MHADA Delays Mumbai Housing Lottery, Next Draw Likely in March 2026

The MHADA lottery in Mumbai for 2025 will not take place this year, disappointing thousands of homebuyers who were eagerly waiting for the state’s annual affordable housing draw. Initially expected to happen around Diwali 2025, the next MHADA housing lottery is now likely to be conducted in March 2026, according to officials from the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA).

This postponement marks a shift in the timeline of one of Mumbai’s most-awaited public housing programs, which annually offers affordable flats across multiple income categories.

Reason Behind the Postponement

According to MHADA officials, the delay in conducting the MHADA lottery in Mumbai stems from multiple factors. Several housing projects under the Mumbai Board are still under construction and awaiting approvals due to the Supreme Court’s stay on environmental clearances. Without final approvals, the authority cannot include these homes in the upcoming draw.

Additionally, civic elections in Mumbai are expected within the next few months. Once the election schedule is announced, the model code of conduct will come into effect, restricting any major public announcements or draws. Hence, officials decided to defer the lottery until after the elections.

A senior MHADA official, requesting anonymity, confirmed, “The Mumbai housing lottery is now being scheduled around March 2026. This will ensure all legal and administrative processes are complete before the launch.”

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Details of the Upcoming MHADA Lottery 2026

While the MHADA lottery in Mumbai will now take place in 2026, the exact number of homes and project locations are yet to be finalized. However, the authority is expected to offer housing units across a mix of income groups including the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Lower Income Group (LIG), Middle Income Group (MIG), and High Income Group (HIG).

Traditionally, MHADA homes are located in key residential pockets such as Goregaon, Chandivali, Pratiksha Nagar, and Chembur. These areas attract strong demand due to better connectivity, civic infrastructure, and relatively affordable pricing compared to private developments.

The new lottery is also expected to maintain MHADA’s focus on providing quality housing at subsidized rates to middle-income homebuyers.

Income Categories and Eligibility

To ensure fair allocation, the MHADA lottery in Mumbai follows strict income-based eligibility criteria:

• EWS (Economically Weaker Section): Annual family income up to ₹6 lakh
• LIG (Lower Income Group): Between ₹6 lakh and ₹9 lakh
• MIG (Middle Income Group): Between ₹9 lakh and ₹12 lakh
• HIG (High Income Group): Above ₹12 lakh per annum

Applicants must select the appropriate category while applying, as it determines both the eligibility and the type of unit they can apply for.

Application Process for MHADA Lottery in Mumbai

Like previous years, the application process for the MHADA lottery in Mumbai will be entirely online. Homebuyers can register, upload documents, and track all updates through the official portal: https://housing.mhada.gov.in.

Once the new lottery schedule is confirmed, MHADA will release an official notification outlining registration dates, document requirements, and payment guidelines. Applicants are advised to keep checking the portal regularly for verified updates rather than relying on third-party information.

Recap: Highlights from MHADA Lottery 2024

To provide perspective, the MHADA lottery in Mumbai held in 2024 offered over 2,000 homes across income groups, priced between ₹29 lakh and ₹6.82 crore.
These homes were spread across some of Mumbai’s most in-demand areas such as Andheri, Antop Hill, Juhu, Goregaon, Vikhroli, and Powai.

The costliest unit, located in Tardeo, was priced at ₹6.82 crore for a 1,500 sq. ft. sea-facing apartment overlooking the Mahalaxmi Racecourse a rare example of MHADA offering premium inventory in South Mumbai.

Such diversity in pricing and location highlights MHADA’s evolving approach balancing affordability with aspirational living standards.

Impact of the Delay on Homebuyers

The postponement of the MHADA lottery in Mumbai is likely to impact thousands of aspiring homeowners who had planned to apply during the Diwali 2025 window. For many middle- and lower-income families, MHADA’s schemes represent one of the few realistic opportunities to own a home within city limits.

While the delay may cause temporary frustration, officials believe it’s a necessary step to ensure that only ready or near-completion projects are included in the draw. This move is expected to improve buyer confidence and reduce project delivery risks.

MHADA’s Broader Housing Mission

Beyond lotteries, MHADA continues to play a pivotal role in Mumbai’s housing development. The agency focuses on urban redevelopment, slum rehabilitation, and the construction of new affordable housing projects across Maharashtra.

The postponement of the current year’s lottery also gives MHADA more time to align its projects with environmental norms and strengthen its compliance framework. This is crucial given the regulatory complexities around large-scale housing construction in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

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What to Expect in the Coming Months

In the lead-up to March 2026, MHADA is expected to:

• Finalize project details and unit counts for inclusion in the lottery.
• Announce the official draw date and registration schedule via its website.
• Streamline the online application and payment system for better user experience.
• Ensure that projects included in the lottery are approved and construction-ready.

Prospective buyers are encouraged to monitor MHADA’s official website for timely notifications to avoid misinformation or fraud.

Conclusion

While the MHADA lottery in Mumbai will not be held in 2025, the next draw expected in March 2026 continues to hold promise for thousands of first-time homebuyers. The postponement, driven by environmental and administrative reasons, reflects MHADA’s focus on transparency, project readiness, and fair allocation.

With Mumbai’s housing demand remaining robust and affordability challenges persisting, the MHADA lottery remains one of the most trusted public housing initiatives in the city. When the draw resumes in 2026, it is expected to witness high participation and renewed confidence among aspiring homeowners.