The real estate sector in Pune district continues to face scrutiny as a staggering 7,012 complaints have been filed against registered projects and 5,174 against builders across 4,213 RERA-registered projects, including 1,744 complaints in 2023 and 908 complaints in 2024. This reflects the growing frustration among homebuyers dealing with a range of issues, from project delays to lack of promised amenities.
Residents allege that many builders have failed to deliver on their commitments, including timely possession, quality construction, and adherence to the approved layout plans. Other common grievances include incomplete amenities and poor after-sales service, among others.
Swati Mishra, r resident of Dhanori, speaking to the Free Press Journal, said, “90 percent of the amount for 3 BHK flats in the Vertillas Project at Kharadi has been paid by us. In the project, approximately 140 units have been sold. The possession was fixed for June 30, 2024. However, they took an extension in RERA till June 2025.”
“RERA not for us”
“All the owners have paid 90 percent of the value of the agreement. But according to the architect’s certificate, only 60% of the work has been done. Most owners have filed their complaints in RERA, but RERA seems like it is only for builders and their protection, not for people like us. We booked this property in October 2022 and did the registration, but now possession seems like a distant dream. We are all paying rent as well as EMIs, and the builder is least bothered; he doesn’t come for meetings, doesn’t reply to calls and messages,” she added.
FPJ tried to connect with Arman Kothari of the Vertillas Project in Kharadi. However, Kothari refused to comment on the issue.
Ankush Jagtap, resident of Ambegaon, said, “The Grand Icon society was handed over by the builders in 2019. However, the royalty amount of ₹6 lakh has not been paid yet by the builders. A conveyance deed is also not completed yet. Moreover, due to negligence, one of the residents has encroached on the parking space and lift area by constructing a shop. We have registered many complaints with the PMC, but no action has been taken yet.”
Santosh Todkare, builder of Grand Icon society, Ambegaon, speaking to the Free Press Journal, said, “The work for the conveyance deed and royalty amount is under process. The court has sent the matter under Tehsildar custody. Due to elections in the district, it was delayed. However, all the issues will be solved in the next two months.”
On the basis of anonymity, a senior citizen told the Free Press Journal, “We have deposited ₹20 lakh and booked the 2 bhk flat in 2020 at a society near Tathawade in PCMC and were promised by the builder to hand over the possession in 2024. However, no construction has been done so far. The builder is forcing us to grant 4 more years for possession. It is a clear breach of trust. After providing the money, we are expected to wait for 8 years. We have made a complaint in the RERA office.”
2 Judges in Pune for RERA complaints
Jayant Dandegaokar, Deputy Secretary Cum Head Maha RERA (Pune division), speaking to the Free Press Journal, said, “To tackle the cases, there are 5 judges who regularly hear the cases. Three judges sit in Mumbai and 2 in Pune. Accordingly, cases are being solved from time to time, and action is being taken against the defaulters. These complaints are made by the victims online and directly go to the head office in Mumbai. Accordingly, the cases are divided and given to judges to address the issue.”
