8,000 flat registrations in Greater Noida stalled amid Rs 400 crore dues and FAR disputes

More than 8,000 homebuyers who invested in nine housing projects under the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA) in Greater Noida remain in the lurch, as property registrations continue to be held up by unpaid dues, incomplete construction and a protracted dispute over floor area ratio (FAR), according to a TOI report.

Land for these group housing projects was allotted between 2007 and 2011, when the permissible FAR — essentially a measure of how much construction is allowed on a plot — stood at 2.75. However, in 2013, the Greater Noida Authority revised the FAR to 3.5. Developers promptly reworked their project layouts to take advantage of the increased limit and secured fresh approvals from UPSIDA in 2013–14.

But in a twist, UPSIDA officials later challenged the applicability of the new FAR for its projects, insisting that the limit remained 2.75. This led to a bureaucratic deadlock, delaying both completion certificates and property registrations.

The logjam was broken only recently, when UPSIDA's board formally ratified the 3.5 FAR, bringing its policies in line with the Greater Noida Authority’s 2013 notification. As a result, on 27 April, the registry process began at Migsun Green Mansion in Zeta 1 — marking the first such move under UPSIDA’s revised norms. Registration has also commenced at E Homes, developed by Designarch Infrastructure, after the developer began settling long-standing dues.

While these developments have offered some relief, the road ahead remains bumpy for homebuyers in eight other projects still grappling with financial, legal and regulatory obstacles.

At Shivalik Homes, developed by Cosmos Infraestate Pvt Ltd, construction of 420 units is complete, but the developer must still pay Rs 94 lakh in lease rent and interest before a completion certificate can be issued. “Completion certificate is pending as the developer is yet to submit papers online,” UPSIDA regional manager Anil Sharma told TOI.

In La Galaxia, only five of seven towers have been completed, though 118 families have already moved in. The developer, Aashiyana Promoters Pvt Ltd, has applied for a completion certificate but must first clear Rs 8.5 crore in dues, officials said.

At Venetia Heights, 241 of 485 buyers have received possession. Developer Oasis Buildmart cleared Rs 1.8 crore of the Rs 12 crore owed and applied for a completion certificate on 16 April. However, the balance must still be paid.

The massive Golf Foreste project by Paramount Propbuild Pvt Ltd is also in limbo. Though 1,988 villas received partial completion in 2015, numerous towers and amenities remain unfinished. Total dues exceed Rs 360 crore, including Rs 91.7 crore under an arbitrator’s award. The Greater Noida Authority has challenged the award in the Allahabad High Court, while 2,390 families continue to live onsite.

Four projects are completely stalled. Ek Dant by Alpine Realtech Ltd and a project by JVK Developers—together affecting over 1,600 buyers—are under National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) proceedings. No construction has started on a five-acre plot allotted to Ansal Housing & Construction Ltd and UPSIDA is now considering cancelling the allotment due to non-compliance.

Another 12-acre parcel given to Divine Conbuild Pvt Ltd remains undeveloped. Despite a lease deed signed in April 2011, no building map was ever approved. The developer, now facing dues of Rs 37 crore, blames the delay on a proposed railway line and has sought an interest waiver. Though UPSIDA lost a writ petition in the Allahabad High Court in November 2023, it has escalated the matter to the Supreme Court.

“Now that the board has ratified the 3.5 FAR, we are open to issuing completion certificates, but only if developers clear all outstanding payments and submit the necessary documents online,” Sharma told TOI.

While the recent developments have broken a decade-long deadlock, for thousands of families who invested their savings into homes that remain entangled in bureaucratic and legal red tape, the wait continues.