Dreaming of owning a home in Mumbai? You are not alone.The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority’s (MHADA) 2026 affordable housing lottery is a government-run scheme that offers eligible applicants a chance to secure a home through a transparent and computerised allotment process.The scheme has already witnessed an overwhelming response, with more than 82,000 applications received for just 2,640 flats within two months. With the last date now set as May 28, aspiring homebuyers are making a final push to secure their chance at owning a home in MumbaiOf the 2,640 available properties, 145 apartments are reserved for the economically weaker Section (EWS), 858 for the lower income group (LIG), 1,408 for the middle income group (MIG), and 229 for the higher income group (HIG).With the application deadline now extended till May 28, aspiring homebuyers are making a last-minute rush to apply. But what does the scheme offer, who is eligible, and how do you apply?Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.
What is the MHADA scheme?
The MHADA lottery is an affordable‑housing scheme run by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority that allocates flats in cities across Maharashtra (especially Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, etc.) through a computerised online lottery system to ensure transparency and equal chances for all applicants.The sold flats are either built or acquired from redevelopment, penalties, or vacant stock. MHADA sells them via an online lottery. Each lottery is notified through a public advertisement in newspapers and on the MHADA website, listing the number of flats, their locations, sizes, and price ranges.
Can you apply?
To apply for MHADA’s lottery-based housing schemes, applicants must be at least 18 years old, be Indian citizens with valid identity proof, and have been a resident of Maharashtra for at least 15 years.Applicants must also fall under one of the defined income categories and be able to provide proof of income, such as salary slips or income tax returns (ITR). The income brackets are broadly classified as:
- EWS (Economically Weaker Section): Up to around Rs 6 lakh annual family income
- LIG (Lower Income Group): Up to around Rs 9 lakh annual family income
- MIG (Middle Income Group): Up to around Rs 12 lakh annual family income
- HIG (High Income Group): Above the MIG limit
In addition, neither the applicant, their spouse, nor minor children should own any residential property within the municipal limits where the MHADA housing scheme is being offered.
How to apply?
The application process is completely online and can be completed in a few simple steps:
- Visit the official MHADA website to begin the registration process
- Create a username and enter your personal details, including name, Aadhaar-linked mobile number, active email ID, and other required information
- Verify your mobile number using the OTP sent to your phone
- Log in to the portal after successful verification
- Select the relevant scheme and fill in details such as income category, applicant type, and scheme code
- Pay the application fee through available modes, including demand draft, debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI
- Once results are announced, check your selection status on the official website
- If selected, accept or reject the allotted unit within the stipulated time frame
Where will these flats be located?
From Kannamwar Nagar in Vikhroli to Patra Chawl in Siddharth Nagar (Goregaon), and Old Magathane along with Gorai in Borivli, the homes are spread across multiple suburbs.In the central and western belt, options include Subhash Nagar in Chembur, Gandhi Nagar in Bandra, Pant Nagar in Ghatkopar, Girgaum, Wadala, Lokmanya Nagar in Dadar, and Antop Hill in Wadala.For those looking towards the eastern and northern pockets, flats are also available in Kopri and Tunga in Powai, Mazgaon, and Pahadi Goregaon.