On 31 July 2026, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) issued an advisory allowing State RERAs to grant a four-month Force Majeure extension to registered real-estate projects delayed by the West Asia situation. It applies to projects whose completion date falls on or after 28 February 2026 — but it is not automatic; each State RERA must issue its own order. Here is what developers and homebuyers need to know, with the official PDF to download.
MoHUA Issues Advisory on Force Majeure Extension for RERA Registered Projects: Key Implications for Developers and Homebuyers
Advisory No. O-17024/66/2018-HOUSING-UD/E-9042100 · Published on 31 July 2026
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (“MoHUA”), Government of India, has issued an important Advisory dated 31 July 2026 addressing the impact of the ongoing geopolitical situation in West Asia on the timely execution of real estate projects across the country. The Advisory guides all State and Union Territory Real Estate Regulatory Authorities (“RERAs”) on exercising their statutory powers under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (“RERA”) to grant extensions to eligible projects affected by Force Majeure circumstances. This is expected to provide regulatory certainty and relief to promoters facing delays from disruptions in the global supply chain of construction materials.
Background
The Indian real estate sector has faced considerable disruption in procuring construction materials owing to the prevailing situation in West Asia, and the Ministry acknowledged multiple representations that such disruptions have adversely affected project execution. The Advisory takes cognizance of the Office Memorandum dated 29 April 2026 of the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, which recognised the West Asia situation as “war” for the purpose of invoking contractual Force Majeure provisions — the basis for the relief contemplated under RERA.
Statutory framework under the RERA Act
Section 6 – Extension of registration due to Force Majeure
Section 6 empowers the Regulatory Authority to extend a project’s registration where delays are attributable to Force Majeure — war, natural calamities, or other events beyond the promoter’s control that materially affect development.
Section 7(3) – Continuation of registration
Section 7(3) authorises the Authority, in appropriate cases, to permit a project to continue on such terms as it imposes — instead of revoking registration — where continuation is in the interest of the allottees. Together, these provisions form the statutory mechanism for addressing delays from extraordinary circumstances.
Key features of the advisory
Through the Advisory dated 31 July 2026, MoHUA has advised all State and UT RERAs to consider:
- Granting an extension of four (4) months in the validity of registration and the corresponding project completion timeline.
- Extending the benefit to registered projects whose original, revised or previously extended completion date falls on or after 28 February 2026.
- Issuing a general order or common direction for all similarly situated projects, avoiding the need for individual extension applications.
- Exercising their RERA powers keeping in view the Force Majeure circumstances arising from the West Asia situation.
The aim is a uniform, pragmatic regulatory approach that minimises procedural delays for promoters and Authorities alike.
Practical implications
For developers, the Advisory provides regulatory support by acknowledging that delays from international supply-chain disruption are beyond their reasonable control. Subject to implementation by the respective Authorities, eligible projects may get additional time without individual adjudication in every case.
For homebuyers, it seeks to balance consumer protection with the reality that some delays stem from extraordinary external events rather than promoter default. Where a delay is not covered by such relief, buyers still have remedies — see our detailed guide on filing a RERA buyer complaint in Haryana.
Implementation by State RERA Authorities
Importantly, the Advisory does not, by itself, automatically extend the registration of any project. Implementation depends on each State or UT RERA issuing appropriate orders, circulars or directions under the RERA Act. Promoters should closely monitor notifications from their respective Authority and comply with any prescribed conditions while availing the extension.
Conclusion
The MoHUA Advisory dated 31 July 2026 is a significant policy initiative to mitigate the effects of global geopolitical disruption on Indian real estate. By recognising the West Asia situation as a Force Majeure event for RERA and advising a four-month extension for eligible projects, the Ministry balances regulatory compliance with commercial realities. As State RERAs issue consequential orders, stakeholders should evaluate the applicability of the extension to their projects and ensure continued compliance with RERA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MoHUA advisory dated 31 July 2026?
It advises all State and UT RERAs to grant a four-month Force Majeure extension to eligible registered real-estate projects affected by the West Asia situation, using their powers under Sections 6 and 7(3) of RERA.
Which projects are eligible for the four-month extension?
Registered projects whose original, revised or previously extended completion date falls on or after 28 February 2026.
Does the advisory automatically extend my project’s registration?
No. It is a policy framework; the actual extension depends on your State or UT RERA issuing an order or direction under the RERA Act. Monitor your Authority’s notifications.
Does the extension change the possession date in my buyer agreement?
Extension of registration is a regulatory relief and does not by itself amend your agreement. Buyers should check their RERA’s order and their Agreement for Sale, and can review remedies in our RERA buyer complaint guide.
Reference: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, Advisory No. O-17024/66/2018-HOUSING-UD/E-9042100 dated 31 July 2026 on extension of registration of real estate projects due to Force Majeure under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.
About the author
