Odisha Introduces Uniform Apartment Registration Framework Across State

Bhubaneswar: Seeking to simplify property transactions and bring greater clarity to the real estate ecosystem, the Odisha government has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for apartment registration to establish a transparent and uniform framework across the state.

The SOP, jointly issued by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department and the Housing and Urban Development Department, is aimed at creating a predictable registration process while addressing procedural inconsistencies faced by apartment owners, developers and registration authorities.

Officials said the guidelines have been prepared to remove uncertainties arising from varying interpretations of legal provisions under the Odisha Apartment (Ownership and Management) Act, 2023, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 and the Registration Act, 1908.

Under the revised framework, apartment registration procedures have been divided into three categories to ensure greater clarity in implementation. These include resale transactions involving pre-RERA apartments, first-time sale of unsold units in pre-RERA projects and registration of apartments developed under the post-RERA regime.

Each category has been assigned a defined set of documentation requirements, verification mechanisms and registration conditions to reduce ambiguity and ensure consistency across registration offices.

For post-RERA developments, compliance requirements have been strengthened. Registration will now require fulfilment of conditions including Odisha RERA registration where applicable, issuance of Occupancy Certificate, registration of the Association of Allottees, filing of declarations under Section 9 and completion of procedures relating to transfer of common facilities and shared spaces.

Authorities clarified that apartment registration in such cases will proceed only after obtaining approval from the designated competent authority.

The SOP also introduces clearer institutional responsibilities for authorities operating under the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, various Development Authorities and Revenue Sub-Division jurisdictions to improve coordination and accountability.

The government has retained incentives aimed at encouraging property ownership among women by continuing the existing one per cent concession in stamp duty for apartment transfers executed in favour of women.

In addition, nominal stamp duty and registration charges have been prescribed for transferring common areas and amenities to Associations of Allottees to support efficient management of apartment communities.

According to the government, the new framework is expected to make apartment registration more efficient and citizen-focused while strengthening legal certainty, protecting homebuyers’ interests and promoting greater transparency in the real estate sector.