Source : Times of India | Dated : Dec 4, 2024
Chennai: For 29-year-old J. Ranjan, a logistics professional, purchasing a home in Thiruvottiyur was more than just a financial milestone it was a return to his roots. Growing up in the neighbourhood, surrounded by close friends and familiar streets, Ranjan chose nostalgia over novelty. Today, he enjoys the lifestyle his modern gated community offers, from serene parks to a bustling clubhouse, all while staying connected to the place that shaped his childhood.
For outsiders, North Chennai is often associated with Kasimedu, Royapuram, and industrial zones. But for us, it’s home and it’s transforming,” Ranjan says. “With better connectivity to railway stations, hospitals, and even an upcoming mall, the area has evolved while remaining affordable compared to South Chennai. That’s why I chose to invest in the place I grew up.
Once defined by sprawling ancestral homes and joint families, North Chennai is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Over the next five years, luxury gated communities are set to redefine its skyline. Developers have sought planning permissions from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) for at least 13 high-rise projects, ranging from five to 35 floors, across areas like Madhavaram and Royapuram.
The shift is evident in the numbers. Residential launches in North Chennai surged 12-fold in four years, from 285 units in 2020 to 3,485 in 2024, driven largely by the metro rail’s expansion. “Until recently, North Chennai wasn’t a preferred residential destination due to poor connectivity with the southern parts of the city,” explains Mohammed Ali, President of CREDAI Chennai. “But now, with improved infrastructure, more gated communities are coming up. Many local businessmen with establishments in areas like Broadway are moving into these modern homes with comprehensive amenities.
This growth, however, is largely driven by local demand. “Families that became nuclear still prefer staying in their native areas. Many are transitioning from traditional bungalows to spacious three-bedroom apartments or even ultra-luxury options within gated communities,” says Sanjay Chugh, Director at Anarock Property Consultants. He also predicts a potential “reverse migration” from South Chennai to North Chennai as metro connectivity continues to improve.
Real estate developers are keenly watching this trend. Bala Ramajeyam, Managing Director of G Square Realtors, attributes the boom to enhanced connectivity through the Outer Ring Road (ORR) and metro rail. “The ORR bridged the gap between North and South Chennai. Northern areas, which lacked vertical development for years, are now seeing significant interest. At the same time, plotted developments are also in demand,” he says.
The demand is particularly high for homes ranging from 1,400 to 2,000 square feet. “Madhavaram and Moolakadai are seeing good traction, thanks to their connectivity,” says Manoj Vasudevan, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at DRA Homes.
S. Sridharan, Vice President of CREDAI National, South, highlights the undeniable role of infrastructure in this transformation. “Wherever the metro goes, development follows. The combination of connectivity, available land parcels, and an untapped market is driving North Chennai’s growth,” he notes.