India, May 24 -- A recent order by the Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (KRERA) has underscored an important distinction often overlooked by homebuyers: a completion certificate issued by an architect is not equivalent to one issued by a competent authority. While an architect's certificate only reflects professional verification of construction, a completion certificate from the competent authority confirms that the project complies with statutory and regulatory requirements.

The observation came during proceedings related to a housing project in Bengaluru, where apartment buyers alleged that several mandatory compliances remained incomplete despite possession having already been handed over.

"In this regard, though the respo...