BDA plans to ease residency norms for flat allotment

BDA may cut Bengaluru flat residency norm from 10 to 2 years, requiring only address proof & Aadhaar, aiming to clear unsold inventory but sparking local concerns

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is considering a major relaxation in its domicile rules for housing allotments. The proposal seeks to reduce the mandatory residency requirement in Bengaluru from 10 years to just two, a move aimed at clearing unsold flats and widening the pool of eligible applicants.

According to officials, the plan is under active discussion but has not yet been formalized as a government order. If approved, applicants will only need to provide proof of two years’ residence in the city, along with a valid Bengaluru address and Aadhaar card. The revised eligibility would apply to both Karnataka residents and individuals from other states.

BDA clarified that it currently has no pending applications for houses, with all earlier requests already processed. The authority believes easing the criteria will help attract more buyers and support urban development by reducing the backlog of unsold inventory.

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However, the proposal has sparked criticism from some long‑time residents. They argue that lowering the residency norm could disadvantage Bengalureans who have lived in the city for decades, while opening opportunities for ‘outsiders.'

Defending the move, BDA officials said the decision is driven by practical considerations. With unsold properties weighing on its books, the authority sees the change as essential to boost sales and ensure efficient use of housing projects.

If implemented, the new policy could significantly reshape Bengaluru’s housing market by making BDA flats accessible to a broader segment of applicants.

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