QR Codes in Property Ads: How Gujarat RERA is Promoting Transparency

The real estate market in Gujarat is evolving rapidly, marked by greater digitalization, increasing buyer awareness, and stricter regulatory oversight. Among the most notable reforms introduced by the Gujarat Real Estate Regulatory Authority (GujRERA) is the mandatory use of Quick Response (QR) codes in property advertisements. This move aims to promote transparency, authenticity, and buyer confidence by ensuring that all marketing communications are directly verifiable through official channels.

In a sector where misleading advertisements and pre-registration sales were once common, GujRERA’s QR code initiative marks a significant milestone in creating a transparent ecosystem. This article explores the background, implementation, benefits, and implications of this reform, along with 10 frequently asked questions that clarify its real-world impact.

The Basics: Understanding GujRERA’s QR Code Rule

Under the Gujarat Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, all real estate projects must be registered with GujRERA before being advertised, sold, or booked. In 2024, GujRERA strengthened this compliance by mandating that every promotional material — including print, digital, and outdoor ads — must include a scannable QR code, the project’s RERA registration number, and the official GujRERA website link.

The QR code must directly lead to the project’s official registration page on the GujRERA portal. This ensures that buyers can instantly access verified project details, promoter credentials, and regulatory filings.

Key requirements under this rule include:

• QR Code Display: Clearly visible on all forms of advertisements, brochures, and hoardings.

• Online & Social Media Ads: Must contain an active QR code or direct link to the registered project page.

• Video Ads: The QR code must remain visible for at least a few seconds, allowing viewers to scan it.

• Audio Ads: The RERA registration number must be verbally mentioned.

This uniform framework ensures that buyers have immediate access to official and reliable information before making investment decisions.

Why GujRERA Introduced QR Codes in Ads

GujRERA’s decision was driven by a combination of consumer protection, transparency enhancement, and enforcement efficiency. Before this regulation, buyers often faced misleading promotions with inflated claims about project approvals, amenities, and completion timelines. Some projects were even marketed before obtaining RERA registration.

The QR code rule aims to:

1. Curb Misleading Advertising: It prevents promoters from marketing unregistered or non-compliant projects.

2. Empower Buyers Digitally: Scanning a QR code offers direct access to legal project data.

3. Ensure Regulatory Traceability: It allows GujRERA to monitor compliance and take swift action on violations.

4. Strengthen Market Credibility: It assures investors that Gujarat’s real estate sector operates under transparent standards.

By embedding a QR code that links directly to GujRERA’s database, the rule creates a digital chain of trust between developers, regulators, and buyers.

How QR Codes Promote Transparency

A QR (Quick Response) code is a two-dimensional barcode that stores data and can be scanned using a smartphone. In GujRERA’s context, it serves as a digital verification tool connecting advertisements to official regulatory data.

Here’s how the system ensures transparency:

• Instant Verification: Buyers can confirm if a project is genuinely registered.

• Access to Authentic Information: The QR code reveals project status, registration validity, promoter details, and approved plans.

• Fraud Prevention: It minimizes the scope of false claims and fake registrations.

• Ease of Due Diligence: Homebuyers no longer need to manually search for projects on the RERA website — a simple scan provides all the details.

For example, if a developer advertises “Luxury Apartments in Ahmedabad, RERA Registered,” the buyer can scan the QR code and instantly verify if the project registration number matches the official record on the GujRERA portal.

Implementation: Responsibilities of Promoters and Advertisers

GujRERA’s notification specifies clear guidelines for developers and advertisers:

• The QR code must be machine-readable and linked only to the official GujRERA project page.

• Ads without valid QR codes or registration details are treated as non-compliant.

• Brokers and digital marketing agencies promoting real estate must also ensure QR compliance.

• Repeated violations may attract penalties under Sections 61 and 63 of the RERA Act.

Additionally, developers are encouraged to test QR codes before publication to ensure they are functional and direct users to the correct project link.

Benefits for Homebuyers

1. Real-Time Project Verification: Buyers can instantly verify the registration status.

2. Enhanced Trust: Promoters adhering to QR code norms signal credibility and transparency.

3. Access to Legal Information: The QR link opens the project’s registration certificate, approved plans, timelines, and promoter history.

4. Reduced Misrepresentation: Buyers can cross-check whether claims in the ad match RERA data.

5. Quick Complaint Mechanism: In case of discrepancies, buyers can raise grievances using the official registration reference.

For an average buyer, this system simplifies the due diligence process and reduces dependence on brokers or unverified third-party sources.

