The Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP RERA) will physically inspect projects before deciding on developers' requests to extend project registrations in Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida and Greater Noida), Ghaziabad and Lucknow. The requirement took effect on October 3.

What changes

Until now, developers uploaded details to the UP RERA portal. The relevant development authority then supplied inspection reports and documents verifying occupancy or completion certificates, and extension requests were decided on that paperwork.

Under the new process, UP RERA's own technical staff will visit the site, with developers notified in advance, before an extension application is considered. Other districts will continue with verification by their development authorities. Officials said the three districts were chosen because of the volume of extension applications from them.

A homebuyer's complaint

The change follows a complaint dated September 18 from a Ghaziabad homebuyer, who alleged that inspection reports and certificate verifications could be prepared through collusion between developers and authorities. The buyer urged the regulator to inspect projects independently. An authority official said the suggestion was "considered relevant to protecting homebuyers' interests".

Extensions are governed by Section 6 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, which allows them for force majeure events such as floods, fire or earthquakes but does not make them automatic. Officials stressed that the inspection does not mean any application will automatically be approved or rejected.