On August 6, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) announced three housing schemes for 2024 in order to sell 39,573 flats in affordable, mid-income, and high-income categories in localities such as Dwarka, Rohini, Jasola, Narela, Lok Nayakpuram, and Siraspur. It’s not the first time flats in these areas have been offered to buyers, but there seem to be few takers. 

At one point of time, a DDA flat was a coveted piece of real estate. They were often located in neighbourhoods that seemed far-flung, but were rich with the promise of being integrated into Delhi. For instance, in the 1980s, DDA offered flats in Vasant Kunj, which at the time was neither as well connected nor as well-heeled as it is today. Waiting lists for DDA flats were known to be long and people bided their time because securing a DDA flat was akin to winning the lottery. According to DDA, its housing schemes continued to be successful well into the 2000s.

Today, the scenario is starkly different. DDA has been struggling to sell its newer projects, particularly those in Narela. A property dealer from the area told Newslaundry, “DDA has not been able to sell these flats. Even those which have been sold, no owners live here.”