Can builders charge interest on default of payment when there is no agreement to sell?

I have paid 10% of the basic amount to the builder for the under construction property which comes under Rera. The builder has issued me the allotment letter and receipts of 10% paid amount. Also we have submitted the signed BBA from our side to the builder but the builder is not able to register the same due to hold in registration by nagar nigam authorities. Can builders charge interest on default of payment when there is no agreement to sell? The developer has already issued the demand letter and expiry date to pay the rest of 40% payment. Also…

I have paid 10% of the basic amount to the builder for the under construction property which comes under Rera. The builder has issued me the allotment letter and receipts of 10% paid amount. Also we have submitted the signed BBA from our side to the builder but the builder is not able to register the same due to hold in registration by nagar nigam authorities. Can builders charge interest on default of payment when there is no agreement to sell? The developer has already issued the demand letter and expiry date to pay the rest of 40% payment. Also I have received the bank approval on the loan which i have submitted to the builder in advance. Question Kindly let us know whether a builder is eligible to charge interest or cancellation without registering the builder buyer agreement.

The builder has issued only an allotment letter and agreement to sale is still pending. According to Section 13 of the real estate regulation 2016 the builder shall execute an agreement to sale immediately after receiving advance payment. The builder however, cannot charge more than 10% of the cost of flat as an allotment fee.

Effect when the Builder does not execute an agreement to sell

If the Builder does not execute an agreement to sell then the flat buyer can cancel the allotment letter and demand refund from the builder. The will refund the amount without any deduction because there is a fault on the part of the builder. 

You have submitted a builder buyer agreement to the builder and also have initiated proceedings for taking loan. If the Builder does not sign builder buyer agreement or execute agreement to sell then the bank can refuse to sanction loan. Consequently you will face financial losses and also bear mental agony.

There is no effort from your side hence, Builder cannot compel you to pay the remaining amount. He also cannot charge interest on the remaining amount in the absence of an agreement to sell. You should send a legal notice if he is demanding to pay the remaining 40% amount. In the legal notice you should reflect your intention that if he will not issue a builder buyer agreement then you will cancel the booking.

Shivendra Pratap Singh

Shivendra Pratap Singh

Advocate

Advocate Shivendra, practicing law since 2005, specializes in criminal and matrimonial cases, extensive litigatin experience before the High Court, Sessions court & Family Court. He established kanoonirai.com in 2014 to provide dependable and pragmatic legal support. Over the years, he has successfully assisted thousands of clients, making the platform a trusted resource for criminal and matrimonial dispute resolution in India.

Related Matters

Lessor has refused to renew the lease even after receiving entire rent

A business owner in Gujarat faces a legal notice to vacate after their landlord refused to renew a lease, despite accepting rent in advance. Legal experts clarify that payment does not constitute an automatic renewal when written permission is required. While the lease terminates by efflux of time, the tenant may negotiate for sufficient relocation time.

My neighbor has constructed a 6 to 7-foot compound wall

This legal guidance explains the remedies available where a neighbour has raised a high compound wall obstructing light, air, access, or causing nuisance to adjoining property owners. It discusses municipal complaints, civil injunction suits, easement rights, and legal action that may be initiated against unauthorized construction.

My neighbor is constructing a house adjoining to my compound wall

This legal guidance explains the remedies available when a neighbour constructs a building adjoining the compound wall without maintaining the required setback. It discusses municipal complaints, easement rights relating to light and air, temporary injunctions, and civil remedies available to prevent unauthorized or nuisance-causing construction.

Suit dismissed for defect in parties

This legal guidance explains the consequences of dismissal of a civil suit due to non-joinder or misjoinder of necessary parties. It discusses the remedy of impleading proper parties, restoration or refiling of the suit, amendment of pleadings, and the legal principles governing defect in parties under the Civil Procedure Code.