The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) affordable housing scheme has encountered a challenge after a large number of lottery winners refused to purchase their allotted homes, citing concerns over the high cost of flats. As a result, 394 out of the 426 flats offered under the scheme are still lying vacant.
The civic body had conducted a lottery in December 2025 for 373 flats after receiving applications from interested beneficiaries. Following scrutiny of submitted documents, 131 applicants were declared eligible and issued provisional allotment letters.
However, only 32 beneficiaries completed the payment process and accepted the allotted homes. Among the remaining eligible applicants, 54 did not proceed after receiving provisional allotment letters, while 45 beneficiaries reportedly rejected the flats due to the pricing.
With a significant number of homes remaining unsold, the BMC has now decided to approach applicants placed on the waiting list. Around 350 candidates will be considered for allotment, subject to document verification and eligibility checks. Those who qualify will be issued provisional allotment letters.
Officials said that after completing the waiting list process, flats that continue to remain vacant will be included in a new housing lottery in the future.
The housing scheme includes flats received by the civic body under provisions of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) and the 15 per cent integrated housing scheme. These homes are allotted to eligible beneficiaries through a computerised lottery system aimed at improving transparency in housing distribution.
The response to the scheme highlights the growing challenge of balancing affordable housing supply with affordability for beneficiaries in Mumbai’s real estate market. While the initiative was designed to provide homes to eligible residents, the rejection of a large number of allotments indicates that pricing remains a key factor influencing buyer decisions.
The BMC is expected to review the remaining inventory and take further steps to ensure that the available housing stock is effectively utilised.
Source: Mumbai Live
