The Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) has introduced a landmark policy shift by adopting the Model Costing Guidelines, permitting multiple members of the same family to purchase separate flats or houses under its residential schemes. This move is aimed at enhancing housing access and accelerating the sale of unsold properties.
Key Changes in Policy
Earlier, only one member per family was eligible to secure allotment in PDA housing projects. The new guidelines, formally adopted during the PDA board meeting last month, mark the first major revision in property transaction rules for development authority schemes since 1999. Officials described this as a historic reform after 26 years.
Affordability and Inventory Clearance
The revised framework is expected to make housing units more affordable and increase participation in PDA schemes. The authority believes that these norms will help address the issue of a large number of unsold flats in older projects, which have remained vacant due to poor condition and outdated policies.
Broker Engagement for Renovation
To tackle vacant properties, PDA has decided to engage brokers who will bring prospective buyers and undertake necessary repairs and painting of flats at their own expense. The renovation cost, along with the property price, will be recovered from the buyer, and the broker will receive a commission from the authority. The exact commission structure is yet to be finalized.
A senior PDA official stated: "Many flats in older schemes remain unsold primarily due to their poor condition, discouraging buyers. The new mechanism is expected to improve these units and make them market-ready, accelerating their sale."
Schemes with Vacant Inventory
Several PDA schemes currently have a substantial inventory of vacant flats and plots, including Jagriti Vihar Yojana Kalindipuram, Yamuna Vihar Housing Scheme Naini-1, Alaknanda Apartments in Govindpur, Mausam Vihar, Manas Vihar Housing Scheme Naini, Azad Apartments Naini, Saram Vihar, and Sugam Vihar Housing Scheme.
Official Statement
PDA vice-chairman Rishi Raj said the adoption of the Model Costing Guidelines would provide greater flexibility to buyers and help the authority liquidate its unsold inventory more efficiently. "The initiative is expected to benefit both homebuyers and the authority, while also contributing to improved urban housing development in Prayagraj," he added.
