MHADA Offers Tardeo Flats on First-Come, First-Serve Basis: Direct Sale Begins Soon for High-End Mumbai Homes

In a significant shift from its traditional housing allocation methods, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has decided to sell seven premium flats in Mumbai’s upscale Tardeo locality on a first-come, first-serve (FCFS) basis. This decision marks a major departure from the lottery system that MHADA is known for and is aimed at finally resolving the issue of unsold high-end flats in a prime city location.

These flats, located in Crescent Tower, are priced between ₹6 to ₹7 crore and will be available for direct purchase through an online platform. The move is seen as an important policy innovation in public housing strategy, especially in luxury zones where the traditional lottery model may not suit market realities.

The decision to introduce the FCFS model was taken under the leadership of IAS officer Sanjeev Jaiswal, Vice President and CEO of MHADA. Known for driving administrative reforms and streamlining public housing operations, Jaiswal identified that continuing to rely on the lottery model for these unsold high-end properties was proving ineffective.

Despite being offered through two lottery rounds, the flats did not find buyers, prompting the shift to a direct sale model. Officials confirmed that this change is designed not just to sell the units quickly, but to improve transparency and buyer convenience in the process.
 

Why Flats in Crescent Tower Remained Unsold

The seven flats were acquired by MHADA from a private developer under the state’s housing policy, which mandates that a portion of housing units in new projects be reserved for public housing bodies. These particular flats, located in Crescent Tower in Tardeo, were handed over during the financial year 2022–23.

Even though they are in one of the most prestigious areas of South Mumbai, the response to both lotteries was underwhelming. Experts suggest this may be due to a limited pool of eligible buyers at this price point, compounded by a lottery system that typically caters to middle-income groups looking for affordable housing.

MHADA had considered converting these flats into service residences for its staff, but that proposal was eventually shelved. Now, the authority has decided to open them up for sale to the public, using a more market-aligned approach.

 

All Applications to Be Processed Online
 

MHADA has confirmed that the entire application process will be carried out digitally. A public notice and advertisement will be issued soon, providing applicants with details such as registration dates, documentation requirements, and system access.

Under the FCFS method, the first applicant to complete the booking and payment process will be awarded the flat. There will be no lottery, no waiting period, and no random selection — making it a straightforward transaction based on who applies first.
There will be no revision in the listed prices of the flats, and all units will be sold at their original base value ranging between ₹6 crore to ₹7 crore.

MHADA to Bear All Additional Maintenance Costs
 

One of the key incentives in this new sales process is MHADA’s decision to absorb all past and ongoing maintenance and repair costs. Until now, the housing authority has been spending between ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2 lakh per month on the upkeep of these vacant flats, including security, repair, and general maintenance.

Previously, these costs were recovered from the lottery winner at the time of sale. However, under the new system, MHADA has waived all such charges, meaning buyers will only pay the base price of the flat with no hidden or added expenses.
This makes the offer even more attractive, especially for buyers looking for ready-to-move-in homes with full legal clarity and government verification in one of Mumbai’s most expensive locations.

Policy Shift Reflects New Market Realities
 

MHADA’s decision to implement the FCFS model is not just a tactical move to dispose of unsold inventory — it also reflects a deeper recognition that different market segments require different sales strategies. While the lottery system remains effective for low and middle-income housing, premium locations such as Tardeo demand a more flexible, direct model.

Housing analysts see this as an important shift. Many believe that similar models could be replicated for other high-value MHADA properties that remain unsold due to procedural bottlenecks or mismatched buyer expectations.

Official Advertisement Expected Soon
 

MHADA will soon publish a detailed advertisement outlining the step-by-step application process. Interested buyers will be given sufficient notice to prepare and register online. The authority has emphasized that the FCFS system will be transparent, time-stamped, and strictly monitored to prevent any manipulation.

The flats in Crescent Tower are legally cleared, structurally ready, and ideally located — factors that are expected to generate significant interest once the application window opens.

Smarter Housing Delivery
 

This initiative, driven by Sanjeev Jaiswal’s leadership, reflects a broader evolution in how public housing bodies in India are responding to changing urban realities. By combining policy innovation with digital delivery, MHADA is setting a precedent for smarter, more responsive housing governance.

The success of this sale could influence how other premium MHADA units are handled in the future, particularly those in low-demand yet high-value locations. It also indicates that MHADA is willing to experiment with newer models to ensure its housing stock is not just built, but actually occupied.

For prospective buyers looking for a luxury home in South Mumbai with clear legal standing, transparent pricing, and no additional fees, this may be one of the best opportunities to purchase directly from a government agency in 2025.