What is Huda Affordable Housing Policy?
In this article, we explore in detail the Huda Affordable Housing Policy of 2013, Gurgaon.
A policy named ‘Huda Affordable Housing Policy of 2013’ has been notified by the government. This policy is
made by the HUDA Government in order to encourage the housing projects in which apartments of predefined
size and predefined rates are made available for the deserving people from the lower and the lower
middle classes. Those projects for which licenses are given under the present policy cannot be converted
into the normal housing colony under any circumstances. In this regard, it does not matter if the
projects fall within the limit of 20 percent for residential sectors that are prescribed for group housing
projects. The Projects under the policy will be sold on the bases of Carpet area. So the people are only going
to pay for the area that they will use.
Granting the license
As per the Haryana Affordable Housing Policy, the projects will be allowed in residential areas of notified
development plans of various cities and towns. The first come first serve basis will be used for granting
the licenses for the housing projects of this type.
Incentives for the developers
It is envisioned in the Huda Affordable Housing Policy that the capital investment for the development of the
affordable houses will be made by the private sector. And according to the policy, incentives will be
given to the private developers. Following are the incentives offered to the developers:
1. The developers will be exempted from the license fee as well as the infrastructure development
charges.
2. The floor area ratio is higher at 225 against 175 which is usually permitted in group housing
projects.
3. Higher ground coverage to the tune of 50% against 35% and is normally allowed.
Requirements for Zoning
The maximum area for which such projects are allowed in the development plans include 300
acre for the Panchkula Extension, Panchkula, Pinjore-Kalka, Gurgaon, and Faridabad, 150 acre
for the Bahadurgarh, Sohna, Karnal, Dharuhera, Sonipat and Panipat and 75 acres for the rest of
the development plans. Under this policy only 5% or less than 5% of the total planned area
under residential zones is allowed for projects that fall under affordable housing policy.
However, if the total area in a residential sector is less than one hundred acres, then only one
project of this type will be allowed on five acres. In addition, to make sure that such projects
are distributed well over the development plan, the maximum net planned area permitted
under the policy in a residential project is restricted to 10 acres.
Rates of Flats
In the development plans of Pinjore-Kalka, Faridabad, Gurgaon and Panchkula, the maximum allotment
the rate for the apartment units approved under affordable housing policy is 4000 Rupees for each square
foot. This rate is 3600 Rupee for each square foot in the development plans of the other towns having
medium and high potential and it is 3000 Rupees for each square foot in the remaining towns that have
low potential.
Eligibility criteria and the allotment of flats
The draw will be made for the allotment of the affordable housing units and the deputy commissioner of the
district in which the unit is situated will handle the draw. As per the Huda Affordable Housing Policy, any
the individual who doesn’t own a house or a flat or a plot in a colony of the Haryana Urban Development
Authority (HUDA), or in a licensed colony in NCR or in Chandigarh, would be eligible for the scheme.
A time period for completing a project
The affordable housing projects will be required to be completed within a period of 4 years after the
grant of environmental clearance or building plans. The days are going to be referred to as the date of
commencement of the project and the licenses will be renewed beyond four years period from the
commencement of the project.
Area of apartments
As per the policy, the size of apartments which will be constructed is going to be in the range of 28 sq.
meter to 60 sq. meter carpet area. The carpet area is the net usable area that is bound to the walls
of the residential unit and it excludes the area covered by the balconies and the walls. Carpet area does
include the toilet, bathroom, store, kitchen, shelf, built-in-cupboard and almirah areas.
There are no separate EWS categories in the apartments so that the cross-subsidy components are
eliminated and the adverse impacts on the affordability of apartments are avoided.
Parking spaces
The parking space for each residential unit is provided at the rate of half the equivalent car space. Only
single two wheeler parking site will be earmarked for each flat and it will only be allotted to the owner
of a flat. The parking bay of two-wheelers will be 2.5-meter x 0.8 meters unless specified otherwise in the
zoning plan. There won’t be any car parking allotted to owners of an apartment in such projects.
Check on the builders
Bank guarantee must be taken by the colonizer. This guarantee will be taken against the total realization
from the project at the rate of 15 percent for the areas that fall in the development plans of Gurgaon,
Panchkula, Faridabad, Pinjore-Kalka and Panchkula Extension. The rate will be 10 percent for the rest of
towns. This bank guarantee must be taken as a matter of the security against any of the possible
neglects in the completion of the project.
Maintenance of the project after the delivery
As per the affordable housing policy, the developers will maintain the project for 5 years after the
completion of the project. This maintenance will be provided by the developer free of cost. After these
five years, the maintenance will be overtaken by the resident association. Maintenance of the
residential projects is an important issue which has to be defined in more detailed and better way so
that there is a clear-cut solution.
Conclusion
Huda Affordable Housing Policy 2013 is a wonderful step by the HUDA Government. It will enable the availability of the apartments of predefined size at predefined affordable rates to the residents in the urban markets. HUDA Affordable Housing Policy 2017 will make sure that the projects get completed on time. Also, the policy strikes a good balance by giving incentives to the builders and by putting a proper check on the builders, ensuring that the projects are delivered on time. If the affordable housing policy is implemented the way it is envisioned, it’s going to be very beneficial for the people belonging to lower-middle and lower classes strata of the society. Approximately 6 lac people in the urban centers of Haryana will benefit from this policy in the next 5 years.