Karnataka Homebuyers Demand Government Action on Property Title Transfers

Homebuyers in Bengaluru are pressing the Karnataka state government to address critical gaps in property ownership laws as officials prepare to introduce the Karnataka Apartment Bill 2025. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen individual property rights and ensure proper title transfers, principles that align with fundamental ownership protections.

The Karnataka Home Buyers Forum (KHBF), representing hundreds of property owners across the state, has submitted detailed recommendations following a public consultation held at Vidhana Soudha on December 13. Their concerns center on establishing clear authority for registering resident welfare associations and ensuring mandatory transfer of common areas to legitimate buyers.

Regulatory Clarity Needed for Property Rights

Current legal ambiguities have left property owners in a precarious position. Associations formed under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act of 1960 cannot legally collect maintenance fees from residents due to High Court rulings. Meanwhile, those registered under the Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act of 1972 lack effective grievance mechanisms because the state has failed to notify a competent authority through official gazette notification.

"These structural issues must be addressed decisively," said a KHBF representative. "Property owners deserve clear legal frameworks that protect their investments and ensure proper governance of their communities."

RERA Enforcement Critical for Buyer Protection

The forum emphasized that Section 17 of the Real Estate Regulation and Development Act (RERA) must be strictly enforced, particularly regarding title transfers and common area ownership. This enforcement would prevent developers from exploiting regulatory gaps at the expense of individual property owners.

Karnataka High Court advocate Vittal BR noted that the lack of clarity on land rights transfers has created ongoing disputes between residents, developers, and authorities. "A coherent legal framework is essential to protect individual property rights and prevent exploitation," he stated.

Government Response and Market Stability

The Karnataka government's initiative to seek public feedback on the new apartment legislation demonstrates responsible governance. The proposed bill is designed to streamline apartment association registration while establishing formal grievance procedures that protect individual rights without creating unnecessary bureaucratic burdens.

Once implemented, the legislation is expected to bring greater stability to Bengaluru's expanding apartment market by ensuring transparency and protecting legitimate property investments. This approach supports economic growth while maintaining proper regulatory oversight that serves individual property owners rather than special interest groups.

The emphasis on clear title transfers and defined timelines for case disposal reflects sound conservative principles of property protection and efficient governance that benefit hardworking families investing in their homes.