WBRERA Registration in West Bengal: Projects, Agents, Fees and Complaints After WBHIRA
Real estate projects and agents in West Bengal are regulated by the West Bengal Real Estate Regulatory Authority (WBRERA) under the central RERA Act, 2016 and the West Bengal Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Rules, 2021. This came after the Supreme Court struck down the state’s own law, WBHIRA, in May 2021. Promoters must register projects before advertising or selling, deposit 70% of buyers’ money in a separate account, and update progress on the portal; agents must register before dealing in registered projects. Buyers can file complaints online at rera.wb.gov.in.
Which projects must register?
Every residential or commercial project above the threshold must be registered before it is advertised, marketed or sold. WBRERA describes the threshold as land above 200 square metres or more than six apartments, including all phases. Projects with a completion certificate before the law applied, and renovation without new units for sale, are outside it.
Project registration fees
| Project type | Land up to 1,000 sq m | Land above 1,000 sq m |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | ₹10 per sq m | ₹20 per sq m |
| Commercial and others | ₹50 per sq m | ₹100 per sq m |
Fees are calculated on the land area. An extension of registration costs twice the registration fee. Confirm the current schedule on the WBRERA portal before paying.
Promoter obligations
- 70% escrow: deposit 70% of amounts collected from buyers in a separate bank account and withdraw only in proportion to construction progress, certified by an engineer, architect and chartered accountant.
- Quarterly updates on the portal: bookings, approvals and construction status.
- Advertisements must carry the WBRERA registration number.
- No more than 10% advance before a registered agreement for sale.
- Five years’ liability for structural defects after handover.
Real estate agents
| Item | Individual | Others (firm, company, LLP) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee | ₹25,000 | ₹2,50,000 |
| Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Renewal fee | ₹5,000 | ₹50,000 |
Apply for renewal at least three months before expiry. An agent cannot facilitate sale of a project that is not registered.
For buyers in Kolkata
- Check the project’s WBRERA registration and approved plans on the portal.
- Read the agreement for sale in the prescribed format, and pay through banking channels.
- Remember the stamp duty in Kolkata and the GST on under-construction flats.
- For delays or defects, file a complaint online on the WBRERA portal.
FAQs
Is WBHIRA still in force?
No. The Supreme Court struck it down in May 2021; RERA applies through WBRERA.
What is the agent registration fee in West Bengal?
₹25,000 for an individual and ₹2,50,000 for others, valid for 5 years.
Can a promoter take booking money before RERA registration?
No. A project must be registered before it is advertised or sold.
TAXAJ handles RERA registration, quarterly compliance, escrow certification and accounts for promoters and agents in West Bengal. See our RERA registration service or talk to our Kolkata team.
Last updated 11 November 2026. Sources: Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016; West Bengal Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Rules, 2021; West Bengal Housing Department WBRERA page (updated May 2026); Supreme Court judgment of May 2021 on WBHIRA. General information only.
