Karnataka Builders Confront E-Khata and Approval Delays in Property Registration Process
Real estate developers across Karnataka are currently facing substantial challenges with property registrations and project handovers, primarily due to persistent bottlenecks in the e-khata system and related approval procedures. These issues are affecting projects that have already received occupancy certificates, creating significant hurdles for both builders and homebuyers in the state.
Credai Raises Concerns at South Con 2026 Conclave
The Karnataka chapter of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (Credai) has formally flagged these concerns, submitting a detailed representation to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) on Monday. The organization is seeking urgent intervention from civic authorities to streamline administrative procedures that are currently causing widespread delays in the real estate sector.
These concerns gained prominence during discussions at the South Con 2026 conclave held on Friday, where Credai members from all five southern states participated. Developers highlighted that despite obtaining necessary project approvals, subsequent delays in e-khata clearance and completion certificates frequently stall critical processes including property registrations, electricity connections, and other statutory requirements.
Administrative Bottlenecks Impacting Homebuyers
Bhaskar T Nagendrappa, president of Credai Karnataka, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating: "Even when construction projects are fully completed and ready for occupancy, prospective buyers encounter substantial hurdles due to administrative delays. These procedural bottlenecks require immediate attention from civic authorities to ensure smoother transactions and timely project handovers."
Currently, Credai represents approximately 600 builders operating within Karnataka and about 12,000 developers nationwide, making these concerns particularly significant for the broader real estate ecosystem.
Affordable Housing Policy Revisions Proposed
In addition to addressing procedural delays, Credai has also raised important concerns regarding housing affordability. The organization has formally requested the central government to revise the threshold criteria for affordable housing, which has remained unchanged at Rs 45 lakh since 2017.
The national chapter of Credai submitted a comprehensive representation last month to the Union Ministry of Housing and NITI Aayog, proposing several key modifications. These include increasing permissible apartment sizes from 90 square meters to 120 square meters in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and from 60 square meters to 90 square meters in metropolitan areas.
Taxation and Industry Status Requests
Gummi Rama Reddy, president-elect of Credai National, elaborated on additional requests made to government authorities: "We have formally proposed GST reductions on construction contracts specifically for affordable housing projects to alleviate cost pressures. Additionally, we have advocated for decreased stamp duty prices and the official recognition of the real estate sector as a distinct industry, which would facilitate better policy support and regulatory frameworks."
These combined efforts reflect the real estate industry's comprehensive approach to addressing both immediate procedural challenges and longer-term policy issues affecting housing development and accessibility across Karnataka and India.
