By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 26: As Guwahati continues to aggressively develop real estate infrastructure to address space constraints, Shillong has yet to adopt a similar approach, leaving its residents struggling to find adequate housing. Despite the growing demand for homes in the hill city, real estate developers have shown little interest in investing due to land tenure systems that restrict non-local ownership.
In Guwahati, private developers are constructing tall residential buildings across the city and beyond, offering affordable flats to buyers. Luxurious 2BHK and 3BHK apartments with modern amenities are available at prices ranging from Rs 30 to Rs 80 lakh. These developments cater to a growing trend of apartment ownership, providing a solution to the space shortage in the city.
However, Shillong has seen little movement in this direction. Apart from one or two residential complexes, there are no significant options for flat buyers. The few available flats, often developed by individuals rather than large-scale builders, are priced significantly higher — between Rs 1 crore to Rs 2.5 crore. Additionally, these flats lack the modern amenities, such as children’s play areas and community centres, commonly offered in Guwahati.
A Guwahati-based developer remarked that investment in Shillong is unlikely due to local land policies that discourage outside developers. Many non-tribal residents, who are restricted from purchasing land in parts of Meghalaya, are now looking to invest in cities like Guwahati, Siliguri, and Kolkata.
With the rising demand for space, some real estate experts believe that introducing more residential complexes in Shillong could alleviate the housing crunch. However, the city’s unique land regulations continue to pose a barrier to large-scale development.
For now, Shillong’s residents must navigate a limited and expensive housing market, while Guwahati’s real estate sector continues to expand, offering modern homes at more accessible prices.
