The gruelling and time-consuming process of registration of new homes is something we Indians are quite familiar with. A process filled with copious amounts of waiting and long queues are something that both strains our physical and mental wellbeing.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made us realise the immense amount of challenges that can be thrown to mankind. The pandemic is affecting every aspect of human life and it is far more clear that the need for innovation is most important now.

In-line with this, the Maharashtra government's decision to implement e-registration facility for new properties is opportune.

As per reports, Maharashtra revenue minister Balasaheb Thorat earlier this month said that e-registration for developers for first sale of properties will start from October 2.

Experts believe that this move will bring around a lot of overall transparency and is infact a breakthrough in the Indian real estate market in terms of future-proofing the industry from such present uncertain times.

The move came after the Department of Registration and Stamps, Maharashtra found the entire revenue collection in April 2020, when India saw its first lockdown at a mere 3 crore rupees with just 796 properties being registered. A stark contrast with April 2019 which saw 1.05 lakh properties being registered.

The decision to go online will not only cater to augur well for real estate stakeholders but also the government so as to prevent any such revenue shortfalls in the future, more so during pandemics.

The long-established way of property registrations have always been a burden given the long waiting period and exorbitant amount of money charged by middle men, so a change such as this will not only completely rule out the involvement of middle men, but will also save time and fuel for property owners.

The change is certainly a game changer and the government's intention to make e-registration of sales of new homes by developers of MahaRERA-approved projects not only possible but mandatory from October 2021, shows the inclination of the government towards promoting methods which enable ease of doing business.