Decade-Long Wait Continues as NRI Investors Face Unfinished Dream in Bengaluru Township

Reports from Bengaluru on August 30, 2025 revealed that hundreds of Non-Resident Indian (NRI) buyers continue to grapple with a prolonged ordeal as their investment in what was once promised as a modern township remains largely incomplete—over a decade after its launch. The Ozone Urbana project in Kannamangala, near Bengaluru's international airport, has left buyers, many of whom are based in the UAE, US, Canada, and Southeast Asia, trapped in a legal and financial nightmare with minimal progress on their dream homes and limited accountability from the developer.

Investment Overview and Current Status

The project details paint a concerning picture of stalled progress and trapped capital.

Financial and Emotional Impact on Buyers

Buyers like Errol Norrohna discovered that the Bengaluru dream had transformed into a decade-long financial burden. After investing over ₹1 crore in 2015 and booking another apartment in 2018, he was forced to return to India after losing his job during the pandemic—only to find his flat still unfinished.

Many buyers reported similar experiences including:

• Years of paying EMIs on undelivered homes
• No possession despite paying 80–90% of the total cost
• Loss of savings, retirement funds, and peace of mind
• No accountability from the developer

Some buyers were reported to have health issues, aging parents, or children in need of housing—yet found themselves caught in limbo. For many NRI property investors in India, the situation has become a cautionary tale about due diligence and developer accountability.

Legal Challenges and Implementation Issues

While some buyers secured favorable orders from RERA and consumer courts—mandating possession or refunds—the implementation of these orders remained stalled. Developers continued to file appeals, dragging cases for years.

In some cases, buyers also received legal threats, including defamation suits. One NRI was slapped with a ₹20 crore suit simply for raising concerns online and in media forums. This situation highlights the broader challenges that homebuyers face with legal resolutions in the current regulatory framework.

Beyond Financial Recovery

For most affected buyers, sources indicated it was no longer just about recovering money but about the betrayal of trust in a system they believed would protect their interests.

"We invested not just capital, but belief in India's real estate promises," one buyer was quoted as saying. "Now we feel abandoned—by the builder, by the courts, and by the system meant to safeguard us."

Broader Real Estate Sector Challenges

The Ozone Urbana case was reported to reflect broader challenges plaguing India's real estate sector, including delays in project completion, weak enforcement of RERA orders, and limited support for NRIs despite regulatory frameworks. This situation mirrors concerns raised about construction compliance and buyer protection across various markets.

As thousands of buyers continued their wait, industry observers noted that the story served as a powerful reminder that real estate reforms must go beyond policy—they must be enforceable, transparent, and buyer-centric. The case also underscores the importance of thorough property inspection and due diligence before making significant investments.