Soon, residents can look forward to living closer to work, more housing options, and better civic infrastructure. The upcoming third master plan is considering a higher FSI in key zones, mixed-use development, and phased upgrades to support compact, vertical growth across the city. The plan for the 1,189 sq km metropolitan area proposes higher FSI in targeted zones such as metro corridors, entertainment zones, commercial centres, and industrial belts to boost vertical development. According to officials, better use of city space — especially by increasing FSI near metros, malls, green zones, and industrial areas in a planned manner — will help more people live closer to work and transport, while maximizing existing infrastructure. Authorities are also planning improvements to underground amenities to support vertical growth. They note that increasing FSI without adequate infrastructure upgrades — particularly underground sewage, water supply, and road networks — could strain already overstretched civic services. Hence, utilities may be phased based on carrying capacity. Another important aspect highlighted is the need for stronger coordination among various agencies to ensure effective implementation of the master plan. The master plan is expected to be rolled out on schedule.

Chennai is rapidly emerging as the focal point of Tamil Nadu’s growing senior-living real estate sector, marking a notable shift from Coimbatore’s long-held prominence. As India’s silver economy evolves, attention is turning toward cities that offer strong healthcare networks, better mobility, and environments that allow seniors to age with dignity. Analysts note that this transition is driven not only by an ageing population but also by changing preferences among retirees, who increasingly favour well-connected urban locations over isolated settings. A major boost to the segment came earlier this week when a new premium senior-living initiative was announced within a large integrated township in Oragadam. Spread across 4.5 acres, the development features around 400 compact yet thoughtfully designed units aimed at retirees as well as families seeking assisted-living options for ageing parents. The choice of Chennai, according to industry observers, reflects rising demand for organised, service-oriented senior communities. Experts compare the current momentum to the early growth phase of the Oragadam township itself, which later evolved into a significant economic hub. Growth is not limited to Chennai alone. There is rising interest in Trichy, Madurai, Hosur, Puducherry, and Kanchipuram—locations that offer quieter surroundings and affordability, making them appealing to seniors. Market specialists note that today’s demand is centred on well-planned communities that balance comfort, healthcare access, and social engagement, moving beyond earlier care-centric models. Several ongoing senior-living developments in Chennai are expected to be completed by 2026, backed by stable demand and secured funding. Within the city, two major corridors have gained prominence. The GST Road stretch has seen large, integrated senior-living enclaves evolve over the past decade, supported by strong hospital networks and established infrastructure. Meanwhile, the East Coast Road (ECR) is emerging as a preferred zone due to its leisure-oriented environment and proximity to wellness facilities. Industry experts observe that retirees today value a lifestyle that combines independence with professional support services, with projections indicating sectoral growth of 25–30% annually over the next five years. Additionally, technology is playing a transformative role in shaping the senior-living market. Features such as smart sensors, remote health monitoring, emergency-alert systems, and voice-enabled home controls are becoming standard across projects. Urban consultants point out that while previous generations preferred quiet, secluded townships, modern seniors want to stay connected to the cultural and social life of the city. This shift aligns with a broader movement toward age-inclusive urban design that promotes active, sustainable living for older adults. With continued focus on sustainable planning, strong healthcare access, and environmentally responsible community development, Tamil Nadu is well positioned to become a national model for senior-friendly urban growth.

Homebuyers often face difficulties due to lack of proper information when purchasing property. However, with the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) now in force, buyers can verify and validate project details through the official website, according to officials from the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TNRERA). Speaking at an awareness programme on Saturday, authorities released a guide explaining RERA rules and highlighted how the Act enhances transparency, accountability, and trust in the real estate sector. They noted that RERA has reshaped the home-buying experience in the State by providing a secure and dependable investment environment. The Act also places equal responsibility on both buyers and developers, ensuring balanced protection for all parties involved. In case of disputes, RERA offers a structured and swift grievance-redressal mechanism, making it easier and more efficient for the public to seek remedies. The session also covered procedures for registering building and plot development projects, the obligations of developers in fulfilling commitments made to buyers, the process for extending project validity, advertising guidelines, and compliance requirements mandated by planning authorities and local bodies. Participants were also briefed on penalties for non-compliance. Industry representatives attending the event said the programme was highly useful, helping participants gain better understanding of regulatory processes and encouraging stronger adherence to the rules. More than 150 members from various real estate and development groups took part in the programme.

