𝑯𝑰𝑮 𝑭𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒔: Definition, Benefits, Specifications, Schemes

HIG (High-Income Group) flats are a premium housing initiative in India. These are designed to cater to individuals or families with higher income levels. HIG flats offer a range of luxurious amenities and spacious living spaces. They provide a comfortable and upscale lifestyle. 

The higher strata of society are attracted towards these flats because they are typically located in prime residential areas. They have gated communities, offering a prestigious address to the owners . They have convenient access to various facilities and services. The architecture and design of HIG flat showcase modern and sophisticated aesthetics. The flats reflect the luxurious lifestyle and refinement. 

The government has developed categories of real estate types and attempted to match them to their qualified beneficiaries according to economic classes and income divisions. The various kinds of apartments include –

• Economically Weaker Section Flats (EWS) 
• Low-Income Group Flats (LIG) 
• Middle Income Group Flats (MIG) 
• High-Income Group Flats (HIG) 

This comprehensive guide will explore the definition, features, specifications, benefits, and numerous government schemes associated with HIG flats in India.

HIG Flats – Definition

The full form of HIG is a high-income group. These include all households whose annual income is above Rs 18 lakh. Customers under this category are eligible for more carpet area. They also get extra amenities like 3 BHK flats, duplexes, bungalows etc.

What are the Features of HIG Flats?

HIG apartments are high-income group units offered by various government schemes. The government aims to provide luxury housing for the higher-income strata of society. Some of the features of HIG flats are –

• Spacious Layouts – The unit configuration of HIG flats are 2 BHK and 3 BHK. 
• The 2 BHK comprises two bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen along with an additional dining room. Both bedrooms also have two adjoining toilets. Compared to  LIG and MIG flats, the balcony and kitchen are also bigger.  
• The master bedroom is 3,000 x 3,955 mm in size,
• It has a 3,040 x 1,485 mm adjoining bathroom. 
• The dining room is around 4,900 by 2,930 mm in size.
• The kitchen measures 3,200 × 2,325 mm in size.
• The second bedroom measures 3,365 x 3,000 mm
•  It has a 1,925 x 2,325 mm adjoining bathroom.
• The 3 BHK consists of three bedrooms (one master bedroom), a hall, and a kitchen, as the name says. Two balconies are included in 3 BHK HIG Flats. One balcony is attached to the master bedroom and another to the living or dining room. It also has linked bathrooms.
• The living room measures 3,370 x 7,005 mm in size. 
• The kitchen’s measurements are 3,085 x 3,000 mm. 
• The dining room is larger than the living room, measuring 3,820 by 4,170 mm. 
• The master bedroom is 2,930 x 4,355 mm in size. 
•  It also has an adjoining bathroom with dimensions of 1,715 x 2,325 mm. 
• The other two bedrooms are approximately 3,177 × 3,955 mm.
• The other two toilets are around 1,436 x 1,625 mm.
• Premium Construction –  HIG flats are constructed using high-quality materials. The techniques used ensures – 

1. Durability
2. Longevity
3. A Sense of Luxury

The focus of HIG flats is on creating well-built and aesthetically pleasing apartments.

• Luxury Amenities – HIG flats have a wide range of luxurious amenities that enhance residents’ experience. These include –

1. Lift
2. Well-Equipped Gyms
3. Landscaped Gardens
4. Nearby Grocery Stores
5. Multipurpose Halls  

• Parking Facilities –  HIG flats are equipped with dedicated parking spaces. These ensure convenience and ease of access for residents and their visitors. Some flats provide covered or underground parking areas for added protection.
• Proximity to Essential Services – These flats are strategically located in areas with easy access to essential services. The apartments ensure residents can conveniently fulfill their day-to-day needs. HIG flats are in close proximity to  –

1. Schools
2. Hospitals
3. Shopping Centers
4. Recreational Facilities
5. Transportation Hubs

The Specifications of HIG Flats

HIG apartments are constructed in a specific way with specifications such as –

• HIG Flat Size – HIG flats have larger carpet areas than LIG and MIG. These are 180 square meters in size. 
• Layout –  HIG flats comprise two, three bedrooms, a living space, a kitchen, and adjoining bathrooms. The rooms, kitchen and balcony are much bigger in size as compared to LIG and MIG flats. 
• Construction Standards – These flats follow specific guidelines and building codes to ensure structural safety and quality.
• Location – HIG flats are strategically located to provide easy access to essential facilities such as schools, hospitals, markets, and public transportation.

What are the Benefits of Living in a HIG Flat?

Some of the benefits of living in a HIG flat are – 

• Luxury Housing – HIG flats enable individuals and families to own or rent luxurious and upscale apartments.  They offer premium housing options for well-to-do individuals or families.
• Community Living – HIG housing schemes often foster a sense of community among residents, providing opportunities for social interactions and support networks.
• Special  Amenities – HIG flats offer special essential amenities along with basic amenities such as gyms, parks, water, electricity, and sanitation facilities, ensuring a high standard of living.
• Proximity to Facilities – HIG flats are usually located in areas with easy access to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, markets, and transportation options.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for a HIG Flat?

