The Madras High Court has directed the Greater Chennai Corporation to refrain from issuing completion certificates for developments located in aquifer recharge zones between the Bay of Bengal and the Buckingham Canal in Chennai. The interim order aims to strengthen compliance with building regulations and protect groundwater recharge areas. The restriction covers several coastal localities in southern Chennai, including Kottivakkam, Palavakkam, Neelankarai, Okkiam Thoraipakkam, Injambakkam, Karapakkam, Sholinganallur and Uthandi. These areas fall under Zones 14 and 15 of the Greater Chennai Corporation. The court also directed the civic body not to issue completion certificates without first verifying whether the developments comply with the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules. The direction places greater emphasis on checking building approvals and regulatory compliance before certifying completed construction projects. The interim order was issued in response to a public interest litigation seeking action against developments allegedly carried out in violation of the rules governing aquifer recharge areas. The petition raised concerns about construction activities in environmentally sensitive locations situated between the coastline and the Buckingham Canal. The court further instructed the corporation to ensure that all future construction activities and building planning permissions in these zones strictly adhere to the applicable laws and regulations. This includes verifying whether proposed developments comply with the specific requirements governing construction in aquifer recharge areas. The corporation's commissioner has also been directed to submit a report detailing the actions taken in response to the court's interim order. The court's direction could increase the importance of regulatory checks for developers, property owners and homebuyers in the affected localities. Builders may need to pay closer attention to planning permissions, applicable development rules and completion-certificate requirements. For prospective buyers, the development highlights the importance of verifying approved building plans, planning permissions and completion-related documentation before purchasing a property. Buyers should consult the relevant authorities or qualified legal professionals to confirm the compliance status of an individual project. The order also underlines the need to balance urban development with the protection of groundwater recharge zones, which play an important role in maintaining Chennai's groundwater resources.

Tamil Nadu has revised its building regulations, raising the permissible height limit for non-high-rise buildings from 18.3 metres to 19.5 metres. The amendments also ease parking requirements for IT offices and expand the scope of permitted developments in Chennai’s restricted aquifer recharge area. The amendments to the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019, were issued on October 26, 2026. Under the revised regulations, the permitted height for specified non-high-rise residential and commercial buildings in Chennai’s restricted aquifer recharge area has increased from 9 metres to 14 metres. The existing limit of six dwelling units remains unchanged for the covered category, allowing an additional floor in certain eligible buildings. The revised rules also introduce changes to parking requirements for IT offices, commercial zoning, hotel and lodge dormitories for drivers, open kitchens, and swimming pool deck and clearance standards. Accessibility requirements have been strengthened for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and children. Compliance with the applicable provisions will be required before a completion certificate is issued. Meanwhile, the existing floor space index (FSI) norms for high-rise buildings remain unchanged at 2.0, 2.5 and 3.25 for roads measuring 12, 15 and 18 metres wide, respectively. The maximum plot coverage also continues at 50%. The amendments are expected to provide greater flexibility in building design and development planning, particularly for eligible residential and commercial projects. The actual development potential will depend on the applicable regulations, site conditions and approval requirements.

A leading cement manufacturer reported a 6.3% increase in consolidated profit after tax to Rs 169.30 crore for the quarter ended September 30, 2026, compared with Rs 159.25 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. The company’s consolidated total income rose 22.8% to Rs 3,771.29 crore in Q2 FY2027, up from Rs 3,070.08 crore in Q2 FY2026. For the first half of FY2027, consolidated total income increased 21% to Rs 7,842.26 crore from Rs 6,479.05 crore in the corresponding period last year. However, consolidated profit after tax declined 8.2% to Rs 443.92 crore, compared with Rs 483.50 crore in H1 FY2026. Grey cement sales volume grew 21% to 5.37 million tonnes, while white cement sales volume increased 13% to 0.49 million tonnes during the reported period. The company’s board has also approved plans to establish a new water-based paint manufacturing facility in Telangana, with an annual production capacity of 75,000 kiloliters. The plant will be located in the Suryapet district and is expected to be commissioned within approximately 12 months from the start of construction. The company currently operates a water-based paint manufacturing facility in Rajasthan with an annual capacity of 73,000 kiloliters. The existing plant is operating at around 60% capacity utilization, with full utilization expected by FY2028. The latest results reflect growth in quarterly revenue and cement sales volumes, alongside a decline in first-half profitability. The planned expansion into paint manufacturing is expected to increase production capacity and support the company’s growth in the building materials sector.

