Land and colonisation are State subjects, making state-level implementation important.For the real estate sector, a key provision is that retirement homes are covered under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, or RERA. The guidelines state that retirement-home apartments can be sold only after registration with the relevant state or Union Territory real estate regulatory authority. They also provide for a tripartite agreement involving the developer, service provider or retirement-home operator, and the allottee.The framework seeks to make these projects different from conventional housing by incorporating senior-friendly infrastructure. This includes wheelchair-accessible ramps and lifts, barrier-free movement, handrails, anti-skid surfaces, power backup and uninterrupted water and electricity supply. Maintenance charges can be collected through lump-sum or periodic payments.For buyers, the guidelines mean that the apartment price is only one part of the decision.