Why Aren't Home Buyers Happy With DDA Housing Scheme 2014

There is a reason why properties built by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) are the first choice of homebuyers of the national capital region. The development authority has a good record when it comes to delivering housing projects within deadlines. Not to mention the fact that DDA flats offer you great infrastructure and an even greater appreciation in value as the time passes.

However, the same can not be said about the housing scheme the DDA launched in the year 2014. Even after two years of getting possession, occupants are facing multiple issues. Under the 2014 scheme, houses were allotted to buyers at Rohini sectors 15, 16, 20, 25, 34 & 35, Narela G2 & G8 and Kondli, among other localities.

Not fit to live in

Most of these flats are not fit to live in, claim homeowners, because there is no access to main roads — the work on building roads have yet to start at many places. Owing to that, the residents have to live disconnected from the rest of the city. Those wanting to sell these units couldn't do so because there is a specified five-year lock-in period (this clause was removed in the housing scheme of 2017). 

Also read: Should You Consider DDA L-Zone For Investment?

The situation is almost similar at Rohini Sector 28, where houses were allotted in 2010. “Even now, the water supply is irregular and few colonies are dependent on water booster and submersible. Water tankers are must during peak summers and charge exorbitantly,” says Rajendra Bhandari, a local resident.

Small units

Another concern which has gripped homebuyers is the size of the unit. Some units are of 350 sqf size. The visible shrink in space is making buyers crying foul and are surrendering their apartments to the DDA.

Also read: DDA Flats Lack Basic Infrastructure, Allottees Return Apartments

Though the DDA's shrunk flats have raised eyebrows of many, brokers also claim that the applicants randomly picked these areas to fill in the second and third preference as for most of them Mukherjee Nagar was the first preference. Applicants checked out Mukherjee Nagar area but did not bother to go for a recce in Narela or Rohini.

In fact, media reports show that these homes are smaller than store spaces where even a king size bed cannot be accommodated. Adding to this is a miniature toilet, a bath (just big enough for a person standing straight and still) and a kitchen – all in a row – led to a tiny bedroom with a small balcony. Since DDA units come with the locking period of five years, buyers who are not satisfied are returning their units to DDA.  However, DDA has not found anything serious about buyer's dissatisfaction and claims that flats have been surrendered by those who do not need it for themselves and have booked the flat without knowing about the area. Till now, over 1500 flat holders have returned their flat to the authority.