The Tamil Nadu government has expanded the powers of urban and rural local bodies to approve residential and commercial building plans, aiming to speed up planning permissions and simplify the construction approval process. Under the revised rules, corporations and municipalities can approve residential building plans with a total Floor Space Index (FSI) area of up to 1,500 square metres (approximately 16,140 square feet), subject to a maximum of 16 dwelling units. The earlier limit was 10,000 square feet. Town panchayats and rural local bodies have also been granted enhanced powers. They can now approve residential buildings with an FSI area of up to 1,200 square metres (approximately 12,912 square feet), with a maximum of 12 dwelling units, compared with the earlier limit of eight units. The revised provisions also increase the permitted building height under the delegated approval framework. Urban and rural local bodies can approve eligible residential and commercial buildings up to 14 metres in height, subject to a maximum of stilt-plus-three floors or ground-plus-two floors. The earlier height limit for residential buildings was 12 metres. The expansion of approval powers is intended to decentralise decision-making and reduce procedural delays by enabling local authorities to handle a wider range of building proposals within their jurisdiction. The move is expected to benefit property owners, homebuyers and builders undertaking eligible projects by making the planning permission process more accessible. However, proposed buildings must continue to comply with applicable FSI limits, land-use regulations, setbacks, safety requirements and other relevant development rules. The revised framework marks a step towards streamlining building approvals across Tamil Nadu while giving local bodies greater responsibility for managing construction-related permissions.

The Tamil Nadu government has made online, presence-less registration mandatory for the first sale of plots in approved layouts and flats in apartment projects. The initiative marks the first phase of the upgraded STAR 3.0 registration system, aimed at simplifying property transactions and improving transparency. Under the new system, first-sale documents for eligible plots and flats must be registered online through the Registration Department’s TNREGINET portal. The initiative also covers sale deeds related to the Tamil Nadu Housing Board and memoranda of deposit of title deeds (MODs) associated with housing loans. The digital registration process allows buyers, developers and other authorised parties to complete the procedure without visiting the Sub-Registrar Office in person. Builders, developers, banks and financial institutions must create login credentials on the portal, upload the necessary documents and complete Aadhaar-based biometric authentication for the relevant parties and witnesses using fingerprint or iris scanners. Once the application is approved by the Sub-Registrar, the digitally signed registration document can be downloaded from the portal. A copy is also sent to the applicant’s registered email address and mobile number. If the registration authorities raise any queries, applicants are given 30 days to respond online. On the first day of implementation, the system processed 248 property transactions entirely online, including 123 land plots and 125 residential apartments. The reform is expected to reduce paperwork, minimise the involvement of intermediaries, lower travel expenses for applicants and ease congestion at registration offices. It is also intended to improve accountability and reduce opportunities for corruption in property registration. The Registration Department has been conducting training programmes for bankers, non-banking financial companies, document writers, advocates and real estate industry representatives to ensure a smoother transition to the digital system. A toll-free grievance helpline is also planned to support users as the initiative expands. Further phases of the STAR 3.0 system are expected to cover additional categories of documents. However, the timeline for extending presence-less registration to other document types has not yet been announced. The move represents a significant change in Tamil Nadu’s property registration process, particularly for homebuyers purchasing newly constructed flats and plots directly from developers. Buyers and sellers should check the latest instructions on the official TNREGINET portal before initiating registration. 

