Mumbai Housing Societies Reap Benefits With Self-Redevelopment Model

Mumbai’s housing landscape is witnessing a transformative shift as cooperative societies embrace self-redevelopment, allowing residents to directly benefit from modern, spacious flats without relying on builders or banks. The trend, which has gained momentum in the city, is helping societies maximize their assets while upgrading living conditions for members.

One prominent example is Pearl Queen in Santacruz West. Located near Linking Road, the 26-family society is redeveloping its ground-plus-six-storey building into a 16-storey tower. The upgraded property will feature amenities such as a swimming pool, gym, walking track, and three podiums for parking. Unlike conventional projects led by developers, Pearl Queen appointed a “development manager” to plan, design, and execute the Rs 150-crore project. Residents now have more control over design choices, contractors, and project execution, while financial gains from surplus flats are retained by the society.

Shaival Gandhi, treasurer of Pearl Queen, explained, “Members will get around 60% additional space in their new flats. The society retains most of the free-sale flats, which will help retire the borrowings for the project.” In the competitive Santacruz-Linking Road real estate market, such surplus flats provide both financial relief and new opportunities for members.

The self-redevelopment approach has delivered remarkable results across Mumbai. In Mulund East, the Purvarang Cooperative Housing Society successfully completed a 23-storey tower in 2024 without external funding or bank loans. The 56-member society raised funds from fixed deposits and provident funds, selling 61 of 62 free-sale flats worth Rs 87 crore. Society members also oversaw marketing, advertising, and construction, demonstrating the power of collective action.

Chembur’s Chitra CHS offers another striking example. Earlier, members lived in cramped flats of 380-390 sq ft. Post redevelopment, each household now enjoys 1,250 sq ft, significantly improving their quality of life. Surplus flats not only helped finance the project but also provide rental incomes ranging from Rs 40,000 to Rs 60,000 per month. Similarly, Jingprem CHS in Charkop empowered residents to select contractors, tiles, and fittings, showcasing full autonomy in the redevelopment process.

Housing activists like Chandrashekhar Prabhu, who pioneered the self-redevelopment model over a decade ago, emphasize the benefits. “Societies can now construct modern towers with world-class amenities while members enjoy larger homes at minimal personal risk. With many residents able to purchase additional flats, the need for bank loans is greatly reduced,” he said. Projects such as Sagar CHS in Airoli have already seen massive demand, with nearly half of members booking surplus flats at discounted rates.

The Maharashtra state government has officially recognized the self-redevelopment model, providing a framework that enables cooperative societies to independently manage redevelopment projects. This approach not only enhances urban living standards but also allows societies to retain financial gains that would traditionally go to builders.

With over 27 societies in Mumbai successfully completing or currently undertaking self-redevelopment, the model is proving to be a sustainable and empowering alternative. It ensures residents receive larger, modern homes while collectively managing construction, funding, and project planning—setting a precedent for urban housing across India.