BENGALURU: The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is shifting its focus towards apartment developments over large plotted layouts, emphasizing enhanced land-use efficiency in urban areas. This shift raises concerns about the future of the BDA’s traditional housing model centered around plots. According to officials, projects comprising apartments facilitate quicker housing delivery and prevent land fragmentation.
“While discussions are ongoing and we don’t anticipate an abrupt change, there will be a noticeable trend towards apartments for more efficient land use. Basic housing needs should not always mean a 30×40 plot. We are conscious of the demand for plots, but our priority remains on providing housing. Future decisions will depend on market feedback. BDA intends to introduce more apartment projects, and with barriers being lifted, we’ll monitor their sales performance. Our goal is to avoid creating unsold units while balancing both plots and apartments,” stated a BDA official.
The sales data from BDA paints a complex picture. To date, BDA has launched 13 apartment projects across various locations. Out of a total of 4,607 flats, approximately 2,310 units (about 50.1%) have been sold, leaving 2,297 units unsold, indicating a significant surplus in the BDA housing inventory.
The Kaneminke projects experienced mixed sales: while Phases 2, 3, and 4 of 2BHK and 3BHK flats priced between Rs 25-40 lakh sold out completely, only 45 of the 393 available 3BHK units in Phase 5, priced at Rs 67.8 lakh, found buyers. In Hunnigere, 3BHK and 4BHK villas priced from Rs 90 lakh to Rs 1.3 crore had modest sales, while the 1BHK units saw very little uptake, with only 7 out of 312 booked.
Other BDA projects reflected varied demand levels. Approximately 50% of the 1BHK flats at Gunjur Phase 1 and Thippasandra, which are priced between Rs 13-14.5 lakh, were sold. Similarly, the Kommaghatta NPKL phases and 1BHK flats in Alur Phase 1 exhibited slow to moderate sales figures.
The BDA aims to reshape the image of government flats to rival private societies, ensuring these units are both affordable and functional. “We are investigating the reasons behind low sales and have identified insufficient basic amenities as a major barrier. Previously, purchasing a BDA apartment was seen as burdensome, with individuals stockpiling units for families as long-term investments. Transitioning to a fully online process will simplify purchases and enhance transparency, granting buyers direct access to information and reducing reliance on personal networks. If the market responds positively, apartments may become the norm. We are also improving roads and access routes to facilitate easier commutes for residents,” the BDA official added.
The BDA is currently revamping its marketing strategy, which includes enhancing approach roads, creating model flats, hiring on-site personnel, and listing units on housing platforms, to accelerate the sale of unsold inventory. Residents have raised concerns about inadequate amenities, particularly roads, as significant gaps in the offerings.