The Tamil Nadu government has reconstituted the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TNRERA), appointing a new chairperson and members to oversee the regulatory body. The appointments were announced through an order issued by the state’s Housing and Urban Development Department. The newly constituted authority includes retired officials from the Indian Administrative Service, the judiciary and the Public Works Department. The appointments were made based on recommendations from a selection committee established by the state government. Earlier, the government had superseded TNRERA for six months or until its reconstitution, whichever came first. During this period, interim appointments were made to ensure the authority continued functioning while the reconstitution process was underway. The latest appointments mark the completion of the reconstitution process and establish the authority’s new leadership structure. TNRERA operates under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, which aims to improve transparency and accountability in the real estate sector and protect homebuyers’ interests. The authority is responsible for regulating applicable real estate projects, monitoring compliance with RERA provisions and providing a mechanism for resolving eligible complaints involving developers and property buyers. The reconstitution is significant for homebuyers and real estate developers across Tamil Nadu, as the authority plays an important role in project registration, regulatory oversight and consumer grievance redressal. The impact of the new appointments will depend on the authority’s functioning and its handling of regulatory matters and pending complaints.

A draft property tax reform has proposed a 30% rebate for eligible self-occupied residential properties owned by women, men aged 65 and above, and persons with disabilities (PwD). The proposed concession would be limited to residential properties with a built-up area of up to 100 square metres, with the benefit restricted to one residential building within the concerned civic body's jurisdiction. The draft also proposes introducing the Unit Area Method (UAM) to calculate property tax through a standardised system based on property characteristics. The proposed method would consider factors such as property usage, building age, construction type, occupancy status, location and infrastructure availability. Under the new framework, properties would be classified according to their usage, including residential, commercial, office, hotel, hospital, nursing home, recreational and industrial categories. Buildings constructed before and after 1960 would also be assessed under different classifications, while construction type and whether a property is self-occupied or rented would influence the calculation. The proposed system would use base unit area values for different location categories, ranging from A to H. These values would remain in force for three years and be multiplied by five assessment factors to determine the applicable property tax. The reform aims to simplify tax calculations, improve transparency, reduce disputes and provide greater predictability for property owners. It is also intended to replace discretionary assessment practices with a more structured and consistent system. The draft has been opened for public consultation, with suggestions invited until October 23, 2026. The proposed changes are linked to the Jan Vishwas Act (Amendment of Provisions), 2026. The final implementation will depend on the authorities' review and approval of the recommendations. Homeowners should note that the proposed rebate is not yet a confirmed benefit. The final eligibility criteria, tax calculation rules and implementation details will be determined through the official approval process.

Tamil Nadu’s wetlands authority has proposed allowing construction in certain parts of the buffer zone surrounding Chennai’s Pallikaranai marsh, subject to strict environmental safeguards to protect the wetland’s drainage system and ecological balance. According to a status report submitted to the court, construction need not be prohibited throughout the entire zone. Instead, development may be regulated based on site-specific scientific assessments and hydrological conditions. The revised interim zone covers 128.19 hectares across 36 survey numbers identified as potentially affecting the marsh’s water flow. The areas include several locations in southern Chennai and neighbouring regions. The proposed safeguards prohibit blocking or diverting existing drainage channels, natural water pathways and inlet and outlet channels. Dumping solid waste, construction debris or demolition waste into drainage routes would also be prohibited. Discharging untreated sewage, industrial effluents or wastewater into watercourses connected to the wetland would not be permitted. Permanent changes to established water connections and the establishment of highly polluting industries within the proposed zone would also be restricted. Construction activities would require a no-objection certificate from the district-level wetlands management committee. The proposal places emphasis on protecting natural water flow rather than imposing a blanket construction ban across the entire buffer zone. The safeguards aim to prevent development from disrupting drainage systems or damaging the wetland’s ecological character. The proposed boundary remains provisional. The final zone will be determined after scientific studies, land-record assessments and on-site verification in accordance with the applicable wetland conservation rules and guidelines.

