Confusion surrounding flat registration and apartment transactions in Odisha continues despite recent decisions announced by the state cabinet to simplify the process.
Although the government approved several measures related to registration fees and common area transactions, implementation at the ground level has not yet begun effectively, leaving flat owners, buyers, and real estate stakeholders uncertain.
The delay is expected to continue as the state government is still waiting to introduce the required ordinance. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari stated that the proposal is currently awaiting the Governor’s approval and may come into force within a week.
Odisha Cabinet Approved Key Changes in Apartment Registration
Last month, the Odisha Cabinet approved several measures aimed at removing long-standing hurdles in flat registration and property transactions involving common spaces in apartment complexes.
As part of the reforms, the earlier slab-based stamp duty system of 3, 4, and 5 percent was abolished. The government introduced a uniform 5 percent stamp duty along with a 2 percent registration fee for all categories of flats across the state.
The Cabinet also announced that instead of repeated payments for registering common spaces in apartment complexes, a one-time fee of Rs 50,000 would be charged.
Buyers and Flat Owners Still Await Clear Implementation
Despite the announcements, several practical concerns regarding the sale and registration of common spaces remain unresolved. Buyers and members of the real estate sector have alleged that the government’s decisions have so far remained limited to policy announcements without actual implementation.
Residents in several apartment complexes said the legal transfer of common areas from builders to residents’ associations is still incomplete, creating confusion for property owners.
Narayan Pati, a flat owner, said residents in his housing complex are worried due to uncertainty over flat sale and purchase procedures. According to him, more than 1,200 houses in the complex are affected by the unresolved registration process.
Concerns Grow Over Rising Flat Prices in Bhubaneswar
There are also concerns among middle-class homebuyers that the revised fee structure could make flats and apartments more expensive in cities such as Bhubaneswar instead of improving affordability.
Real estate stakeholders have urged the government to bring a comprehensive legal framework to resolve issues related to land transfer and ownership of common spaces in apartment projects.
Real estate worker Bimalendu Pradhan said the land associated with many apartment projects has not yet been officially transferred from builders to resident associations, creating legal complications for buyers.
Government Says Ordinance Will Resolve Long-Pending Issues
Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari stated that the process has already received clearance from the Law Department and will soon be sent to the Governor for promulgation as an ordinance.
According to the minister, once the ordinance comes into effect, thousands of flat buyers across Odisha are expected to benefit from the resolution of long-pending issues related to apartment registration and common space ownership.
RERA Challenges Continue Even After Eight Years
It has been nearly eight years since the implementation of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), yet challenges related to flat registration and apartment transactions continue to affect the real estate sector in Odisha.
During the previous government’s tenure, apartment sale and purchase activities had slowed considerably due to multiple regulatory complications, leaving many buyers and developers facing uncertainty for years.
