Summary of this article
MHADA draw for 4,186 homes expected mid-December.
Over 2 lakh applicants compete for limited housing.
Verification delays push final lottery confirmation.
The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) is all set to conduct one of the most significant housing lotteries of the year in Pune, with more than 4,000 homes to be allotted through a lucky draw. As per Pune Mirror, MHADA chairman Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil confirms that this draw is most likely to be conducted on December 16-17, 2025. The news of this draw has made it a focal point for many eyeing the housing allotments; the final confirmation still relies on electoral regulations and the model code of conduct.
So far, the scheme has received an overwhelming amount of interest; MHADA has reportedly received over 2.15 lakh applications for the 4,186 units available. This reflects the demand that outperforms the supply in the city. Each applicant is required to pay Rs 708 as an application fee and Rs 20,000 as an upfront deposit.
Application submissions for this lottery opened on September 11, 2025. The deadline was initially set for October 31, but it was extended twice to accommodate the volume of applicants who needed extra time to complete the paperwork and make the final payments. This moved the final cutoff to November 30. The extended window allowed more participants to participate, but it led to delays in processing and verifications.
Chairman Patil has indicated that the verification is expected to wrap up by December 13, 2025, after which MHADA will finalise the official draw date to be either December 16 or 17. MHADA plans to seek a transparent and inclusive process, which has always been the priority for the board.
Besides the logistical challenges, this lottery highlights the broader state of the affordable housing demand in Pune. With urbanisation accelerating and property prices rising, this government-backed initiative comes as a hope to many homebuyers coming from middle and low-income households. While 4,186 homes are a very concentrated number for more than 2 lakh applicants, it is the only resort that can offer them housing security without breaking their bank.
MHADA's approach to housing distribution through lotteries is designed to reduce bias and increase accessibility. By automating this process, they have ensured that applicants will experience a fair and honest draw. For many people applying, simply having a chance in the draw is a strong step towards getting housing security.
