August 18, 2025:
In a first for Mumbai, an independent bungalow in Bandra will undergo self-redevelopment, a practice so far seen largely in cooperative housing societies. The Pereira family has chosen to rebuild their 87-year-old residence, Victoria Cottage, into a 14-storey tower financed entirely by themselves.
Victoria Cottage, situated on Veronica Street, was constructed in 1938 by Dominic Lewis Pereira and later sold to his relative Didacus Everest Pereira. Since 1975, Didacus’s son Vivian and his wife Myra have lived there. The house, with two bedrooms, a hall, dining room, and kitchen, has long been a landmark within the St Sebastian Homes Cooperative Housing Society, which has 110 plots.
While several neighbouring plots have already been redeveloped through builders, the Pereiras resisted offers for decades. It was only after the state government introduced its self-redevelopment policy in 2018 that the family began seriously considering the option. Following a seminar in 2024 by consultant Akbar Jiwani, the family finalised plans to replace their 5,167 sq.ft plot with a modern building spanning 21,000 sq.ft.
The proposed structure will include two basement levels, twin parking towers, and 14 residential floors, each housing two spacious 2BHK apartments with three balconies. The Pereira family will occupy the top four floors, while the remaining 20 flats will be sold — initially to relatives at a concession, before opening to the wider market.
With an estimated construction cost of Rs 4,500 per sq.ft for flats, the family plans to fund 10% of the expenses themselves and secure the remainder through bank financing. Work is expected to commence in 2026 and conclude within two-and-a-half years.
The redeveloped society will incorporate sustainable features such as solar energy, rainwater harvesting, sewage treatment, and EV charging. “In self-redevelopment, every detail rests with the owner, allowing flexibility and personalisation,” Jiwani noted.
Source: Hindustan Times
