News
Punjab Approves Rs60bn for 40,000 Housing Loans Under Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar
By Mariam Khan
Real Estate Analyst
2 min read
The Punjab cabinet has approved Rs60 billion for 40,000 housing loans under the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar programme, to be provided through the Bank of Punjab. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also rejected a proposal to impose stamp duty under the scheme. The decision was reported on October 20, 2026. It could improve access to affordable housing and reduce transaction-related costs for eligible beneficiaries. Cabinet decisions are published by the Government of the Punjab, and loan products by the Bank of Punjab.
What the Numbers Suggest
Rs60 billion across 40,000 loans works out to an average of Rs1.5 million per loan (our own calculation). The reports we have seen do not say how much each borrower will actually receive, whether loan sizes vary or what the interest rate, tenure and repayment terms are. The average is therefore only a rough guide and not an offer to any applicant.
Why Rejecting Stamp Duty Matters
The chief minister rejected a proposal to impose stamp duty under the scheme. That means the cost of stamp duty will not be added to transactions under the programme, which could reduce costs for eligible beneficiaries. The reports do not say what the rate of the proposed duty was or whether other fees and charges apply, so we cannot say how much borrowers will save.
What Is Still Unclear
The reports do not say who is eligible, how applications are made, when loans will start or how beneficiaries are selected. They also do not say how the programme relates to other housing finance schemes. Until the bank and the government publish the terms, nobody should assume they qualify.
What This Means for Buyers, Builders and Banks
Prospective borrowers in Punjab should wait for the official eligibility criteria and application process from the Bank of Punjab, and be cautious of anyone who claims to guarantee a loan. Builders of low-cost housing may see more demand if loans become available, but the reports do not say so. The signals to watch are the published terms, the opening of applications, the number of loans issued and any other fees under the scheme.