Started in 1978, AWHO (Army Welfare Housing Organisation) is functional as a non-profit group that curates houses for the employed and retired army professionals, their widows, and pensioner parents in an affordable range. Established under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, the association has managed to build homes for over 34 thousand families in 79 projects across many cities as of March 31, 2025.
AWHO’s Aims
There was a major market gap catering to army personnel struggling to buy a house of their own, at affordable prices, with a property price on a rise and most soldiers retiring at an early age (often in 40s or 50s), they look for affordable living solutions, and therefore AWHO decided to purchase land in good locales while working with trusted professionals from construction industry to make a budget-friendly living solution for the army veterans without compromising on the quality. This also happened in the light to create a community of army professionals, retired or employed.
As of August 31, 2024, it had returned ₹61.52 crore to 7,822 allottees by 2025, demonstrating its dedication to openness by paying back excess funds with interest even years after property ownership. Any cost reductions are guaranteed to directly benefit former service members and their families, thanks to this policy. AWHO is still developing today, offering housing options that meet contemporary demands while guaranteeing veterans a secure and comfortable existence.
Who can apply for the AWHO housing schemes?
Open to a wide range of people linked to the Indian Army, these include serving and retired army personnel, widowed spouses, and guardians of deceased personnel who receive family pensions.
How to apply for the AWHO housing schemes? How does it work?
The application process is simple, any interested applicants can pay a small fee of 10,000 INR to their official website. There is a 3% quota reserved for widowed spouses of martyred soldiers to ensure priority housing. AWHO has improved its scheme by reducing its administration charges to 0.3% only, making ownership easier. Some new projects offer modern housing facilities like parks, sports, community spaces and parking arrangements. Adding to that, the payment system is made flexible like easy EMI options spread over extended timelines, subsidised interest rates and assistance to widowed and disabled personnel.
- Demand survey:
AWHO conducts surveys on its website (www.awhosena.in) and army channels to understand their demographics and preferences in terms of location.
- Registration process
- Visit the official AWHO website and navigate to the registration section by clicking “How to Apply” from the ribbon.
- Download the Application form from the website. Take a printout of the application on legal size (8.5″ x 14″) paper.
- Please ensure that Para 17 is printed properly in your downloaded form. Please ensure that photograph and signature of applicant @ Para 23 is verified by the following: All Serving Personnel: Commanding Officers and Ex servicemen, Widows and Parents of Unmarried Fatal Casualties: Secretary, District Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Board or any 1st class gazette officer in Area HQ/ Sub Area HQ/ Station HQ or by the Sub Divisional Magistrate of the district of which the applicant is a resident.
- Upload the required documents, including:
- Copy of Release/ Retirement order (in case of retired/ retiring personnel)
- Copy of Pension Pay Order (in case of retired personnel, widows and parents of unmarried Fatal Casualties)
- Copy of Death certificate (in case of widows and parents of unmarried Fatal Casualties)
- Payment of registration fee
- Pay the non-refundable registration fee of 10,000 INR as per the selected housing project.
- Payments can be made via RTGS, NEFT or Internet Banking.
- They must attach transaction details to their application form. AWHO a/c details are as under:
| Bank Account Name | Army Welfare Housing Organisation AWHO |
| Beneficiary A/c No. | 2181245601032021 |
| Type of Bank A/c | SB |
| Name of Bank | AU Small Finance Bank Ltd |
| Bank Address | 24, Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar IV, New Delhi 110024 |
| IFS Code | AUBL0002 456 |
- Land acquisition:
AWHO then buys land in the preferred locations and then hires reliable builders for construction. Construction: Work is then carried out using the EPC model.
- Provisional allotment and acknowledgement
- To view your wait list, please register on the AWHO website.
- AWHO reviews applications and issues provisional allotment letters to successful applicants.
- The allotment letter contains:
- Project details (location, type, and unit specifications).
- Payment schedule and deadlines.
- Terms and conditions of possession.
- Applicants must acknowledge and confirm acceptance of allotment within the given timeline.
- Final possession and handover
- Once the full payment is completed, AWHO issues the Final Possession Certificate.
- Applicants are required to sign the final agreement and submit it to the AWHO office.
