Apna Ghar Apni Chhat Scheme: Revolutionizing Home Ownership in Punjab

The Punjab Government’s vision of housing-for-all has taken a significant leap forward with the Apna Ghar Apni Chhat Scheme. This initiative, led by the Chief Minister of Punjab, aims to offer affordable homes to low-income families who have long lived in rented or unsafe accommodations. With urbanisation on the rise and property prices climbing, this programme provides thousands of people in Punjab a real opportunity to own a home and secure their future.

Also Read: All Govt Schemes

Program Name	Start Date	End Date	Assistance / Subsidy / Loan Provided	Method of Application
Apna Chhat Apna Ghar Scheme	Launched August 2024	Ongoing	Interest-free loans up to PKR 1.5 million; government subsidy up to ~60%	Online via portal + offline centres

Introduction to the Apna Ghar Apni Chhat Scheme

The “Apna Ghar Apni Chhat” scheme is a landmark housing initiative by the Punjab Government, designed to provide secure and affordable homes to families unable to buy market-rate housing. The concept is simple: every hardworking citizen of Punjab deserves their own roof (“Apni Chhat”) and home (“Apna Ghar”). The project is managed by the Punjab Housing & Town Planning Agency (PHATA) in collaboration with HUD & PHED.

Amid growing urbanisation and rising property costs, this programme addresses one of the most pressing issues for ordinary citizens in Punjab: lack of affordable housing.

Goals & Objectives of the Apna Ghar Apni Chhat Scheme

Affordable Housing for Low-Income Families

A key objective is to provide housing solutions for families with limited income who cannot purchase homes at market prices. Through interest-free loans and grants, the government makes home ownership achievable.

Eradication of Homelessness

Many citizens currently live in rented or informal housing. This initiative aims to provide legal, safe homes, reducing the number of people without secure shelter.

Sustainable Urban Development

Homes under this scheme are built in planned areas with proper infrastructure—including roads, water, electricity, and essential amenities—ensuring sustainable development and thriving communities.

Empowerment of Women & Families

Priority is given to women-headed households, persons with disabilities, and daily wage earners, ensuring that all segments of society benefit from home ownership.

Job Creation & Economic Growth

Constructing thousands of homes generates employment in construction, materials, transport, and related services, boosting the local economy.

Key Features of the Apna Ghar Apni Chhat Scheme

Subsidised Loans & Affordable Instalments

• Loans of up to PKR 1.5 million for constructing homes on personal land.
• Monthly instalments estimated between PKR 11,000–14,000 depending on the amount and duration.
• Government subsidy covers up to 60% of the cost in some models, meaning the beneficiary pays roughly 40%.

Multiple Execution Models

Three execution models are offered:

• Model 1: Government land with infrastructure, developed in cooperation with private developers.
• Model 2: Private residential societies under Affordable Private Housing Scheme (APHS) rules.
• Model 3: Loans for home construction on personal land (urban up to 5 Marla, rural up to 10 Marla) with subsidy support.

Location & Land-Requirement Flexibility

Urban applicants require up to 5 Marla land; rural applicants up to 10 Marla.

Digital Application & Transparent Process

Applications are submitted online through the portal, reducing middlemen, delays, and ensuring transparency.

Quality & Community Facilities

Homes include basic amenities and planned community infrastructure to provide residents with more than just a house.

Eligibility Criteria for Apna Ghar Apni Chhat Scheme

Residency & Family Status

• Must be a permanent resident of Punjab with a valid CNIC.
• Applicant should be the head of the family as per NADRA records.

Land Ownership & Size

• Must own land: up to 5 Marla in urban areas, 10 Marla in rural areas within Punjab.

Income & Property Ownership Status

• Low-income families are given priority (in many cases income ≤ PKR 60,000 per month).
• Must not already own a residential property or have participated in another housing scheme.

Clean Credit & Other Conditions

• Applicants should not be loan defaulters.
• Must be registered in NSER (National Socio-Economic Registry) and in many cases have a PMT score ≤ 60.

How to Apply for Apna Ghar Apni Chhat Scheme

Online Registration

• Visit the official portal: acag.punjab.gov.pk or the scheme’s website.
• Register using CNIC, email, and mobile number.
• Complete the “Citizen Registration Form” with details like name, CNIC, income, family members, and land information.
• Upload required documents: CNIC copy, land ownership proof, income proof, recent photo.
• Submit the form and receive confirmation/receipt for tracking.

Offline Application (Alternate)

If unable to apply online, visit the nearest registration centre or e-Khidmat Markaz. Some forms can be submitted manually.

Verification, Selection & Allotment

• Submitted information (land ownership, NSER score, income, residency) is verified.
• Selected applicants are notified via SMS/email.
• Construction or loan disbursement proceeds according to the chosen execution model.

Loan Disbursement & Construction

• For loan models: selected beneficiaries receive interest-free loans to build homes under PHATA supervision according to standard designs/specifications.
• For built-house models: units are constructed and allocated to eligible families at subsidised prices.

Benefits of the Apna Ghar Apni Chhat Scheme

For Families & Individuals

• Own home: Families transition from rented or unsafe housing to ownership, gaining security and dignity.
• Affordable payments: Subsidy and interest-free loans reduce the financial burden.
• Better living standards: Homes with infrastructure and amenities provide safer, improved living.
• Social uplift: Women, disabled persons, and daily wage earners have the chance to own homes.

For the Province & Economy

• Formalisation of housing: Reduces informal settlements and encourages planned growth.
• Job creation: Large-scale construction provides employment opportunities.
• Investment in infrastructure: Projects improve roads, utilities, and services in underdeveloped areas.
• Inclusive development: Supports vulnerable groups and reduces inequality.

Current Status & Financials

• The scheme was launched in August 2024.
• By July 2025, the Punjab Government allocated PKR 42.013 billion under the 2025-26 Annual Development Programme.
• Over 51,911 families benefited; 6,160 units completed, 45,163 units under construction across Punjab.

Challenges & Future Outlook

What Remains to be Addressed

• Digital literacy and internet access: Applicants in remote areas may face challenges applying online.
• Awareness: Some eligible citizens may not know about the scheme or its eligibility criteria.
• Construction quality & timelines: Ensuring units are completed on schedule and to the promised standard.

Looking Ahead

• Expansion: The target is 100,000 affordable houses/apartments across Punjab.
• Additional execution models, districts, and flexibility: More families in rural/remote areas are expected to benefit as the programme grows.
• Monitoring & transparency: Digital tracking, dashboards, and public reporting will build trust and efficiency.

Conclusion

The Apna Ghar Apni Chhat Scheme represents a major step by the Punjab Government toward fulfilling the dream of home ownership for thousands of hardworking families. It goes beyond mere construction: it offers security, dignity, community, and opportunity. Punjab residents owning small plots (urban up to 5 Marla, rural up to 10 Marla) and meeting eligibility criteria can take advantage of this government-backed scheme with affordable costs and easy instalments. Don’t rent when you can own—visit the official portal today, apply online, and take the first step toward your own home and personal roof.)