Homebuyers who secured flats under CIDCO's My Preferred Home Scheme in Navi Mumbai are raising concerns over discrepancies in the size of apartments compared to what was initially advertised. The scheme, launched in 2024, aimed to provide affordable housing across various locations, including Panvel, Kharghar, and Vashi.
Initially advertised at 322 sq ft, some winners of the housing lottery received Letters of Intent (LOI) specifying a reduced size of 291.92 sq ft. This discrepancy has sparked dissatisfaction among beneficiaries who feel they are receiving less space than promised. Former MLA Sandeep Naik has urged CIDCO and Maharashtra's authorities to ensure apartments match the originally advertised sizes, emphasizing the importance of transparency and fairness.
CIDCO officials clarified that the difference arises because the original advertised size included the balcony area, which is excluded from the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA)-registered carpet area mentioned in the LOI. According to MahaRERA guidelines, carpet area strictly refers to the internal usable floor area of an apartment, excluding external walls, services shafts, balconies, and open terraces. Therefore, while the total area remains consistent with the advertisement, the carpet area documented in the LOI reflects only the internal space.
Buyers expressed frustration over not being informed about this distinction earlier, particularly during their visits to experience centers displaying sample flats. They argue that transparency from the outset would have prevented misunderstandings and disappointment.
CIDCO's My Preferred Home Scheme, despite these challenges, has been pivotal in offering 26,000 flats to applicants under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Low-Income Group (LIG) categories. Locations such as Panvel, Kharghar, Mansarovar Railway Station, Khandeshwar Railway Station, Kharghar Sector 16A, and Vashi Truck Terminus have seen significant interest due to the scheme's promise of affordable housing.
In conclusion, while CIDCO maintains adherence to MahaRERA standards in documenting carpet area, the discrepancy highlights the need for clearer communication between authorities and homebuyers to ensure transparency and trust in future housing initiatives.