Bhubaneswar, Nov. 8: Affordable housing is in focus at a property expo that began in the city today.

The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of India (Credai), Odisha Chapter, is showcasing models of various affordable houses in the range of Rs 5.5-13.5 lakh at its three-day exhibition at Janata Maidan.

A market survey conducted by Credai in the past has revealed that there was more than 40 per cent market demand for affordable houses in and around the city.

With the state and central governments focusing on this sector, Credai will try to tap the market opportunity.

At the fair, 45 real-estate developers and manufacturers of accessories and products related to the housing sector are taking part.

Shruti Das Mohapatra, a visitor at the fair, said: “The affordable housing tag will attract many to the expo. The real-estate developers, of late, have realised the need of young professionals and couples.”

President of Credai Odisha Binay Krishna Das said: “In the past we have catered to the need of the middle and higher income groups. But now the focus is on the low income group. In three years, we are going to have a sizable number of housing stocks for the affordable segment.’’

However, the Credai state chapter urged the banking sector and the state government to help in providing project-based loans to develop new housing colonies in and around the city.