The promoter of a housing finance company has submitted a settlement plan to lenders, proposing to repay ?1,385 crore of outstanding dues over a 26-month period, along with accumulated interest, according to people familiar with the matter. The proposal was submitted late Wednesday, even as the firm—currently undergoing insolvency proceedings initiated by the regulator—has already received six takeover bids.Under the plan, the promoter has offered an upfront payment of ?350 crore, with accrued interest to be cleared within 24 months after the principal amount is repaid over the initial 26-month period. The proposal also includes full repayment of dues owed to operational creditors and employees. Additionally, the promoter has suggested that lenders appoint a professional CEO to oversee the business during the repayment phase. A five-member board, including two lender-nominated directors and an indemnity arrangement for these members, has also been proposed. Lenders have confirmed receiving the settlement plan, but approval appears uncertain. According to an official aware of the discussions, the Committee of Creditors is unlikely to accept the proposal due to allegations of fund diversion against the promoter, supported by findings from a forensic audit commissioned by the lenders. The official added that the promoter may not meet the required eligibility criteria. The promoter, however, expressed confidence in the company’s future and said the settlement plan, if approved without any lender haircuts, would help stabilise the business. The insolvency administrator declined to comment. As previously reported, one bidder has emerged as the frontrunner with the highest upfront cash offer, while the remaining interested parties have submitted competing bids. The Committee of Creditors is expected to meet next week to evaluate the proposals and has engaged an independent professional firm to assess their commercial viability.

A reported a 5.12% year-on-year decline in its consolidated net profit for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. The firm posted a profit after tax of ?103.15 crore in Q2 FY26, compared with ?108.72 crore in the same period last year, according to a regulatory filing.Consolidated total income grew 4.18% to ?441.90 crore in the reporting quarter, up from ?424.19 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. The company’s overall loan book expanded to ?15,033 crore as of September 30, 2025, marking a 7.7% increase from ?13,964 crore a year earlier. Assets under management stood at ?14,690 crore as of June 30, 2025. As of the September quarter, loans to the non-salaried segment accounted for 52.6% of the portfolio, while the salaried segment made up 47.4%. Housing loans formed 71.4% of the book, with home-equity products comprising the remaining 28.6%. All loans are retail in nature. The gross non-performing assets (GNPA) ratio improved to 3.16%, down from 3.96% a year earlier. The net NPA ratio eased to 1.50% from 1.59%. Gross NPAs amounted to ?475 crore compared with ?552 crore last year, while net NPAs stood at ?225 crore against ?217 crore previously. Provisions for expected credit losses amounted to ?375 crore, representing 2.5% of total loan assets, with a stage-3 coverage ratio of 52.5%. During Q2 FY26, loan sanctions totalled ?1,206 crore, while disbursements reached ?1,069 crore. The company reported a return on assets (RoA) of 2.9% and a return on equity (RoE) of 13.5%, compared with 3.3% and 16.0% respectively in Q2 FY25. The capital adequacy ratio remained strong at 36.88%.

A small finance bank has emerged as the top contender to acquire an impact investor-backed housing finance company, with an all-cash offer of ?775 crore, according to people familiar with the matter. Other bidders include investment and infrastructure firms, asset reconstruction companies, and housing finance firms. One bidder has proposed ?750 crore — ?450 crore upfront and the balance over two years — while another has offered ?625 crore, including ?325 crore upfront and the rest in installments. Other offers include ?400 crore upfront, with several other bidders offering lower amounts.

“There is strong interest from bidders, largely because the company’s loan book is fully secured. It also holds about ?300 crore in cash, and all bad loans have been adequately provided for,” said a senior official advising one of the bidders. Impact investing typically involves funding projects that aim to achieve measurable social outcomes alongside financial returns. Investor interest in housing finance firms has surged in recent months, adding to the company’s attractiveness. Recent deals include a large private equity firm acquiring a significant stake in a major housing finance company, another firm purchasing a large portion of a different housing finance company, and yet another acquisition by a global investment firm. “Given the momentum in the sector, bids could even cross ?1,000 crore,” another person involved in the process said, adding that several investors who missed the Expression of Interest (EoI) deadline are still keen to participate.  February this year after it defaulted on its loan obligations. The housing finance company has a loan book of ?1,500 crore and cash reserves of over ?300 crore. The resolution professional (RP) has so far admitted 60 creditor claims worth ?1,363 crore, with the largest claim held by a major housing finance firm. Other creditors include several large banks and financial institutions, each with less than 3% exposure.