Earlier this week, joy and relief were on the horizon for hundreds of Mumbaikars dreaming of homeownership as MHADA announced the results of its computerised housing lottery for 2,030 flats. Over 130,000 applicants were trying their luck this season. Certain properties have generated significant interest, especially those constructed by private builders for MHADA. In redevelopment buildings under Development Control Regulations 33 (5), the Nehru Nagar project in Kurla, featuring 14 flats, received 4,026 entries. An Oshiwara project, offering a single flat, attracted 765 applications, while two flats in Siddharth Nagar, Goregaon, drew 749 bidders. Additionally, two flats in Kannamwar Nagar, Vikhroli, caught the attention of 620 aspirants.

Their carpet area ranges from 32 square metres (344 square feet) to 45 square metres (484 square feet), with one scheme offering flats over 650 square feet. The flat prices vary from INR 3.2 million to INR 10 million. Mumbai Mirror visited four apartments that have generated the highest demand: Saket Society in Siddharth Nagar, Goregaon; Sandipani Shikshak in Oshiwara; Swanand Building in Nehru Nagar, Kurla; and Building 10 D in Kannamwar Nagar, Vikhroli.

The highest number of applications, 765, was received for a flat in Oshiwara. This 32 square metre (344 square foot) 1RK apartment is located on the sixth floor of the Sandipani Shikshak (Shreedham Splendour) building. The compact, no-frills flat features two rooms: a small bedroom and a larger hall with a kitchen platform at one end. A half-room adjacent to the hall can be used as a dining space. The bathroom-cum-toilet is fully tiled and includes western seating.

A MHADA engineer mentioned that the house is ideal for a small family, such as a young couple with a small child. He noted that the Metro Rail runs below the building, and markets and schools are conveniently located nearby. The price of this LIG (low-income group) flat is competitively set at INR 6 million.

However, there was a 4-foot wide gaping hole in the false ceiling through which a constant trickle of water was dripping into the hall, catching even the MHADA engineers by surprise, as the apartment had been opened 18 months after the developer had handed it over. A MHADA official stated that the lottery winner would receive possession once the necessary repair works had been completed to ensure the flat was in suitable condition for occupancy.

The Vikhroli flat was airy, spacious, and well-finished, measuring approximately 450 square feet and priced at INR 5.1 million. In contrast, a MHADA flat of similar size in Saket, Goregaon, is priced at INR 7 million. Sanjeev Jaiswal, vice-president and CEO of MHADA, noted that the tenements are significantly cheaper than similar flats offered by private developers. He explained that even within the same building, developers have sold flats at higher prices. He added that MHADA's pricing ensures these flats remain 20-30% lower than market rates. The high number of applications, ranging from 700 to 800 for certain flats, is attributed to this price difference, alongside factors like affordability, strategic location, and the availability of Metro stations, schools, and other infrastructure.

Since most flats fall under the LIG category, MHADA focuses on keeping prices low. Therefore, while no luxury amenities are included, essential infrastructure such as water, electricity, and basic parking is provided.

MHADA's housing lottery presents a valuable opportunity for Mumbaikars aspiring to own homes at competitive prices, significantly lower than those offered by private developers. With strong demand for flats in strategic locations, the lottery highlights the importance of affordability and accessibility in the housing market. While some properties may require repairs before occupancy, MHADA's commitment to providing essential infrastructure ensures that low-income families can secure homes without luxury frills. As Mumbai continues to grow, initiatives like this play a crucial role in addressing the housing needs of its residents.