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Delhi real estate in limbo as RERA's directive halts property registrations

Property registration in the city came to a halt as the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) instructed sub-registrars not to register new properties exceeding the maximum permitted dwelling units on a plot size, as outlined in the Unified Building Bye Laws for Delhi, 2016 (UBBL). RERA also directed civic bodies not to approve building plans with more dwelling units than allowed by UBBL for the plot size. The order, affecting both sanctioned building plans and sale deeds, demands clear documentation of the number of approved dwelling units, with potential disciplinary action for violations. RERA's directive, received by sub-registrars on November 17 but issued on September 11, led to a suspension of property registrations pending guidelines from the divisional commissioner's office. The order, applicable to DDA colonies, cooperative housing societies, and freehold properties, particularly impacts unauthorized colonies where multiple units on smaller plots are common. It also affects builder floors and planned localities. As per UBBL and a 2008 Supreme Court order, plots up to 50 sq meters can have three dwelling units, with varying allowances for larger plots. The impact of the RERA order, perceived as unfavourable for middle-class buyers, stirred controversy, with Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva alleging bias in favor of larger plots. In response, an AAP government source clarified that RERA falls under the central government's purview, urging the BJP to address their concerns to their own party. The RERA order's potential impact on planned localities, builder floors, and constructions in unauthorized colonies has raised concerns, and sub-registrars await clarity from the divisional commissioner before resuming property registrations. The order's shockwaves extend beyond registration, affecting building plans sanctioned by various civic bodies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council, Delhi Cantonment, and Delhi Development Authority. The AAP government's RERA notification has sparked a debate on fairness, with critics highlighting perceived bias toward plots exceeding 250 sq meters. The order's delayed receipt by sub-registrars and subsequent posting of copies in offices aimed to inform the public about the new rule. With 29 sub-registrars in the capital and over 1.1 lakh sale deeds registered in 2021, the suspension of property registrations adds uncertainty to the real estate landscape, pending further guidelines and resolution of the ongoing dispute between political parties.

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