by Deepak Sawant 
Introduction to Maharashtra’s New Housing Policy
Maharashtra’s government has unveiled an ambitious housing policy titled Mera Ghar Mera Adhikar (My Home, My Right), aimed at addressing the state’s housing shortage and fostering inclusive urban development. This policy, announced in 2025, is a forward-looking initiative designed to provide affordable housing to economically weaker sections (EWS), lower-middle, and middle-class families while promoting sustainable urban growth. With a vision to construct 35 lakh homes by 2030 and 50 lakh homes in the next decade, this policy is one of the most detailed housing frameworks introduced in the state since 2007. This article explores the key highlights, objectives, and potential impacts of this transformative policy.
Key Highlights of the Housing Policy
1. Ambitious Housing Targets
The policy sets a bold target of constructing 35 lakh homes by 2030 and 50 lakh homes by 2035. This addresses the significant housing shortage in Maharashtra, where only 9 lakh homes were delivered between 2012 and 2017 against a demand for over 10 lakh homes. The focus is on EWS, lower-middle, and middle-class families, ensuring housing accessibility for a broad population segment.
2. Significant Financial Allocation
To achieve these targets, the government has allocated approximately ₹70,000 crore, including a dedicated ₹20,000 crore Maha Awas Fund to finance large-scale housing projects. This substantial funding aims to support both housing societies and private developers, ensuring financial feasibility and timely project completion.
3. Rental Housing and Rent-to-Own Model
A standout feature is the emphasis on rental housing, allowing residents to live in a home for 10 years with the option to purchase it afterward. This rent-to-own model is globally recognized and aims to make homeownership more accessible by reducing the immediate financial burden. While the rent paid may not directly offset the purchase price, it provides flexibility and affordability, particularly for younger buyers who typically delay homeownership until their 40s.
4. Slum Rehabilitation and Cluster Redevelopment
The policy prioritizes slum rehabilitation and cluster redevelopment through public-private partnerships (PPP). A dedicated cell will focus on accelerating the redevelopment of housing societies and slums, which often face delays. By streamlining processes and involving private builders, the government aims to create slum-free cities. Additionally, stalled Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects will be reviewed, with transparent agreements between developers and residents to minimize conflicts.
5. Land Allocation and Government Involvement
A significant aspect is the use of government land to address the critical issue of land scarcity, particularly in cities like Mumbai. The policy includes plans to establish a land bank by 2026, mapping land from departments like Revenue, Forest, MIDC, and Water Resources. Both state and central government lands will be utilized, with partnerships ensuring that land is provided at reasonable rates, avoiding high premiums that could inflate housing costs.
6. Focus on Industrial Workers and Walk-to-Work
The policy reserves 10-30% of land in industrial areas for housing workers, promoting a walk-to-work model. This reduces commuting time and costs, enhancing the quality of life for industrial employees and supporting urban efficiency.
7. Inclusive Approach
The policy prioritizes vulnerable groups, including women, senior citizens, students, industrial workers, persons with disabilities, and ex-servicemen. Special provisions, such as short-term rental housing near hospitals for patients’ families, reflect a thoughtful and inclusive approach.
8. Technology and Transparency
An AI-powered State Housing Information Portal (SHIP) will integrate data from sources like MahaRERA, MahaBhulekh, and PM GatiShakti. This portal will provide real-time updates on demand, supply, fund allocation, land acquisition, and project status, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Maharashtra’s track record in leveraging technology, such as live transaction updates on the IGR portal, supports the feasibility of this initiative.
9. Sustainability and Climate Resilience
The policy emphasizes green housing and climate-resilient buildings to address environmental challenges. Developments will incorporate sustainable practices to minimize temperature impacts and withstand natural calamities like floods or earthquakes. Tax rebates of up to 20% are offered to incentivize green building certifications (e.g., IGBC Platinum, Gold, or Silver), aligning with global sustainability standards.
10. Single-Window Clearance and Regulatory Reforms
To expedite project approvals, the policy introduces a single-window clearance system, reducing bureaucratic delays. Proposed amendments to the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) Act, Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, and municipal regulations will streamline processes. District-level review committees will monitor implementation, ensuring compliance and timely completion.
Implementation Challenges and Opportunities
While the policy is comprehensive and visionary, its success hinges on effective implementation. Past housing policies in Maharashtra have faced challenges due to slow execution, bureaucratic hurdles, and limited success in public-private partnerships. Experts emphasize the need for a clear plan of action to translate ambitious targets into reality. Key implementation considerations include:
- Land Cost Management: While government land will increase availability, ensuring it is provided at subsidized rates rather than market premiums is crucial to keep housing affordable.
- Execution Framework: A robust monitoring mechanism, supported by district-level committees, will be essential to prevent delays and ensure accountability.
- Private Sector Participation: Encouraging private developers through incentives like tax breaks, lower interest rates, and reduced development charges will drive participation.
- Transparency and Accountability: The AI-powered SHIP portal is a step toward transparency, but its effectiveness depends on seamless data integration and accessibility for all stakeholders.
Expert Perspectives
Industry experts have largely welcomed the policy, rating it highly for its forward-thinking approach. Key insights include:
- Ghulam Zia, Senior ED, Knight Frank India: Rates the policy 9/10, praising its inclusivity and innovative features like hospital-adjacent rental housing. However, he highlights the need for a clear execution plan to build confidence in achieving the targets.
- Dominic Romell, President, CREDAI-MCHI: Awards a perfect 10/10, emphasizing the policy’s detailed framework and the government’s commitment under strong leadership. He believes single-window clearance and PPP models will make the targets achievable.
- Ashok Chhajed, CMD, Arihant Superstructures: Also gives a 10/10, viewing the policy as a significant infrastructure move. He is optimistic about its impact on industrial workers and below-poverty-line communities, particularly through CSR-driven initiatives.
Potential Impact on Maharashtra’s Real Estate Landscape
The Mera Ghar Mera Adhikar policy has the potential to transform Maharashtra’s real estate sector by:
- Bridging the Housing Gap: Addressing the 10 lakh home shortage through targeted construction and rehabilitation efforts.
- Promoting Affordability: The rent-to-own model and subsidized land use will make homeownership accessible to younger and lower-income buyers.
- Enhancing Urban Development: Slum redevelopment and cluster projects will create more livable, slum-free cities.
- Driving Sustainability: Green housing initiatives will align Maharashtra with global environmental standards, attracting eco-conscious buyers.
- Boosting Economic Growth: Large-scale housing projects will stimulate the economy through job creation and infrastructure development.
Conclusion
Maharashtra’s 2025 housing policy is a bold and comprehensive step toward addressing the state’s housing crisis. With ambitious targets, significant financial backing, and innovative features like rental housing and climate-resilient buildings, it sets a high standard for urban development. However, its success will depend on overcoming implementation challenges, ensuring transparent execution, and fostering collaboration between the government, private developers, and communities. As Maharashtra leads the way, other states may look to this policy as a model for inclusive and sustainable housing solutions.
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