The Middle Class in Mahabubnagar Struggle to Attain Affordable Housing

Real estate prices have skyrocketed in Telangana State since the government implemented new plot layout regulations, making affordable housing difficult for the middle and lower-middle class. Previously, real estate brokers could sell plots for as low as Rs 75,000 to Rs 1.10 lakh per 100 square yard plot, but now all layouts approved by the Gram Panchayati must re-register with HMDA layout regulations or DTCP layout regulations, increasing costs. While previous policies allowed for the regularisation of unauthorised plots and layouts, new regulations make it easier for people to get permission to build houses and remove the possibility of corruption. However, critics argue that the new policy has no clarity and that it does not help the middle and lower-middle class. Building a double bedroom house with quality materials can cost a minimum of Rs 25-30 lakh, and buying a plot can cost an additional Rs 25-50 lakh. The public wants the government to bring policies that help everyone to build affordable houses.