The eligibility criteria for a HIG flat is Anyone at least 18 years old and with an annual family income of more than Rs 18 lakhs qualifies for HIG housing or an apartment. 

Numerous Government Schemes for Offering HIG Flats

The government has introduced several housing schemes to make HIG flats affordable to the masses. Although these schemes mainly cover the lower income strata of society, there are certain provisions for the HIG flats as well. Listed below are various schemes –  

Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) Scheme

MHADA offers one of the most affordable housing schemes in Maharashtra. A large number of flats are allotted based on a person’s income, under the MHADA scheme. Any resident of Maharashtra can apply for a home loan under the MHADA Scheme. They have to fulfill the below mentioned criteria – 

• Above the Age of 18  
• A Domicile Certificate
• A PAN Card 
• Regular Income

The several categories based on monthly income are as follows: 

How to Apply for MHADA (Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority) Scheme?

You have to follow the following steps to avail of the MHADA Scheme – 

• Step 1 – Visit the official website of Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority. 
• Step 2 – Start filing the application form.
• Step 3 – select your income group and lottery scheme.
• Step 4 – Print out your acknowledgment form. 
• Step 5 – Pay the registration fee for the online lottery.

In case you are unable to follow this process, there is another way. This is through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) Scheme. For this process, you would need the following documents: 

• Aadhaar Card 
• Domicile Certificate 
• PAN Card 
• Passport
• Voter ID Card 
• Birth Certificate 
• Driving Licence

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Delhi Development Authority (DDA) Housing Scheme

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) Housing Scheme is available for all the residents of Delhi. This state government scheme offers affordable apartments in Delhi through a draw of lots. This scheme allows flats in various locations such as Dwarka, Rohini, Narela, and more. The DDA Housing Scheme 2023 will consist of approximately 23,000 new flats for the economically weaker sections (EWS) and Lower-income Groups (LIG). The scheme is directly associated with the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) Scheme. If you want to qualify for the scheme, it is mandatory that you are – 

• An Indian National
• 18 Years of Age or Above
• And Must Belong to HIG, MIG, LIG, or EWS Category

How to Apply for Delhi Development Authority (DDA) Housing Scheme?

You can fill the application for this scheme on the official website of DDA.

• Step 1 – Apply through the enlisted banks. 
• Step 2 – Login and fill up the application form and make your payment. 

The DDA (Delhi Development Authority) registration fees vary from HIG Flats, MIG Flats, EWS Reserved Flats and LIG Flats. You will be given possession of the flat after winning the lottery. It is advised to keep the documents with yourself such as – an Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID card, ITR, and bank statement.

West Bengal Housing Board Scheme

The government of West Bengal has implemented a similar model like Delhi (DDA Scheme)  while constructing more than 35,000 units under the scheme. It is for people from various income categories. These new homes and apartments are given based on a lottery system. 

The monthly income of individuals starts from Rs 10,000 (for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS category) and goes up to Rs 40,000 and above for Higher Income Groups (HIG category). The minimum price of the flat is Rs 1,75,000 (EWS). You can fill out the application by visiting the official website of the West Bengal Housing Board Scheme. The form filling process is similar to that of DDA. 

How to Apply for the West Bengal Housing Board Scheme?

The West Bengal Nijashree Housing Scheme 2022 aims to enhance the standard of living for individuals belonging to the lower and middle-income groups in the state. The primary objective of this initiative is to facilitate the construction and distribution of houses to eligible families.

Let us look at the conditions required to apply for the West Bengal Housing Board Scheme – 

To avail of the housing scheme, individuals must visit the official website and download the application form. Once downloaded, the form should be printed and completed accurately. The duly filled application form needs to be submitted at the nearest government office for further processing.

The applicant must be a resident of the district where the specific project is situated. He/She is  required to pay an application fee of Rs 2,500 for a 1 BHK home and Rs 5,000 for a 2 BHK home. In the event that the applicant’s name is not selected in the lottery, the application fee is refundable. The refund process typically takes around 30 days after the allotment is finalized. A fair and transparent lottery is conducted in the district where the project is located to determine the beneficiaries for the homes under the Nijashree Housing Scheme.

You should have the following documents with yourself to apply for the scheme – 

• Income proof papers
• Aadhar card
• Age proof document
• Voter ID card
• Bank passbook or statements
• Passport size photo
• Receipt of payment of application amount

The Big Question – Is it Worth Buying HIG Flats?

Purchasing HIG (High-Income Group) flats from government-approved schemes offers greater credibility compared to flats built by private builders. HIG flats provide additional advantages such as –

• Structural Safety
• Potential Capital Appreciation
• Clear Property Titles

Additionally, these flats have exceptional amenities and enhanced living experiences. This  makes them a worthwhile investment.

FAQ’s about HIG Flats