BHUBANESWAR: As per new regulations of the Odisha government, Home buyers do not need to pay GST, cess and any other charges above the fixed price to the builders.

The Odisha government changed the 2017 Odisha Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Rules in accordance with the Orissa High Court's directive. The builder is prohibited under the updated guidelines from adding any taxes or fees over the predetermined price.

The notification from the housing and urban development department said that "the total price should include taxes paid or payable by the promoter by way of GST, cess, and such other taxes which may be imposed, in connection with the construction of the project payable by the promoter up to the date of handing over the possession of the (apartment/plot) to the allottee."

The subsequent amount that the allottee must pay to the promoter will, however, alter or be modified based on any changes or modifications to the taxes, the statement said.

The promoter will be required to follow the project completion timeline indicated at the time of registration with the authorities in accordance with the changes. After a project's deadline has passed, the allottees will not be responsible for any new or increased development fees.

Besides, the allotees of the plots or apartments will have the right to visit the construction site to determine the level of development of the project and their individual units. The project's promoters must reassure the recipients that it fully complies with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations currently in effect.

Similarly,  after properly acquiring the occupancy permit from the relevant authority, the promoters must turn over the common areas to the association of allottees. Within 30 days of receiving the occupancy certificate, the builders must also deliver the essential paperwork and blueprints, including those for the common areas, to the association of allottees or the appropriate authority.

The promoter also agrees that once the building design, layout plan, sanction plan, and specifications, amenities, and facilities have been approved by the relevant authority and revealed, it will not be permitted to make changes or to erect new structure(s) anywhere in the project.