‘Wanted a permanent address for my parents’: How Noida flat delays hit families

Finally, last month, he and several homebuyers who invested in the property received possession of their flats after months of delay. While some buyers have now received keys, others continue to wait. A few buyers also raised concerns over the quality of construction.

One of the homebuyers told The Indian Express that the project was launched in 2017-18, with a promise to hand over flats within three years. “But the Covid pandemic struck… then they issued a revised deadline: September 2024 for Phase I and March 2025 for Phase 2,” the buyer said.

‘I’m still repaying loans’

Four years ago, armed with an initial investment of Rs 40 lakh from his parents, the government employee booked the 2BHK-plus-study apartment measuring 1,543 sq ft for Rs 1.34 crore.

Hailing from Bihar, he said he has been forced to relocate to different cities for work but wanted a permanent address for his parents.

Then the wait for his flat began. “I was promised possession in September 2024,” he said. “But the date went by and there was no sign of the flat.”

Repeated calls to the relationship manager brought no clarity. Living in Mumbai, he could not visit the site regularly. “A relative finally went there and found the building was still incomplete,” he said.

Last month, the builder began handing over possession in two of the seven towers, covering around 550 flats, he said.

“I received an email on July 2 from the handover regarding the development, but it also said maintenance charges would apply from July 1 and that I still had to pay Rs 1.30 lakh,” he said. “I’ve asked for a break-up because this amount wasn’t mentioned in the second milestone, which I’ve already paid in full.”

Though the keys are now ready, relief remains elusive.

“I’m still repaying loans, my parents are dependent on me… I wanted them to shift soon so they could live close to relatives,” he said. “I saw other properties where they said registration wasn’t happening and possession could be given without it. So, I chose Godrej because of the brand name… Our assumption was wrong.”

He said a major part of earnings has been spent. “If this doesn’t work out, I’ll be nowhere,” he said. “My entire retirement life will be constrained.”

‘Poor construction quality’

He is not alone.

Another homebuyer, who received keys to her flat in late June and did not wish to be named, alleged poor construction quality. “I’ve been forced to redo almost everything including tiles in the bathroom and kitchen,” she claimed. “We’ve had seepage issues from day three.”

Dissatisfied with what she described as a rushed handover, she added, “I paid a 30% premium four-five years ago because I trusted the brand’s promise of luxury and quality. I’ve received neither.”

The homebuyer alleged that two towers — A2 and B2 — were delivered only after sustained pressure.

“We kept asking questions and they maintained that authority is not giving the Occupation Certificate (OC)… homebuyers collected and protested,” she said.

She said an application was filed in the Sports City project case — where several developers, including Godrej Properties, have projects — in the Supreme Court. Last year, the apex court approved a revival framework for the Sports City project of Lotus Green Constructions, paving the way for work to resume after a three-year halt.

In April this year, the Noida Authority lifted the restrictions that halted all projects in Sports City.

The buyer, however, claimed: “But we still don’t have a gas pipeline or meters installed, which were promised before possession.”

‘I don’t have a home’

Others, like a retired government school principal who sold her property in Jaipur, are still waiting.

“I bought a 3+1 BHK on resale for Rs 1.75 crore. My son and daughter-in-law live in Noida Sector 135, and I thought at least we’d be on the same road,” she said. “As I wanted to shift soon, we got this flat as they had promised early possession.”

She is now forced to live on rent in Sector 128, Wishtown. “The company official does not reply to emails asking when they are giving us the possession. Anxious messages keep popping up on our homebuyers’ group,” she added.

“I sold my flat in Jaipur which was built when I was six… Now I’m 62 and I don’t have a home… we are all doubly burdened, paying both rent and EMIs,” she said.

Company speak

When contacted, the company spokesperson said following completion of construction, they applied for the OC for Godrej Nest within the requisite timelines

“Following our sustained and persistent effort, and pursuant to the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Noida Authority issued the Occupation Certificate for Godrej Nest… and we have commenced handover of apartments in phases to customers,” the spokesperson said.

On quality issues, the spokesperson said, “We have maintained the highest standards of quality. Every apartment is handed over only after rigorous quality inspections at multiple stages, and any concerns raised by customers are addressed promptly…”