Dholera Smart City has always attracted real estate investors looking to buy land for future growth. But in 2025, there’s a major change in how real estate projects are getting approved under the Real Estate Regulatory Authority guidelines. This new update is already affecting developers, plot sellers, and potential buyers.
Let’s understand what this change means, why it’s happening, and how it could impact real estate investment in Dholera.
What’s the New Dholera RERA Policy
As per the latest updates from ground-level sources, RERA certificates will no longer be issued to developers who are selling only plots. This means that if a developer is offering land without any construction plans, they may not receive RERA approval.
Now, only projects with construction plans for homes, bungalows, or villas will be eligible for RERA registration.
Note: There is no official public notification yet, but this policy change is already being followed in practice by authorities and developers.
Why Is This Change Happening?
This shift in RERA policy suggests that the government wants to move Dholera from being just an investment zone to a livable city. The earlier trend of buying plots and holding them for years without development was not supporting real infrastructure or population growth.
With this new policy, the focus is now on:
- Encouraging actual home construction
- Boosting infrastructure and public services
- Creating a thriving residential community
How This Change Affects Real Estate Investors
If you’re planning to invest in Dholera, here’s how this change could impact you:
Positive Effects:
- Safer investments: Projects with RERA approval and real construction plans are more secure for buyers.
- Better livability: As more homes are built, the city becomes more attractive to families and end-users.
- Growth in property value: Residential development can lead to faster appreciation in land and home values.
Possible Challenges:
- Plot-only investment becomes difficult: Without RERA, selling just land may become harder.
- Fewer speculative opportunities: Investors who only bought land to sell at higher rates might not find the same returns.
What Happens to Existing RERA Approved Plot Projects?
This is a big concern. Many developers have already obtained RERA certificates for plot-selling projects in the past. Here’s what might happen:
- Existing RERA approvals will remain valid, but future renewals or extensions might face stricter scrutiny.
- Projects that haven’t started selling yet may struggle to renew their certification or get approval for additional phases.
- Developers may be forced to modify their project plans to include construction (e.g., offering villas or row houses) to stay compliant.
This may also affect buyers who have already invested in such projects, as the resale of these plots without RERA status could be more difficult.
Who Benefits the Most from This Update?
This new RERA approach favors:
- End-users who are looking to build and live in Dholera
- Homebuyers who want ready-to-move-in or under-construction properties
- Builders who focus on full residential development
It discourages long-term land hoarding without actual development, which has slowed Dholera’s livability progress in the past.
Impact on Land Prices
The real estate market in Dholera could experience short term confusion but long-term growth:
- Plot prices may stabilize or even drop in areas with plot-only projects, especially those without RERA.
- Areas with residential construction projects may see higher demand, pushing prices up due to improved infrastructure and livability.
- Resale market may slow down for plot investors who purchased land with the goal of flipping it after a few years.
What About Long Term Investors Who Don’t Want to Build Yet?
This is a very common case—many people bought land in Dholera with a long-term vision but no immediate construction plans. So what should they do now?
The Challenges:
- Without RERA, selling the plot later may become more difficult.
- Banks and financial institutions may avoid financing unregistered plot projects, affecting buyer interest.
- Future buyers may prefer RERA-approved, ready-to-build residential projects over raw plots.
The Possible Options:
- Hold the plot longer and wait for further clarity or policy reversal (if any).
- Collaborate with developers who are adding construction to their plot schemes.
- Convert plot holdings into part of group housing or villa projects.
It’s important for such investors to stay updated and consider aligning their strategy with the city’s new direction toward residential development.
Final Thoughts
The Dholera RERA policy change in 2025 marks a turning point for the city’s real estate landscape. By supporting actual residential construction, the government is helping Dholera grow as a smart, sustainable, and livable city.
If you’re an investor, developer, or buyer, it’s important to stay informed and adjust your plans accordingly. Always verify with local authorities or RERA offices before investing, as the situation is still evolving.
