More information on the topic, Can You Trust Online Property Portals? A Legal View
How Property Portals Work in India
Online property portals have become the go-to platforms for buyers and renters across India. These websites allow sellers, brokers, and developers to list their properties, often with little to no verification of ownership or project status.
While convenient, they often operate as intermediaries—not as responsible sellers—which means buyers face a unique legal grey zone if something goes wrong.
Common Legal Issues Faced by Buyers
Here are some of the major legal issues buyers face when relying on online property portals:
- Fake or duplicate listings
- Photoshopped images that don't reflect reality
- Broker impersonation or misrepresentation
- Listings without ownership proof
- No liability accepted by the portal for disputes
To better understand how real estate scams work, see: 5 Signs a Real Estate Deal Might Be a Scam
Are Online Portals Regulated by Law?
Currently, property portals are not directly regulated by RERA unless they act as agents or developers. However, they can be held liable under:
- Consumer Protection Act for misleading ads
- IT Act, 2000 for intermediary responsibilities
- Contract Act if there's any terms of service violation
If the portal promotes unverified schemes like assured returns, they can be implicated in fraud complaints.
Fake Listings and Misleading Ads
Some of the most common frauds include:
- Listing properties already sold
- Misrepresenting under-construction flats as ready-to-move
- Posting deals with outdated pricing
- Photos that don't match reality
In many cases, buyers waste time and money only to find that the deal was bait to collect leads. If you’re facing issues, read: What Happens Legally If You Back Out of a Flat Booking?
What Role Does RERA Play?
While RERA doesn’t regulate the portals directly, it does protect the buyer once the project or builder is listed under RERA. This means:
- You can verify the project's RERA number independently
- You can file complaints against builders, not portals
- Check RERA for project status, approvals, and timelines
If unsure about project status, see: The Real Meaning of “Ready-to-Move” in Indian Real Estate
Your Legal Rights and Remedies
If you are misled by a listing, you can consider:
- Sending a legal notice to both portal and listing agent
- Filing a complaint with the Consumer Forum for misleading services
- Registering a case under the IT Act for online fraud (Section 66D)
- Approaching RERA if the builder is involved
Related: Why Some Builders Delay Possession for Years
How to Protect Yourself When Using Portals
Here are some tips to safely navigate property portals in India:
- Verify the RERA number of the project
- Check builder reviews from independent sources
- Speak directly to the builder or owner—avoid third-party agents if possible
- Never transfer money without written agreement
- Consult a legal advisor before booking
If unsure about agreements, read: Why You Should Always Talk to a Lawyer Before Signing Anything
Conclusion
Online property portals are powerful tools—but they're only as reliable as the people behind the listings. Buyers must do their own diligence. These portals are not substitutes for legal advice or formal documentation.
Use them for research and discovery, but always verify facts, consult a lawyer, and take your time before making a decision. You can also explore our growing Real Estate Law section for in-depth guidance on every step of your property journey in India.
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