Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make - and the single best habit to protect yourself is to check the project on Karnataka’s RERA portal before you pay anything. RERA (the Real Estate Regulation and Development Act, 2016) forces builders to publish key project details and gives buyers a formal way to check approvals and raise complaints. Below is a practical, step-by-step guide to verifying a project on the Karnataka RERA (K-RERA) portal - written for busy buyers who want clear answers fast.

Why check on RERA first?

RERA was created to bring transparency and accountability into real estate transactions. In Karnataka, promoters must register eligible projects and upload documents such as project plans, approvals, and timelines - all visible on the K-RERA portal. That public disclosure makes RERA the single best starting point when you’re vetting a project.

Quick checklist (before you open the portal)

• Have the project name (or RERA number) and the promoter name ready.

• Keep a copy of any brochure, price sheet, or sales agreement you’ve been given - it helps cross-check details.

• If you don’t have a RERA number, the project name + promoter name is usually enough to search the portal.

How to verify a project on Karnataka RERA - step by step

1. Open the official Karnataka RERA website rera.karnataka.gov.in. This is the source of truth for Karnataka-registered projects.

2. Go to “Registered Projects” or “Project Status” and use the search box. You can search by project name, promoter name or RERA registration number.

3. Confirm the registration number & validity. The portal shows the unique RERA number and its registration/expiry date. If a registration has lapsed or expired, proceed with caution - expired or lapsed registrations may mean the promoter hasn’t renewed or completed statutory updates. (K-RERA data shows many projects can lapse/expire; always confirm current status.)

4. Open the project detail page and read what’s published. Look for uploaded documents: project plan, layout, sanctioned building plan, completion/possession dates, and promoter details. Promoters are required to disclose project financials and updates periodically.

5. Check for orders, complaints or hearing history. The RERA portal records adjudication orders and complaints against the promoter - review these for any unresolved disputes.

6. Cross-check brochure vs. RERA data. Ensure the floor plans, carpet area, number of units and promised amenities in the brochure match the RERA disclosures. RERA requires promoters to sell based on carpet area, not super-built area - watch for mismatches. 

What exactly to look for on the project page

• RERA registration number & registration validity dates.

• Promoter name and contact (does it match the brochure or salesperson?).

• Approved plans & layout (sanctioned plan, layout map).

• Possession/possession timeline (is it clearly stated and realistic?).

• Quarterly progress updates - these show actual construction progress and money spent.

• Any orders or pending complaints filed against the promoter.

Red flags: stop, ask, verify

• No RERA registration for a project that should be registered (projects over 500 sq m or more than 8 units). Don’t proceed without clarity.

• Registration expired or lapsed - ask the promoter why it wasn’t renewed and for documentary proof of approvals/extension.

• Missing quarterly updates - promoters must post regular progress reports; absence of updates is a warning.

• Discrepancies between the brochure and RERA docs (area, amenities, number of units). Ask for written clarification and updated RERA filings.

• Multiple unresolved complaints or adverse orders - investigate the nature of complaints before you decide.

If you find a problem: how to raise a complaint in Karnataka RERA

1. Use the K-RERA complaint portal and register/log in to file a complaint online. The portal accepts supporting documents and shows hearing schedules and updates on your complaint status.

2. Expect the process to include a payment (as per portal rules), uploading proofs, and online hearings. If the issue is urgent (like misrepresentation or funds misuse), consider legal counsel in parallel. Practical guides lay out the required documents and the hearing process.

Extra checks

• Ask for the “RERA registration certificate” PDF directly from the promoter and verify the digital signature on the PDF. RERA certificates are digitally signed - check the signature and date.

• Cross-verify local approvals (BBMP/BMRDA/BDA or Panchayat) where relevant: RERA disclosure should list statutory approvals - if not, request proof.

• Title & encumbrance: RERA does not replace a title check. For land/plot purchases, always get a lawyer to check title documents and encumbrance certificates. (RERA complements but does not substitute legal title diligence.)

• Ask for the 70% utilisation proof: RERA requires promoters to keep 70% of buyers’ money in a separate account for construction - if you suspect fund misuse, ask for confirmations/quarterly financials.

Bottom line - quick decision rules

• If the project is RERA-registered, shows regular quarterly updates, and there are no serious unresolved orders, it’s a much safer bet than an unregistered project.

• If the portal shows expired registration, missing updates, or serious complaints, stop, ask for proof, or get a legal opinion before paying more than a token booking amount.