With a growing ageing population and the rise of nuclear families, the need for professionally managed retirement housing has never been greater. Recognizing this need, the Haryana Government introduced a new Retirement Housing Policy 2024, aimed at ensuring that senior citizens live with dignity, safety, and comfort in well-planned residential projects.
In this blog, we’ll explore the highlights of this policy, why it matters, and what it means for both developers and senior citizens.
Why a New Retirement Housing Policy?
Let’s face it—life changes dramatically as we age. Seniors often need specialized housing that goes beyond traditional apartments, offering services like medical care, security, and recreational facilities.
This policy acknowledges that seniors, many of whom live away from their families, require an environment that not only supports independent living but also provides peace of mind. Developers, in turn, now have a clear framework for building and managing such housing projects in Haryana.
Key Highlights of Haryana’s Retirement Housing Policy 2024
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most important aspects of the policy:
1. Who Can Live in Retirement Housing?
• The policy defines eligible residents as senior citizens aged 55 and above.
• Interestingly, an apartment can be purchased by a legal entity or family member, but it must be used by a senior citizen.
• Temporary stays for family members are allowed, subject to approval by the service provider.
2. Location and Area Requirements
• Retirement housing projects can only be developed in areas marked as Residential Zones in Haryana’s Development Plans.
• The minimum area for such a project is 0.5 acres, while the maximum is 10 acres.
• The site must have access to a road at least 12 meters wide.
3. Facilities Required in Retirement Housing
To ensure a high standard of living, developers are required to provide a range of facilities, including:
• Medical room with round-the-clock availability.
• Mess and dining areas for community meals.
• Indoor recreation facilities, including a common room, gymnasium, and space for indoor games.
• Organized parks covering at least 20% of the planned area for relaxation and walks.
• On-site staff accommodation for caregivers and service personnel.
4. Safety and Security Measures
Seniors deserve to feel safe, and this policy mandates strict safety norms, such as:
• 24/7 security personnel and CCTV surveillance in common areas.
• Emergency alarm systems in apartments and common areas.
• Properly trained security staff with intercom connectivity.
• Fire safety equipment and periodic mock drills.
Planning Norms for Developers
Developers must adhere to specific planning norms to get their projects approved under this policy:
1. Maximum FAR (Floor Area Ratio): 225
2. Maximum Ground Coverage: 40%
3. Minimum Area for Dwelling Units: 30 sqm carpet area
4. Commercial Area: Limited to 4% of the permitted FAR, only for daily needs shops
5. Parking Requirements: One ECS per dwelling unit
In addition, the policy emphasizes barrier-free design, ensuring accessibility for those using wheelchairs or mobility aids. From wide doorways to non-slip floors, every aspect of the housing must be senior-friendly.
Special Provisions for Better Living
The Haryana Government’s policy doesn’t just stop at planning—it also focuses on ensuring quality living for seniors post-occupancy.
• Online Monitoring: Developers must file half-yearly reports on the online portal, detailing the list of residents, services provided, and the general upkeep of the premises.
• Grievance Redressal: A Monitoring Committee, led by the Deputy Commissioner, will oversee issues raised by residents and ensure developers comply with the policy.
• Tri-Partite Agreement: A mandatory three-way agreement between the resident, developer, and service provider ensures clarity on responsibilities and reduces potential disputes.
Why This Policy Is a Game-Changer
This policy is more than just a set of rules—it’s a step toward creating senior-friendly urban communities. Here’s why it matters:
1. Peace of Mind for Seniors: Seniors can now live in spaces designed specifically for their needs, with the added assurance of medical care, security, and social engagement.
2. Clear Guidelines for Developers: By laying down clear norms, the policy encourages developers to invest in this growing sector confidently.
3. Safer, Healthier Communities: From fitness facilities to 24/7 emergency care, these projects promise a better quality of life for Haryana’s senior citizens.
Opportunities for Developers
The rising demand for senior living in India presents a lucrative opportunity for developers. By adhering to the policy guidelines, they can tap into a growing market while contributing to a noble cause—providing safe and comfortable homes for seniors.
Given the detailed planning parameters and monitoring provisions, retirement housing projects under this policy are likely to attract significant interest from both domestic buyers and NRIs with ageing parents in India.
Conclusion: A Win-Win for All
The Haryana Government’s Retirement Housing Policy 2024 is a thoughtful initiative designed to address the specific needs of senior citizens while providing developers with a clear roadmap for creating such projects. By focusing on safety, accessibility, and community living, the policy aims to foster a vibrant and supportive environment for seniors.
Whether you’re a senior looking for a comfortable place to retire or a developer seeking a new venture, this policy offers immense potential. With clear guidelines and safeguards in place, retirement housing in Haryana is set to become a benchmark for senior living in India.
Now you can know more about this policy of Haryana Government to get download the full policy for approved by haryana government.
