ED asks Mumbai homebuyers to report builders refusing RERA details

The Enforcement Directorate has formally asked homebuyers in Mumbai to flag builders who refuse to share RERA registration details or who push for cash transactions. For anyone buying a home in this city, this is a clear signal that the authorities are now watching how deals are structured, not just whether they close.

RERA registration is the basic legal shield for any Mumbai buyer. It tells you the project is approved, the timeline is committed, and the builder is accountable. If a developer is reluctant to show you that document, or suggests that a part of the payment be made in cash to 'save on paperwork', you should treat that as a red flag. The ED's appeal essentially turns every homebuyer into a compliance officer.

In the Mumbai market, where a large share of transactions still involve some element of informal payment, this could have a chilling effect on such practices. Builders who have been operating on the margins will now think twice before asking for cash, especially with the ED inviting reports directly. For genuine developers, this is a welcome development — it separates the professionals from the fly-by-night operators.

Sandeep's take: This is a positive move for the market's credibility. As a broker, I have always advised clients to insist on RERA details and to avoid cash payments, but now the enforcement machinery is backing that advice. If you are in the market, make this a non-negotiable part of your due diligence. It protects you and it cleans up the industry.

What to watch next: Watch for any increase in RERA compliance checks and whether the ED's call leads to more transparent transactions in the resale and pre-launch segments.