By June 2025, CIDCO — the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra — will open the doors to one of the largest affordable housing lotteries in India, offering over 22,000 homes across Navi Mumbai. The move comes as property prices in the region have skyrocketed, with even a 1BHK flat now costing crores in the open market. For thousands of middle-class families and low-income workers, this lottery isn’t just a chance to own a home — it’s a lifeline.
Why This Lottery Matters
Navi Mumbai, once a planned satellite city, has become a magnet for Mumbai’s overflow population. With the new Navi Mumbai International Airport under construction and major highway expansions like the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, land values have surged. A small apartment that cost ₹20 lakh five years ago now sells for ₹1.2 crore or more. Meanwhile, government data shows nearly 43,000 CIDCO homes are already approved by MahaRERA, yet demand still outstrips supply by a factor of five. This lottery aims to close that gap — fast.
The Numbers Behind the Homes
The upcoming lottery includes 22,000 units, with 16,000 of them being leftover flats from CIDCO’s earlier housing scheme that distributed 26,000 units in October 2024. The remaining 6,000 are newly constructed homes spread across five key nodes: Vashi, Juinagar, Kharaghar, Taloja, and Dronagiri. Prices are strictly capped: ₹25 lakh to ₹48 lakh for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and ₹34 lakh to ₹97 lakh for Low Income Groups (LIG). These are not discounts — they’re government-mandated rates, roughly 50-70% below market value.
How It Works — And Who Can Apply
Only residents of Maharashtra are eligible. Applicants must pay an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD), which is fully refundable if they don’t win or if they forfeit the unit after winning. The lottery will be conducted digitally, with results published on CIDCO’s official portal. No bribes. No backdoor deals. Just a transparent draw — something rare in India’s real estate landscape. The system has 27 registration nodes across the state, making access easier for rural and semi-urban applicants.
What’s Holding It Back — And What’s Next
Despite being ready to launch, CIDCO has been waiting for a final green light from the state government. A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is scheduled soon to finalize pricing adjustments. Sources say the government may lower EWS rates further to include more families. If approved, the application window could open within days of the meeting, which is set for this Wednesday. The board meeting will also confirm the inclusion of the remaining 16,000 unsold flats from the previous phase.
"We’ve had over 800,000 inquiries since January," said a senior CIDCO official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "People are desperate. Not because they want luxury — but because they just want a roof. And we’re finally in a position to give it to them."
The Bigger Picture: PMAY and Housing for All
This lottery is part of the larger Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), under which CIDCO is building 67,000 homes across Navi Mumbai. So far, 43,000 have been approved by MahaRERA — a rare feat in a sector plagued by delays. The remaining 24,000 units are scheduled for completion by 2027. If this lottery succeeds, it could become a national model for how public agencies can deliver affordable housing at scale — without corruption or long waitlists.
How to Apply — And What to Watch For
Applications won’t open until after the board meeting. But applicants should prepare now. You’ll need your Aadhaar, proof of Maharashtra residency, income certificate, and bank details. The official helpdesk number has changed to 7065454454. Beware of fake websites and middlemen claiming to guarantee selection — CIDCO has warned of fraudsters. The lottery will be live-streamed, and winners will be notified via SMS and email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the CIDCO housing lottery 2025?
Only permanent residents of Maharashtra with a valid income certificate are eligible. Applicants must not own any residential property in India. EWS applicants must have an annual income under ₹3 lakh, while LIG applicants must earn between ₹3 lakh and ₹6 lakh. Proof of residency, such as a voter ID or ration card, is mandatory.
How much will the homes cost, and what’s included?
EWS homes range from ₹25 lakh to ₹48 lakh, and LIG homes from ₹34 lakh to ₹97 lakh. These prices include basic fittings, water and electricity connections, and common area maintenance for five years. No hidden charges. The units are 1BHK and 2BHK, with sizes between 300 sq. ft. and 600 sq. ft., designed for families of up to five members.
What happens if I win but can’t afford the down payment?
CIDCO partners with public sector banks to offer subsidized home loans with interest rates as low as 6.5%. First-time buyers can avail of PMAY subsidies of up to ₹2.35 lakh. The EMD payment is refundable if you decline the unit within 30 days — no penalty. But if you accept and later surrender, you’ll lose the deposit and be barred from future lotteries for five years.
Why is the lottery delayed, and when will applications open?
The delay is due to pending approval from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s cabinet on final pricing. The board meeting on Wednesday will seal the decision. Applications are expected to open within 72 hours after the meeting, likely by Friday. The lottery draw will follow in July 2025, with possession expected by December 2026.
Are there any scams I should watch out for?
Yes. Fraudsters are calling people claiming to be CIDCO agents, asking for upfront fees or promising guaranteed selection. CIDCO has issued a public notice: no agent is authorized to collect money. All applications are free and must be submitted only through the official portal. The only official helpline is 7065454454. If someone asks for money, report them to CIDCO’s anti-fraud cell immediately.
What if I already own a plot or inherited property?
If you own any residential property — even a small plot or ancestral land — you’re ineligible. CIDCO cross-checks records with the Revenue Department and MahaRERA. False declarations lead to disqualification, legal action, and a five-year ban from future housing schemes. This isn’t a loophole — it’s a rule designed to protect those who truly need it.