Naya Pakistan Housing Program’s Phase I kicks off

The Naya Pakistan Housing Program (NPHP), the most ambitious government housing project in recent memory, has officially launched. Under this initiative, the government hopes to construct five million affordable houses during the next five years.

A big deal – however you look at it.

The estimated total cost of construction of these units amounts to several billion rupees.

So naturally, the government has decided to deliver the program in phases.

The districts in focus under NPHP Phase I

As mentioned in several news stories carried on Zameen News, affordable houses under phase I will be constructed in Lodhran, Chishtian, and Renala Khurd. Initially, the Government of Punjab will aim to construct six thousand 3- and 5-marla houses in these districts.

According to reports, the provincial government already owns the land for developing affordable houses in these locations.

As per a member of the NPHP Task Force, the construction of basic infrastructural facilities, including road networks, sewerage, and water line systems is nearly complete.

The plotting work is also nearing its completion stage.

Overall, the project seems to be developing in-line with schedule.

How to get the application forms

The application forms for the project can be attained from all branches of the Bank of Punjab. These forms are free of cost, and the government will accept duly filled photocopies as well. The forms previously issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) have been nullified.

The government has also clarified that while all applicants have to be Punjab residents, form submissions from residents of the same district will be accommodated on a priority basis. A further submissions caveat is that the applicant should have no immovable property in his (or her) name.

Additionally, the government has reserved a specific quota in Phase I for families of martyrs of the armed forces, as well as physically-challenged citizens. Furthermore, a 5% discount will be offered to overseas Pakistanis for placements in their native districts.

To start proceedings, applicants are required to submit PKR 250 in terms of processing fee, which is refundable. Along with this tithe, they need to deposit a refundable amount of PKR 10,000 as token money.

The last date to apply for affordable houses in Chishtian, Renala Khurd, and Lodhran districts is February 25, 2019.

Project details that you should know

The project offers 3- and 5-marla affordable houses. These built and finished residential units will feature two bedrooms each.

Read: NPHP: prices of planned 3 & 5 marla houses revealed

As mentioned earlier, NPHP societies will come equipped with basic utilities and infrastructural facilities; including a dedicated roads network, sewerage lines, water supply arrangements, and the provision of gas and electricity connections.

Furthermore, each of these developments will also have a community centre, a school, masjid compound, and commercial area; along with satisfactory security arrangements in place. Other features include energy efficient systems for facilitating water and electricity access, and a thoroughly laid out fibre-optic system for enabling high-speed internet connectivity.

Payment and pricing arrangements (for those who want to budget)

As revealed via an NPHP publication shared in the national dailies today, the price of a 3-marla house will fall in the PKR 1.65 million to PKR 1.75 million range. On the other hand, the 5-marla unit will be purchasable for PKR 2.1 million to PKR 2.3 million.

Successful applicants will be required to submit 20% of the total unit cost within twenty days of the ballot results announcement. The remaining amount can be cleared within the next 18 months.

To further make things easy for prospective residents, the government has kept the payment plan adjustable. As an applicant, you can either make payments every month, or opt for quarterly instalments.

For deserving candidates, home loan options are also available. If you meet the set criteria and qualify for a home fund, the House Building Finance Company and Meezan Bank can chalk a suitable payment plan for you. As communicated through various sources, the home loan facility offered by any one of these entities can be cleared within a 20 year period. So lots of budgeting relief for middle to low-income families.

Where to get additional information?

As mentioned in NPHP’s news publication, additional information for respective projects can also be sought via the following phone numbers:

Renala Khurd: +92-306-839-6833 & +92-44-920-0162

Lodhran: +92-333-616-6123 & +92-61-922-0160

Chishtian: +92-300-754-2405 & +92-63-227-7405

Furthermore, you can also visit the Pakistan Housing and Town Planning Agency’s official website.

If you have any questions for us, or feedback to share on this article, please let us know through the comments section below.

For more updates on the Naya Pakistan Housing Program, stay tuned to Zameen Blog.