Quick answer: an EOI (Expression of Interest) is a way to register interest in a project before it is formally launched, usually with a refundable amount. It may give you priority when units are allotted, but it is not a purchase and does not give you a specific home. Before paying anything for a pre-launch project such as Godrej Bandra Bay, check its MahaRERA registration, get the refund terms in writing and pay only to the developer’s official account.
Last updated: 29 October 2026. This is general information for homebuyers, not legal advice. For Godrej Bandra Bay, MahaRERA registration is awaited and EOI claims seen online are not confirmed.
Luxury projects in Mumbai often build interest long before they open for sale. You may hear words like “EOI”, “pre-launch”, “priority pass” or “soft booking”. This guide explains what they mean, what protects you, and the questions to ask before you transfer any money.
What Is an EOI?
An Expression of Interest is a request to be considered for a home in an upcoming project. Typically:
- You fill a form with your preferred configuration, budget and sometimes floor or view.
- You may pay an amount, often described as refundable.
- You may get priority when the project launches and units are allotted.
What an EOI usually does not give you: a confirmed unit, a confirmed price, a sale agreement or ownership rights. Its value depends entirely on the written terms.
EOI vs Booking vs Agreement for Sale
| Step | What it is | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| EOI | Interest registered before launch | Possible priority only – depends on written terms |
| Booking / application | Choosing a specific unit after launch | A unit held for you, subject to the agreement |
| Agreement for sale | Registered legal contract | Your legal rights as a buyer under RERA |
Under RERA, a developer cannot take more than 10% of the cost of a home as an advance or application fee without first signing and registering an agreement for sale with you.
Can a Developer Take Money Before MahaRERA Registration?
RERA requires projects above a certain size to be registered with MahaRERA before they are advertised, marketed, booked or sold. Registration means the project’s approvals, land details and timeline are filed with the regulator, and buyers can see them online.
So the first question for any pre-launch offer is simple: is the project registered? Our guide to the Godrej Bandra Bay RERA number shows how to search the MahaRERA website step by step.
In short: under Section 3 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, a project that must be registered cannot be advertised, marketed, booked or sold until it is registered with MahaRERA. Under Section 13, even after registration, a developer cannot take more than 10% of the cost as an advance or application fee without first signing a registered agreement for sale.
Worked example: the 10% limit on a ₹29 Cr* home
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Home at the starting price | ₹29 Cr* |
| Maximum advance before a registered agreement (10%) | ₹2.9 Cr* |
| Anything above this before registration of the agreement | Red flag – stop and ask why |
Before registration of the project itself, there should be no booking at all. If anyone asks for money “to block a unit” in an unregistered project, ask for the legal basis in writing.
Questions to Ask Before Paying for an EOI
- Is the project registered on MahaRERA? If not, why is money being collected, and on what legal basis?
- Is the amount fully refundable? Get it in writing, with the refund timeline and conditions.
- Who receives the money? Only the developer’s official company account – never cash, never a personal account.
- What exactly does the EOI give me? Priority in allotment? A price? A specific unit? Or nothing fixed?
- What happens if I don’t like the final price or plans? Can I withdraw with a full refund?
- Who am I dealing with? The developer directly, or a channel partner? Ask for their RERA agent registration number.
Warning Signs
- Pressure to pay “today” because “only a few units are left” – before the project is even launched.
- Requests for cash or transfers to a personal or unrelated account.
- No written terms, or terms that say the amount is non-refundable.
- Prices, RERA numbers or possession dates that differ from source to source.
- Promises of “guaranteed returns” or “assured appreciation”.
For Godrej Bandra Bay, listings online still give conflicting towers, configurations, prices and RERA numbers. We track what is confirmed and what is not in our project details: confirmed vs not confirmed post.
Before you deal with any agent, check their MahaRERA registration. Our guide to channel partner vs direct booking explains how.
Is Godrej Bandra Bay Taking EOIs?
Some listings claim EOIs are open for Godrej Bandra Bay. This has not been confirmed by the developer to us, and MahaRERA registration is awaited. What we can confirm from our fact sheet: 4 BHK homes only, approx. 2,900–3,500 sq ft*, from ₹29 Cr*, in one tower of approx. 26 storeys* on approx. 2.75 acres* at Bandra Reclamation. Possession is not yet confirmed.
Check the latest Godrej Bandra Reclamation update before you act, and use our checklist before booking in Bandra West. Buyers tracking other launches nearby also follow Adani Bandra Reclamation, and another summary of this project is on the Godrej Bandra Reclamation property page.
After Launch: What to Check Before Booking
- The MahaRERA registration number and the details filed with it – approvals, timeline, carpet areas.
- The draft agreement for sale – payment schedule, possession date, penalties for delay.
- The total cost including stamp duty, registration and GST.
- Your financing plan – see our home loan guide for luxury flats.
- NRI buyers: payment must follow banking rules – see our NRI guide to buying in Bandra West.
Clause by clause help: agreement for sale checklist for Maharashtra buyers.
Before you book, also compare the payment schedule – our guide to payment plans for under-construction flats explains CLP, down payment and 10:90 plans.
Sources and Official References
- MahaRERA (Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority): search registered projects and agents, and file a complaint.
- The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 – Section 3 (prior registration) and Section 13 (no more than 10% advance without a registered agreement). The Act and MahaRERA rules are listed on the MahaRERA website.
We link to official sources for rules. Rates and rules can change – check the current position before you pay.
EOI and Pre-Launch Booking: Key Takeaways
- An EOI registers interest; it is not a purchase and does not give you a specific home.
- Check MahaRERA registration before paying anything.
- Get refund terms in writing and pay only to the developer’s official account.
- Without a registered agreement, a developer cannot take more than 10% of the cost.
- Godrej Bandra Bay: RERA registration awaited; EOI claims online are not confirmed.
For every project detail in one place, start at the Godrej Bandra Bay home page, read the complete Godrej Bandra Reclamation guide or visit the Godrej Bandra Reclamation project page.
Want to hear when registration is confirmed? Send an enquiry and we will share verified updates on Godrej Bandra Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EOI in real estate?
An EOI (Expression of Interest) is a request by a buyer to be considered for a home in a project before it is formally launched, usually with a refundable amount. It shows interest and may give priority in unit selection. It is not a sale agreement and does not give you ownership of a specific home.
Is the EOI amount refundable?
It should be – but only if the written terms say so. Before paying, get in writing whether the amount is fully refundable, within how many days, and in what situations. Pay only by bank transfer or cheque to the developer’s official account and keep the receipt.
Can a developer accept bookings before MahaRERA registration?
Under RERA, a developer cannot advertise, market, book, sell or offer homes in a project that must be registered until it is registered with MahaRERA. Buyers should treat any request for payment before registration with great caution and ask for the legal basis in writing.
Is Godrej Bandra Bay accepting EOIs?
Some listings claim EOIs are open, but this has not been confirmed by the developer to us. MahaRERA registration is awaited. Check the latest status in our update post and verify directly with the developer before paying anything.
How much can a developer take before the agreement for sale?
RERA says a developer cannot accept more than 10% of the cost of the home as an advance or application fee without first signing and registering a written agreement for sale with the buyer.
What should I do before paying for a pre-launch home?
Confirm the project is registered on the MahaRERA website, read the written terms of the EOI or booking form, check the refund policy, pay only to the developer’s official account, and never pay cash or into a personal account.
*Prices, sizes and other details are indicative and subject to change. Please verify all details with the developer and on the MahaRERA website before making any decision.
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