A builder can't quietly stick you with the stamp duty they promised to pay

MahaRERA ruled in a buyer's favour where a developer had issued an allotment letter stating it would bear the stamp duty and registration charges, then later tried to pass those costs to the buyer. The developer argued the later agreement made the buyer responsible and that the allotment-letter line was a 'typographical error,' but MahaRERA rejected this, noting the developer had issued the allotment letter and accepted substantial payments. The regulator made clear that offers like 'zero stamp duty' or 'free registration' can matter later if they're recorded in allotment documents or the developer's own regulatory disclosures.

What it means for you: If a builder promises to cover stamp duty, registration, or any 'freebie,' get it in writing in the allotment letter or agreement — a marketing line said verbally is hard to enforce. Keep every document and payment receipt, because these written promises and the developer's own filings can support your position if they backtrack. Don't assume a promise is safe just because it appeared in a brochure; what's captured in your paperwork is what counts. This is information to help you protect yourself, not legal advice.