Mahindra World City Developers has committed over Rs 1,000 crores in a five-year investment, signing an MoU with the Government of Tamil Nadu. The initiative, coinciding with the launch of the second phase of "Origins by Mahindra'' in Chennai, aims to drive economic growth and create over 2,000 jobs. "Origins by Mahindra" has been awarded the IGBC Green Cities' 'Platinum' rating and hosts companies like Yanmar Engine Manufacturing, Mitsubishi Electric, and OMRON Healthcare. Mahindra emphasizes sustainable development and aligns with the 'Make in India' initiative. The expansion reflects confidence in Tamil Nadu's business environment, fostering a vibrant industrial ecosystem for economic prosperity and innovation.Read more

CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) plans to spend more than USD 750 million in Chennai's real estate over the next five years, with a concentration on business parks, data centers, and logistics. The expansion follows three MoUs inked at the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024. CLI's wide portfolio, which includes the International Tech Park Chennai, demonstrates its commitment to India's progress. CLI's strategic efforts, such as the introduction of CapitaLand India Growth Fund 2 and plans for new data centers, demonstrate the company's confidence in Chennai's market potential as well as its overall commitment to innovative and sustainable real estate development.Read more

Bank of America (BofA) has secured a landmark office space deal in 2023, leasing 1.1 million sq ft in Chennai, marking a significant expansion of its offshore operations. The property, located at DLF Downtown in Taramani, will house the bank's back office operations in India. The first phase, covering 710,000 sq ft, is set to commence operations in Q2 2024, with an expansion option of 390,000 sq ft. DLF Downtown, a joint venture between DCCDL and TIDCO, is a sought-after commercial space with notable tenants, reflecting Chennai's growing significance in corporate real estate. Bank of America's strategic move underscores its commitment to expanding operations in India, contributing to the robust demand for premium office spaces in Chennai's evolving commercial real estate landscape.Read more

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is undertaking a significant five-fold expansion, encompassing areas like Gummidipoondi and Kancheepuram. The CMDA aims to develop self-sustaining neighbourhoods, floating tenders for a comprehensive 'Sustainable Economic Growth Strategic Plan in Chennai Metropolitan Area.' The 24-week study will identify locations for industries, recreational spaces, and transit corridors, with a focus on decongesting the core city. Satellite towns are in the pipeline, addressing concerns like relocating the automobile hub in Pudupet. Experts stress eco-friendly urbanization, flood-resilient structures, and efficient spatial planning for balanced growth, acknowledging the potential for increased job opportunities.Read more

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has ruled in favour of Appu Hotels' existing promoters, restoring the Board of Directors' powers suspended during a takeover bid by MGM Healthcare's Managing Director M K Rajagopalan. Acceptance of the settlement proposal by Appu Hotels' promoter, Palani G Periasamy, led to the withdrawal of the resolution process, reinstating AHL's original board and control over assets. The decision allows the full-scale operation of Hotel Le Royal Meridien in Chennai, marking a significant step forward. The tribunal's approval of the Rs. 595 crore settlement sets a rare precedent for complete debt resolution, offering hope for industries navigating financial distress under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.Read more

Casagrand, a prominent South Indian real estate developer has introduced Casagrand Dior, an upscale residential community in Chennai's Kilpauk. Comprising 30 meticulously designed 3 and 4-bedroom apartments, the project offers a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics, with prices starting from Rs.2.71 Crores. Casagrand Dior boasts contemporary architecture with features like a glass façade, grand entrance arch, and landscaped block entrances. Casagrand Dior caters to the growing demand for exclusive, well-located residences. The apartments prioritize spacious living, double balconies, and maximum ventilation. Apart from excellent connectivity and accessibility, the units are complemented by ultra-luxurious amenities, including a rooftop cabana, private barbecue station, and fitness frame.Read more

In Mudaliarkuppam, along Chennai's East Coast Road, unauthorized sea-view villas and apartments have sparked environmental concerns. Following a complaint by Thazuthali kuppam villagers, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) is investigating these constructions which allegedly lack mandatory clearances. State officials confirm some buildings violated planning permissions, while environmentalists warn of potential ecological impacts on local fisheries and erosion patterns. The issue, involving private properties, a church, and a school in restricted zones, highlights the need for stringent adherence to environmental regulations in sensitive coastal areas. The NGT is set to revisit the case next month.Read more

Chennai-based WorkEZ, a managed office and co-working space provider, is set to invest Rs 63 crore in its expansion across Chennai, Bengaluru, and Coimbatore. Leasing four new centres, including spaces in Velachery and Alwarpet in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Coimbatore, the company's managed office space portfolio now spans 1.1 million square feet. WorkEZ aims to achieve a six-million-square-foot overall portfolio by FY2028. With an annual growth rate exceeding 50 percent, the company reported over 90 percent occupancy across its eight operational centres in Chennai and marked profitability in FY23 with a CAGR of just over 150 percent.Read more

Fortune Hotels, an ITC group member, unveiled its latest additions: a brownfield resort in Uthandi, Chennai, and a 100+ room conversion hotel in Hosur, Bangalore. These hotels are set to open in a few months, enhancing Fortune Hotels' portfolio with 64 alliances in 54 Indian cities. Managing Director Mr. Samir MC expressed excitement about the growth potential of the Hosur and Chennai properties. The Fortune Beach Resort ECH Chennai offers aesthetically designed rooms, multiple dining options, banquet facilities, and modern amenities suited for a suitable getaway. Meanwhile, Fortune Hosur, catering to business travellers, is undergoing refurbishment and will feature stylish rooms, dining outlets, a spa, and banquet venues.Read more

