Delhi’s housing landscape has reached a critical juncture. Despite growing demand for affordable homes, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) currently holds 34,052 unsold flats across the Capital, with an overwhelming 31,487 units lying vacant in Narela alone. This situation highlights a deep mismatch between housing supply, livability, location preference, and actual end-user demand.
These figures were revealed in a written reply tabled in the Parliament, responding to a question raised by Congress MP Balwant Baswant Wankhade from Amravati, Maharashtra.
The Numbers: Delhi’s Massive Unsold Housing Inventory
Total Unsold DDA Flats
34,052 unsold units across Delhi
31,487 unsold flats in Narela, forming the largest cluster
Narela: The Biggest Accumulation
Total flats constructed: 62,801
Allotted so far: 31,314
Still unsold: 31,487 (nearly half of the total supply)
This means one out of every two flats constructed in Narela remains vacant.
Other Areas with Unsold DDA Flats
Unsold inventory is not limited to Narela alone. As per the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs:
Karkardooma: 1,524 flats
Loknayak Puram: 222 flats
Siraspur: 487 flats
Dwarka: 70 flats
Rohini: 112 flats
Jasola: 16 flats
Ashoka Pahari: 23 flats
Azadpur: 66 flats
Vasant Kunj: 1 flat
These units span categories such as EWS, 1-RK, LIG, MIG, and even HIG flats.
Previous attempts including discount schemes, improved connectivity, and special allotment phases have failed to significantly reduce this backlog.
Weak Livability and Connectivity in Narela
Narela suffers from long commute times, inadequate public transport, slow commercial development, and limited access to essential services. This deters potential homebuyers despite the affordability of the units.
Supply-Driven Development Approach
DDA’s model has typically focused on constructing large housing clusters without ensuring adequate demand, leading to vacant units even in new sectors.
Lack of Social Infrastructure
Many buyers prefer areas with established markets, schools, hospitals, and employment hubs. These elements are still developing in Narela and similar locations.
Low Investor Confidence
High unsold inventory leads to weak appreciation prospects, discouraging investors and affecting resale demand.
To tackle the mounting backlog, DDA has planned over 6,100 new flats under two major housing schemes for the 2025–26 fiscal year. This new supply spans multiple income categories, aiming to attract a wider buyer base.
Towering Heights Karkardooma Housing Scheme 2025 (TOD Project)
Part of Delhi’s first Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) initiative, this project will include:
1,026 MIG (2-BHK) flats
498 1-RK flats for community service personnel
Karkardooma is strategically located with better connectivity and urban infrastructure, making this project more appealing to mid-income buyers.
Karmayogi Awas Yojana 2025 – Narela
This large-scale housing initiative aims to diversify Narela’s residential mix.
Phase 1 – 3,656 flats
856 HIG (3-BHK)
1,800 MIG (2-BHK)
1,000 1-BHK units
Across sectors A1 to A4
Phase 2 – 3,666 flats
900 HIG
1,750 MIG
1,016 EWS units
Located in Pocket 11, Sectors A1–A4
These schemes aim to boost occupancy in Narela by attracting buyers from multiple income groups.
What DDA Aims to Achieve
Through these new schemes, DDA plans to:
Reduce its massive unsold stock
Improve occupancy in Narela and Karkardooma
Offer more housing options across EWS, LIG, MIG, and HIG categories
Revive public interest in government housing schemes
Strengthen its financial stability amid rising liabilities
What This Means for Buyers and Investors
For Homebuyers
More housing options across categories
Potential for discounts and easier allotments
Narela offers affordability, but buyers must evaluate connectivity and future development
For Investors
Narela still carries high risk due to slow appreciation
Karkardooma TOD offers stronger long-term potential
Investment should be planned with realistic expectations on resale and rental demand
For Urban Planners
Highlights the importance of demand-driven planning
Infrastructure must develop in tandem with residential supply
Livability standards must improve to make such projects viable
Conclusion
Delhi does not face a lack of housing stock—it faces a lack of livable, well-connected, and infrastructure-supported neighbourhoods. With over 34,000 unsold DDA flats and nearly half of Narela’s entire supply vacant, the challenge lies in aligning housing development with real-world needs.
DDA’s new 2025–26 schemes signal a strategic effort to revive demand, diversify supply, and make government housing more appealing. However, real progress will depend on improving connectivity, social infrastructure, and overall livability—not just building more units.