# Section 3: what is RERA registration and who needs it? | NXS48

Registration before advertising, statutory exemptions and phase boundaries under Section 3.

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Registration

Registration before advertising, statutory exemptions and phase boundaries under Section 3.

[NXS48 editorial](/editorial-policy/) · Owner-approved for publicationLast reviewed 2026-10-24

## On this page

1.  [When must a project be registered?](https://nxs48.com/knowledge/what-is-rera-registration/#when-must-a-project-be-registered)
2.  [Which exemptions need careful checking?](https://nxs48.com/knowledge/what-is-rera-registration/#which-exemptions-need-careful-checking)
3.  [Related reading](https://nxs48.com/knowledge/what-is-rera-registration/#section-related-reading)
4.  [Related service guides](https://nxs48.com/knowledge/what-is-rera-registration/#section-related-service-guides)
5.  [Contact us for a tailored proposal](https://nxs48.com/knowledge/what-is-rera-registration/#section-contact-us-for-a-tailored-proposal)

## When must a project be registered?

Section 3 prohibits a promoter from advertising, marketing, booking, selling or inviting purchases in a covered real estate project before registration. Applicability depends on the project facts and statutory exemptions. Each phase is treated as a standalone project for registration, so the correct phase matters as much as the development’s brand name.

Do not confuse an application with registration. Before launch, reconcile the land, buildings, inventory and proposed completion commitments. Buyers should match the offered unit to the registered phase rather than assume one number covers every building in a larger layout.

## Which exemptions need careful checking?

Section 3(2) addresses the statutory small-project thresholds, projects with the specified pre-commencement completion certificate, and renovation, repair or redevelopment without marketing, advertising, selling or new allotment. The threshold wording and state power to reduce it should be read directly; an informal claim that a project is small is not enough.

Keep the evidence supporting any exemption. A redevelopment scheme containing free-sale units should not be called exempt simply because existing members also receive replacement premises. Registration does not itself adjudicate title or certify that every future approval has been obtained.

### Official sources

-   [RERA Act, Sections 3 and 4](https://maharera.maharashtra.gov.in/sites/default/files/acts/Real_Estate_Act_2016.pdf)
-   [MahaRERA project-registration guidance](https://maharera.maharashtra.gov.in/project-registration-1)

See [new project registration support](/services/developer-compliance/new-project-registration/) and the [developer compliance desk](/services/developer-compliance/).

Editorial source check: 2026-10-24. Owner-approved for publication. No independent professional legal review or named professional authorship is claimed. “Last reviewed” records an editorial update, not legal sign-off. Check applicable amendments, orders and case-specific law before reliance.

General information, not legal advice. [Authorship and review policy](/editorial-policy/).

## Related reading

-   [Section 4: registration disclosures and the separate account](/knowledge/section-4-registration-documents/)
-   [Checking a project before you buy](/knowledge/checking-a-project-before-you-buy/)

## Related service guides

-   [New Project Registration & Portal Management](/services/developer-compliance/new-project-registration/)
-   [Multi-State RERA Compliance Desk](/services/developer-compliance/multi-state-compliance-desk/)

[Maharashtra regulatory context](/states/maharera/) · [All 25 explainers](/knowledge/)

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