The Madras High Court directed authorities to compensate 39 individuals with Rs 5,000 each for land parcels earmarked for acquisition but left undeveloped, citing a lack of implementation of development plans by the state government. Justice B Pugalendhi expressed dissatisfaction with the government's failure to acquire properties within the stipulated five-year period, deeming them lapsed reservations. The judge ordered the release of petitioners' lands from the respective development plans and mandated the Director of Town and Country Planning to pay compensation within a month, highlighting broader concerns about the government's commitment to plan implementation and the need for just compensation.Read more

Repco Home Finance has recorded a 37.88% surge in net profit for Q2 FY24, reaching Rs 98.10 crore alongside a 20.89% increase in total income. The board has sanctioned fundraising through NCDs and CPs totalling Rs 450 crore. Loan sanctions and disbursements grew by 4% and 7%, respectively, with a stable loan spread of 3.4%. GNPA and NNPA ratios improved significantly, and the capital adequacy ratio stood at a strong 35.8%, signalling a robust financial standing and a confident stride forward in the housing finance market.Read more

CapitaLand Investment has inaugurated the first phase of its International Tech Park in Chennai, covering 1.3 million square feet and marking a significant economic boost for the region. The entire project, valued at Rs 1600 crore, is set to accommodate 50,000 IT engineers, aligning with the government's vision for Chennai as a tech hub. Securing international investments, including $262.5 million from Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd, demonstrates the project's appeal. CapitaLand Investment's substantial commitment underscores its dedication to Chennai's infrastructure development, supporting the city's progress and growth.Read more

In response to increased property taxes, revised electricity rates, and heightened water charges, the Greater Chennai Corporation has doubled company taxes and building permit fees, imposing these changes through a recently approved resolution. While residential buildings under 100 square meters remain unaffected, larger structures will see increased fees, with commercial buildings and industrial properties also subject to higher charges. Simultaneously, company taxes have tripled, with varying rates based on annual investments. Additionally, the cost of demolition permits has doubled. These changes aim to enhance revenue collection and transparency while ensuring fairness in property and company taxation in Chennai.Read more

Popular real estate developer Casagrand recently launched Casagrand Palm Springs, a posh residential complex in Medavakkam Extension in Chennai. The project consists of 352 well-designed 2 and 3 BHK apartments with over 75 amenities. The price starts at just Rs. 4099 per sq. ft., which is much less than Medavakkam's normal pricing at Rs. 6500 per sq. ft. Medavakkam, a popular destination, is just 5 minutes away from the property, thus offering easy access to a number of social amenities. With a focus on open areas, the property features a 6,200 sq. ft. swimming pool, a 13,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, and a variety of amenities suitable for all age groups. Casagrand's dedication to offering reasonably priced luxury living alternatives in a prime Chennai location is reaffirmed with this launch.Read more

In a recent development, the Madras High Court has rejected a set of petitions filed by Neomax and its subsidiary companies, including Garlando Properties, Transco Properties, Tridas Properties, and Glowmax Properties. The pleas sought the appointment of a commission, led by a retired high court judge, to address land settlements for depositors. Allegations of money fraud were raised against the companies by the Madurai EOW police in June. Deposit-holders had made advance payments for land purchases, backed by booking confirmation receipts.Read more

Operator of co-living spaces Settl is getting ready to open ten new locations in Chennai, which will involve a major expansion. Settl, which currently oversees 3,500 beds in Bengaluru, Gurugram, and Hyderabad, is meeting the increasing need for high-quality, completely managed rental properties. Chennai is an unexplored market with a ton of opportunity for co-living communities. By the conclusion of the fiscal year, the corporation hopes to have increased the number of beds in the city from 300 to 1,000. Their well-placed closeness to major business areas seeks to facilitate hassle-free managed living while cutting down on working professionals' commuting hours.Read more

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), in partnership with Cushman and Wakefield, has initiated a comprehensive study titled 'Housing Demand and Supply within Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA).' This study aims to address the complexities of housing development in the Chennai Metropolitan Area through data-driven decision-making. The study covers various growth corridors within the CMA and examines multiple demand drivers, including floor space index (FSI) increases and the transfer of development rights. The recent expansion of the Chennai Metropolitan Area's footprint to 5,904 square kilometres has prompted the CMDA to formulate both the third master plan for the original area and a strategic regional plan for the newly added regions.Read more

Six years after launching a Geographic Information System-based building reassessment drive, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has assessed only a fraction of buildings with deviations. Out of 310,139 identified buildings, only 30,000 have been reassessed and added to property tax records, leading to a revenue loss of Rs 250–300 crore. Revenue officials attribute the delay to various tasks, such as addressing Covid-19, elections, and welfare schemes. Universities, marriage halls, and commercial buildings are among the major violators. A dedicated team and expedited reassessment are proposed solutions. Deputy Commissioner R. Lalitha pledges to resume the drive.Read more

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) sealed a commercial building on Usman Road, T Nagar, following its unauthorized construction. Located at old no. 94, new door no. 162, the building was previously flagged in the T Nagar survey by GCC and CMDA. Despite receiving prior notices and a failed regularization attempt in 1999, the owner did not comply with directives. Consequently, the CMDA took firm action last week by locking and sealing the premises to uphold urban planning regulations.Read more

Bureaucratic hurdles have been causing delays in the approval process for high-rise construction projects in the city, leading the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI) to request Chief Minister M K Stalin's intervention. CREDAI expressed concern over the increasing number of pending files in the housing department, despite certain files being cleared during a high-rise building panel meeting in May 2023. These delays have created financial setbacks for developers, impacted the real estate sector's growth, and eroded investor confidence. The real estate industry has urged the Chief Minister to direct the housing department to expedite approvals and establish a system to prevent future delays. The housing department has acknowledged the issue and promised to investigate and expedite the approval process.Read more