The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has received an overwhelming response to its 2026 housing lottery, with 75,366 applicants successfully submitting earnest money deposits (EMDs) for 2,640 affordable homes across Mumbai. The high level of participation highlights the continued demand for affordable housing in one of India’s most expensive real estate markets.
According to MHADA, more than 97,000 applications were submitted for the lottery scheme. Of these, 75,366 applicants completed the mandatory EMD payment process, resulting in an average of 28.54 applications for every housing unit offered under the scheme. The response reflects strong buyer interest in government-backed housing projects that offer relatively affordable ownership opportunities within Mumbai city.
MHADA stated that applicants were allowed to submit their forms until May 28, 2026, while online EMD payments were accepted until May 29. The housing authority noted that the large number of applications demonstrates growing confidence among citizens in its housing initiatives and the increasing need for affordable residential options.
The lottery includes homes spread across several prominent Mumbai locations such as Vikhroli, Goregaon, Borivali, Gorai, Chembur, Bandra, Ghatkopar, Wadala, Powai, Dadar, and Mankhurd. These projects cater to different income groups, ranging from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) to High Income Groups (HIG).
One of the notable aspects of the 2026 lottery is that nearly two-thirds of the homes offered are under construction. Out of the total 2,640 units, approximately 1,762 apartments fall into this category. The under-construction inventory is concentrated in locations such as Vikhroli, Goregaon, and Borivali. MHADA officials believe these projects will contribute significantly to addressing housing demand in the city once completed.
The pricing of the homes varies widely depending on location, size, and category. The most affordable apartment in the lottery is an EWS unit in Mankhurd priced at slightly above ₹29 lakh. Other relatively affordable units are available in areas such as Goregaon, where homes are priced at around ₹32 lakh.
At the premium end of the spectrum, the costliest apartment offered through the lottery is located in Tardeo, South Mumbai. Classified under the High Income Group category, the unit carries a price tag of approximately ₹6.82 crore. Several other apartments in the scheme are priced between ₹2 crore and ₹4 crore, reflecting the sharp variation in property values across Mumbai’s micro-markets.
MHADA has also announced the next steps in the lottery process. The provisional list of applications received will be published on June 10, 2026. Applicants will be able to submit claims and objections until June 12, following which the final list of accepted applications will be released on June 16.
The actual lottery draw, however, will take place only after the conclusion of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) currently in force due to Maharashtra Legislative Council elections involving local self-government bodies. Since the MCC remains effective until June 25, MHADA will announce the final date, venue, and time of the draw after the election process concludes.
Image source- mhada.gov.in