- Key handover and property registration are completed at the respective housing site.
Must know:
- Timeline from allotment to possession
It is after the allottees receive the Provisional Allotment Letter (PAL) that they are required to adhere to a payment schedule outlined by AWHO; once that is done, the exact timeline can vary depending on the specific project and its construction progress. Allottees are advised to stay in regular contact with AWHO and check their waiting lists digitally for updates.
- Transfer rules and resale restrictions
AWHO has specific guidelines regarding the transfer and resale of dwelling units:
- Resale restrictions: All allottees must know that in certain projects, such as those offered at discounted rates, there is a restriction on selling their units for two years from the date of possession.
- Transfer in case of beneficiary’s death before possession: In case an allottee passes away before taking possession, the legal heirs can apply for the transfer of the allotment; this process involves submitting necessary documents, including affidavits, indemnity bonds, and proof of legal heirship, as per AWHO’s prescribed format.
- Transfer to children or legal heirs: Transfers to children or other legal heirs are permissible, subject to AWHO’s approval and the submission of required documentation.
- Maintenance charges and post-possession responsibilities
Upon taking possession of the dwelling unit, allottees are responsible for the following:
- Monthly maintenance Charges: Currently, the charges are ₹1.83 per sq. ft. plus GST.
- Electricity charges: Based on actual consumption.
- Club charges: ₹750 per family per month plus GST.
- Upkeep and repairs: Allottees must maintain their units at their own cost and comply with local laws and regulations.
- Common areas and security: Initially managed by AWHO, the responsibility is eventually transferred to the Welfare Maintenance Society formed by the residents.
- Inheritance rights and nomination procedures
In the event of an allottee’s death after allotment but before possession:
- Nomination: Allottees are encouraged to nominate a person at the time of application. Until the legal successors are identified, the nominee manages the property in the capacity of a trustee. The nominee can present the legal documentation mentioned above, along with the papers provided by AWHO for the transfer of the residential unit.
Advantages
The houses curated by AWHO housing are better than the conventional options for army personnel, as they have the following advantages:
- Spacious property: They are made to be spacious with low-rise buildings and also come with open green spaces to support a good lifestyle.
- Amenities: These come with engaging amenities like sports facilities, parks, halls, parking, etc.
- Affordability: They use “No profit no less” model to have a fair affordable housing solution, while the homeowner only pays the construction cost.
- Payment options: They offer many financing options aligned with construction phases to make it smooth for both parties.
- Community building: One of the core values is to formulate an army-based community to keep people connected.
Challenges and solutions:
There are some hurdles in their way, including:
- Shortage of properties: State governments prefer selling land to commercial developers at commercial rates, which makes it difficult for AWHO to make housing affordable.
- Rising construction costs: Material prices are on the rise, which leads to an increase in development costs.
- High demand in popular zones: Projects, like those in Mohali and Pune, receive more applications in comparison to the availability of properties.
In order to solve these problems, AWHO has some strategies at hand, like the EPC model to manage cost, open digital records to help trust building around RERA compliance and collaborate with private builders for discounted housing options. More so, it intends to ensure expectations in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, and also ensures affordable housing for veterans.
Housing.com POV
AWHO is evolving with every passing year, supporting the Indian army personnel, serving or retired, by assisting them to make a secure and affordable home for themselves across the country. Its expansion in tier-2 and tier-3 cities like Haldwani and Mohali has helped them make veteran-sensitive solutions. The current challenges of land shortage and cost might be hurdles currently; however, its commitment to serve is phenomenal.
FAQs
Who can apply for AWHO housing?
Serving/retired Army personnel, widows, and parents of unmarried deceased personnel.
How do I apply?
Apply online at www.awhosena.in or get a form via post or in person.
How is allotment decided?
Based on application seniority, with priority for widows, disabled personnel, and veterans.
Can I withdraw my application?
Yes, refunds are processed with deductions based on the stage of withdrawal.
Can I sell my AWHO house?
Yes, after one year and only to eligible defense personnel with AWHO approval.
Can civilians apply?
No, AWHO housing is for the Army and eligible defense categories only.
How do I track my application?
Check the status on the AWHO website’s waitlist.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |