MHADA Mumbai Board to Sell 49 Shops on First Come, First Served Basis

Mumbai Buyers to Get Chance to Purchase MHADA Shops Without e-Auction

In a major relief for small business owners and commercial property buyers in Mumbai, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority has decided to sell 49 unsold shops under its Mumbai Board through a First Come, First Served (FCFS) scheme instead of the regular e-auction process.

The decision comes after several commercial units remained unsold despite multiple e-auctions over the past two to three years. According to officials, the move is aimed at reducing financial losses and clearing vacant inventory lying unused across various MHADA housing projects in Mumbai.

The Mumbai Board is expected to release an official advertisement for the sale process in June 2026.

MHADA Shops Remained Unsold Despite Multiple e-Auctions

MHADA generally constructs shops within its housing schemes to provide basic commercial facilities to residents. Traditionally, these shops are sold through an e-auction model where interested buyers submit bids above a reserve price fixed by the board.

However, the response to such auctions has weakened in recent years. Even after conducting e-auctions multiple times, several shops failed to attract buyers.

Due to the unsold inventory, the Mumbai Board has reportedly decided to adopt the same strategy that is currently used for vacant residential flats under the FCFS scheme.

Under the proposed system, the applicant who submits the application first along with the required earnest money deposit (EMD) will be allotted the shop directly.

49 MHADA Shops Located Across Key Mumbai Areas

The 49 shops identified for sale are located in several MHADA projects across Mumbai, including:

• Malad
• Malvani
• Bimbisar Nagar
• Chunabhatti
• Sion

A proposal regarding the FCFS sale process has already been submitted to MHADA Vice President officials. Some modifications are reportedly being made before final approval.

Once approval is granted, MHADA Mumbai Board will officially invite applications through a public advertisement.

No Competitive Bidding Under New FCFS Shop Sale Scheme

Unlike the earlier auction-based model, buyers will not have to participate in competitive online bidding.

MHADA will fix a base price for each shop, and allotment will be made to the first eligible applicant who submits:

• Application form
• Earnest money deposit
• Required documents

This will provide a direct opportunity for interested buyers to purchase commercial units in Mumbai without facing auction competition.

Big Opportunity for Small Businesses and Investors

Real estate observers believe the new FCFS policy could benefit:

• Small traders
• Startup businesses
• Retail shop owners
• Investors looking for affordable commercial property in Mumbai

The move may also help MHADA monetize long-pending unsold commercial stock while increasing occupancy in its housing colonies.