Pune: In a sweeping move to enhance professionalism and transparency in the real estate sector, the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has cancelled the registration of 18,693 property agents. This action was taken against brokers who failed to renew their licenses or complete the mandatory training and certification required under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.
Since MahaRERA began operations in May 2017, it has registered more than 50,673 agents. However, only 31,980 are currently considered active. The de-registered agents include a significant number from key urban regions: 2,463 from Mumbai city, 5,538 from Mumbai’s suburbs, 4,303 from Thane, and 3,476 from Pune.
The authority has emphasized the importance of training for real estate professionals, which includes modules on model sale agreements, allotment letters, understanding carpet area definitions, and defect liability periods. These are critical areas of knowledge for agents who guide potential homebuyers through the property purchase process.
A significant number of agents either did not comply with these certification norms or allowed their licenses to expire—often because their focus is on the secondary resale market, which operates largely outside MahaRERA’s direct regulatory oversight.
Maharashtra continues to lead the country not just in real estate activity, but also in the number of registered agents. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region, part of the Konkan division, accounts for 21,050 registered agents. Pune follows with 8,205, then Nagpur (1,504), North Maharashtra (490), Sambhajinagar (343), and Amravati (237).
MahaRERA’s reach extends beyond Maharashtra’s borders, with agents from over 150 cities across India—including Delhi, Gurgaon, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad—registered with the authority. This widespread registration underscores Maharashtra’s central role in the national real estate landscape.
In an effort to strengthen regulatory standards, MahaRERA made it compulsory from January 2024 for all new and renewing agents to obtain certification. Those failing to comply face penalties, including the risk of de-registration. Notably, MahaRERA is the first state regulator in India to enforce such a rule, setting a precedent for others.
Recognizing that real estate agents are often the first interface for property buyers, MahaRERA had already launched training and certification initiatives in January 2023 to enhance the credibility and competence of professionals in the field. This recent crackdown sends a strong message: adherence to regulatory norms is non-negotiable in ensuring customer confidence and safeguarding the industry’s reputation.
