The Punjab government has approved major reforms for private housing schemes in the province. The changes have been made to the Punjab Private Housing Schemes Rules, 2022. Officials say the new rules will make the approval process more transparent and organized.
The amendments were approved by the Punjab Cabinet Standing Committee on Legislative Business. They will come into effect after being published in the official gazette. The government says the reforms are aimed at controlling unplanned development and improving urban planning across Punjab.
Under the new rules, all applications for private housing schemes will be handled through a centralized digital system. This will include applications for new projects as well as revisions to existing housing plans. Officials believe the digital process will reduce delays and make approvals easier to monitor.
The revised rules also include stricter requirements for developers. Projects involving more than five landowners must be registered as companies or cooperative societies. Joint ventures will also be limited to five entities. These steps are meant to make ownership structures clearer and more accountable.
Housing schemes will now be divided into different categories. These include schemes below 100 kanals, farm housing schemes, apartment projects, and low-cost housing developments. Affordable housing projects will also be required to use words such as “low cost” or “budget” in their official names. This rule is designed to prevent buyers from being misled.
Developers will have to reserve land for parks, playgrounds, graveyards, roads, public buildings, and waste management facilities. Open spaces must cover a fixed portion of each project, while commercial and public building areas will also face limits.
The new policy also requires underground utility infrastructure before roads are built. This includes water, sewerage, gas, electricity, telecom, and internet services. Officials said the reforms will strengthen buyer protection, encourage affordable housing, and support sustainable development in Punjab’s growing urban areas.
