Parking Issues Plague Homebuyers in Hyderabad Housing Projects

In Hyderabad, homebuyers are increasingly frustrated as parking issues in various housing projects escalate. Residents are reporting that promised parking spaces are either insufficient, improperly marked, or allocated in violation of established rules. This dilemma has become a significant source of stress for new owners, compounding their concerns over securing their properties.

Parking Shortages and Mismanagement

A major complaint among residents involves the allotment of back-to-back parking spaces, where two vehicles are crammed into one slot. This arrangement forces residents to constantly maneuver their cars to allow others to exit, resulting in conflicts and congestion. “This leads to fights and chaos,” stated Amardeep Singh, a local resident.

The situation is further complicated by parking bays that are often located near lifts and staircases, obstructing access and posing safety hazards. One homebuyer expressed frustration, stating, “The approved plan for our project included 57 car parking spaces, including visitor slots. However, the builder allotted 71 spaces, not accounting for visitor parking. With more slots than sanctioned, finding space to park has become a daily struggle.”

In addition to these issues, buyers have noted that the original plans designated areas for side-by-side parking and separate zones for bicycles and two-wheelers. Upon project completion, many of these spaces were altered to back-to-back arrangements, while zones intended for bicycles were converted to car slots, complicating the situation for two-wheeler owners.

Legal Concerns and Ongoing Disputes

In one notable instance, a builder retained four parking spaces for personal use despite owning only three flats, leaving fewer spaces available for other residents. Furthermore, areas initially designated for visitor parking have been reallocated for private use by flat owners, exacerbating tensions within the community.

“Parking space is one of the most common issues faced by apartment buyers,” remarked Nikunj Dugar, an advocate practicing before the High Court and the TG RERA Authority. He highlighted a case where a client was promised two parking spaces through a lottery system, only to find others occupying prime spots illegally before project completion.

Dr. Nandi Rameswara Rao, founder and CEO of Realtor Oxygenreal, emphasized that parking is often treated as an afterthought in housing developments. “This practice directly impacts residents’ quality of life. When builders prioritize maximizing saleable area over planned parking layouts, it results in ongoing conflicts and legal disputes.”

Srinivasa Rao, a member of TG RERA, noted that parking disputes have become alarmingly common in apartment complexes. He stated, “We have encountered numerous cases where the number of parking slots exceeds those sanctioned. Visitor spaces are often misappropriated, and common areas are misused for parking.”

Rao urged builders to adhere strictly to sanctioned layouts and advised prospective homebuyers to verify parking provisions before making purchases. As parking chaos continues to plague Hyderabad’s housing projects, it is clear that addressing these issues is essential for ensuring a harmonious living environment for residents.