Advantages for Developers and the Market

While the rule imposes compliance duties, it also benefits developers who operate ethically:

• Builds Market Credibility: Transparent marketing enhances brand image.

• Reduces Legal Risk: QR-linked ads reduce chances of being accused of false advertising.

• Encourages Compliance Culture: Promotes adherence to RERA standards across the ecosystem.

• Digital Integration: Fosters innovation and paperless verification.

Collectively, this approach strengthens buyer confidence and positions Gujarat as a trustworthy investment destination in India’s real estate map.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite its merits, GujRERA’s QR rule presents some operational challenges:

• Technical Errors: Broken or misdirected QR links can mislead users.

• Low Digital Literacy: Not all buyers, especially in semi-urban areas, are familiar with scanning and verifying data.

• Design Constraints: Integrating a readable QR code on billboards or small online banners can be tricky.

• Monitoring Compliance: Continuous oversight is needed to ensure all developers adhere to the rule.

However, GujRERA is addressing these issues through regular audits, awareness drives, and penalties for non-compliance.

Impact on Transparency and Market Practices

The QR initiative represents a shift toward real-time governance. Instead of post-facto regulation, GujRERA’s system ensures that transparency begins right from the advertisement stage.

It reduces information asymmetry, boosts investor confidence, and discourages speculative pre-launch sales. Moreover, it aligns Gujarat’s real estate sector with national best practices followed by other leading states like Maharashtra and Kerala.

As awareness grows, buyers will increasingly treat RERA-verified QR codes as a quality assurance symbol, similar to ISO or BIS certifications in other industries.

End Note

Gujarat RERA’s decision to mandate QR codes in property advertisements reflects a forward-thinking approach to digital transparency in real estate. It not only ensures compliance but also empowers homebuyers to verify information instantly.

This initiative bridges the gap between marketing and regulation, fostering a transparent, accountable, and credible marketplace. For Gujarat — one of India’s fastest-growing real estate hubs — this reform reinforces its reputation as a digitally advanced and buyer-friendly real estate jurisdiction.

The success of this initiative, however, depends on continued enforcement, industry cooperation, and buyer education. With these elements working together, Gujarat is well on its way to setting a benchmark for real estate transparency in India.

In case of any query regarding QR Codes in Property Ads: How Gujarat RERA is Promoting Transparency, Feel free to connect with our legal experts, Tulja Legal, at +91 96380-69905

About the Author

Anju S Nair

Legal Researcher | LLB, MA English| Corporate Lawyer | Business Enthusiast | Founder & CEO at iLawbook.

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of QR codes in property advertisements?
They provide a quick way for buyers to access verified project information directly from the GujRERA portal.

2. Are QR codes mandatory for all types of property advertisements?
Yes. All advertisements — print, digital, video, or outdoor — must include a functional QR code, RERA number, and the GujRERA website link.

3. What information does the QR code reveal?
It leads to the project’s GujRERA registration page, showing details such as registration status, promoter information, approved plans, and timelines.

4. Can a promoter advertise a project before registration?
No. Advertising unregistered projects violates the RERA Act and attracts penalties.

5. What happens if the QR code doesn’t work or links incorrectly?
The advertisement will be treated as non-compliant, and the promoter may face fines or a show-cause notice from GujRERA.

6. Are brokers and agents also covered under this rule?
Yes. Any person or entity promoting or advertising a project must comply with QR and RERA display requirements.

7. How does this initiative benefit buyers?
It ensures that buyers can independently verify project details and avoid fraudulent or misleading claims.

8. What penalties apply for non-compliance?
Fines under the RERA Act can be imposed, along with suspension of advertisement rights or other disciplinary action.

9. Do other states have similar regulations?
Yes. States like Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu have adopted similar QR-based verification systems.

10. How can buyers use the QR code?
Buyers simply scan the QR code using a smartphone camera or QR app to open the project’s verified RERA page.

References

1. Times of India. “Now, QR Codes Must for Real Estate Ads.” Ahmedabad Edition, October 2024.

2. PropNewsTime. “Gujarat: GujRERA Introduces QR Codes to Simplify Access to Real Estate Project Information.” PropNewsTime, October 2024.

3. Real Estate Law Journal. “Gujarat RERA Makes QR Code and Registration Display Mandatory in All Real Estate Ads.” Law Journal Update, May 2025.

4. 1-Comply Legal Portal. “Gujarat RERA Order: Display of Unique Registration No., Website & QR Code in Real Estate Ads.”

5. Housivity Blog. “How GujRERA’s QR Code Mandate is Changing Real Estate Marketing in Gujarat.” June 2025.