AMARAVATI: The Andhra Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (APRERA) issued a warning on Thursday against engaging with unregistered real estate agents, instructing them to register within 30 days.
APRERA emphasized that operating without registration constitutes a significant violation of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.
“We have alerted the public regarding dealings with unregistered agents and mandated these agents to secure their registration within the stipulated 30 days,” stated APRERA Chairperson S. Suresh Kumar in an official announcement.
Kumar noted that trust is vital in the real estate sector, where agents play an essential role in influencing homebuyers’ decisions. He reiterated that registration is not optional, as it is a legal requirement. Currently, only 248 agents are registered, while many operate informally, compromising consumer protection and transaction transparency.
The Chairperson added that 682 project applications from promoters are currently pending due to incomplete submissions, and statutory notices have been sent to rectify these issues within 30 days.
In a significant reform, APRERA has granted its members the authority to conduct hearings and address pending applications, thereby accelerating decision-making and enhancing institutional accountability.
Kumar reminded homebuyers to refrain from transactions with unregistered agents. A list of registered agents can be found on the APRERA website, and deals made with unregistered agents have been deemed unsafe.
Agents who fail to register within the deadline may incur penalties, including fines, business restrictions, and legal action. APRERA has simplified the online registration process on its official website to facilitate compliance.
The authority also called upon leading industry organizations, the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) and the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI), to raise awareness, carry out outreach initiatives, and ensure all agents comply with APRERA registration requirements.
Kumar concluded by stating that registration is a statutory obligation and a crucial step towards protecting homebuyers, fostering transparency, and establishing a trustworthy, investor-friendly real estate market in Andhra Pradesh.
