West Bengal Real Estate Body Challenges Super Built-Up Area Registration Mandate Causing Property Deal Delays

Brief: CREDAI West Bengal opposes new registration requirement mandating Super Built-Up Area disclosure, citing lack of standardized definitions and resulting property registration delays across Kolkata.

The Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) West Bengal chapter has formally objected to recent amendments introduced by the state's Directorate of Registration and Stamp Revenue. The industry body reported that the new mandate requiring developers to include Super Built-Up Area (SBUA) alongside traditional built-up and carpet area measurements has created significant operational challenges across the region.

Registration Process Faces Major Disruption

According to CREDAI officials, the implementation of SBUA requirements in sale agreements and property registration documents has led to widespread confusion among developers and buyers alike. The association noted that numerous property transactions have experienced delays since the enforcement of these new documentation standards.

Industry representatives emphasized that the absence of a universally accepted definition for Super Built-Up Area in existing RERA regulations and national building codes has resulted in inconsistent interpretations across different development projects.

Legal Framework Concerns Highlighted

CREDAI's primary concern centers on the lack of standardized SBUA definitions within India's regulatory framework. The organization pointed out that neither the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, the National Building Code, nor Municipal Acts provide clear guidelines for calculating Super Built-Up Area measurements.

This regulatory gap has led to arbitrary interpretations by various developers, potentially causing pricing discrepancies and misleading prospective homebuyers. The association argued that such inconsistencies undermine the transparency objectives that modern real estate regulations aim to achieve.

Industry Seeks Return to RERA Standards

Since RERA's implementation in 2017, West Bengal's real estate sector has primarily adopted carpet area-based pricing models to enhance buyer protection and market transparency. CREDAI emphasized that this approach has proven effective in providing clarity to homebuyers regarding actual usable space within residential units.

The developers' association has formally requested authorities to maintain carpet area calculations for stamp duty and registration purposes until comprehensive SBUA guidelines are established at the national level.

Market Impact Assessment

Regulatory Response Awaited

The real estate industry is currently awaiting official response from the Directorate of Registration and Stamp Revenue regarding CREDAI's concerns. Market observers suggest that a swift resolution is necessary to prevent further disruption to West Bengal's property market, particularly given the state's growing residential and commercial development sectors.

Industry experts believe that establishing clear, uniform guidelines for Super Built-Up Area calculations could potentially benefit both developers and homebuyers by ensuring consistent measurement standards across all real estate projects. However, they emphasize the importance of implementing such changes through proper consultation with industry stakeholders and adequate transition periods.

The ongoing situation highlights the broader challenges facing India's real estate sector as it continues adapting to evolving property registration and regulatory frameworks aimed at enhancing market transparency and buyer protection.

Disclaimer: This news report is based on publicly available information and industry statements. Readers are advised to verify current regulations and consult with legal professionals before making property-related decisions. The information provided is for general awareness purposes and should not be considered as legal or financial advice.