that conducting proper checks at the initial stage can help buyers avoid fraud and long-term disputes.
Push for Transparency and Accountability
HRera reiterated that mandatory agent registration under RERA is a key pillar of the regulatory framework. Registered agents are subject to:
- Defined duties and responsibilities
- Regulatory oversight
- Penalties for misconduct or violations
This system is designed to promote accountability, transparency, and fair practices in the real estate market.
Conclusion
The HRera advisory serves as a timely reminder for homebuyers to remain vigilant and transact only through RERA-registered real estate agents. As regulatory scrutiny increases, buyers are encouraged to rely on verified intermediaries to protect their investments and ensure legal certainty in property dealings.
Source: TOI