There is no private real estate market in Auroville; all land and housing are legally owned by the Auroville Foundation. When residents "buy" a house, they are actually making a financial contribution to the community to secure the stewardship of that asset.
Housing ranges from simple thatched huts to architecturally innovative homes built from compressed earth, recycled materials, and ferro-cement. Due to ongoing growth and limited construction funds, there is a chronic housing shortage, meaning newcomers often have to build their own homes or wait for community-funded affordable housing projects (like apartments) to become available.