Sea-facing properties are attracting homebuyers seeking premium locations, scenic views and a better lifestyle. However, purchasing waterfront homes often involves higher prices, limited availability, specialised construction requirements and increased maintenance costs. In India, cities such as Mumbai, Chennai and Goa have established markets for premium coastal residences. Mumbai is known for ultra-luxury sea-facing apartments, Chennai offers a mix of apartments and independent houses along its coastal belt, while Goa attracts buyers interested in holiday homes and second-home investments. Waterfront properties continue to appeal to affluent homebuyers and investors because of their exclusive locations and limited availability. Demand is particularly strong among high-net-worth individuals, established families upgrading their homes and non-resident Indians looking for premium residential investments. Beyond sea views, buyers increasingly consider factors such as spacious layouts, natural lighting, ventilation, privacy, construction quality and modern amenities. Landscaped open spaces and well-planned facilities can further enhance the appeal of these properties. In Chennai, residential property prices vary across coastal neighbourhoods. In Besant Nagar, premium homes are priced between Rs 4.74 crore and Rs 7 crore, while properties along East Coast Road start at around Rs 2 crore. Rental values also vary according to location, property size and amenities. Near Elliot’s Beach in Besant Nagar, two-bedroom apartments typically rent for Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000 per month, while three-bedroom homes can command Rs 80,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Along East Coast Road, a house measuring around 2,000 sq. ft. near Neelankarai Beach is listed for approximately Rs 40,000 per month. Three-bedroom apartments in Palavakkam are listed at around Rs 32,000 to Rs 35,000 per month. Unlike Mumbai’s premium luxury market, Chennai’s sea-facing rental properties do not always command a significant premium over comparable homes in the same neighbourhood. The additional value associated with sea views is often concentrated in newly developed luxury projects that are less frequently available in the rental market.

The state government has intensified enforcement measures to recover compensation owed to homebuyers following persistent complaints about delays in payments from developers. Since 2017, authorities have recovered Rs 369.5 crore against compensation orders worth Rs 1,037.9 crore involving 1,531 complainants. A significant portion of the recovery was achieved in 2026 following accelerated enforcement efforts. Of the total amount recovered, approximately Rs 260 crore was collected between 2017 and December 2025, while another Rs 110 crore was recovered in 2026. The overall recovery rate stands at around 45%. Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, recovery warrants are issued when developers fail to pay compensation as ordered by the regulatory authority. These warrants are forwarded to the respective district administrations for execution under the applicable land revenue laws. The government has also taken steps to speed up the recovery process by assigning dedicated revenue officials to oversee pending cases and ensure homebuyers receive their rightful compensation.

The Tamil Nadu government is planning to launch an AI-enabled planning approval system, known as Single Platform for Efficient Expedited Development (SPEED), within six to seven months to streamline building permissions and reduce delays. The tender process for developing the platform is expected to begin this month, followed by the appointment of a consultant to design the software. The system aims to minimise human intervention in granting planning approvals and improve transparency in the process. SPEED is expected to integrate planning authorities, urban local bodies and rural local bodies on a common digital platform. It will also help coordinate site inspections by different departments on a single date, reducing repeated visits and saving time for applicants. The government has allocated Rs 40 crore for the initiative. The state government is also planning to introduce an online portal for land-use reclassification. Once the period for submitting objections and suggestions ends, applications will automatically move to the processing stage. In addition, the government is consulting the relevant department on increasing the permissible height of buildings, which could influence future construction and development regulations. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the Third Master Plan for the expanded Chennai Metropolitan Area, covering approximately 5,904 square kilometres. Sixteen sectoral studies have been completed, and an international consultant is expected to review the studies and prepare a comprehensive development plan. The government is also examining amendments to existing rules before deciding the powers of proposed urban development authorities in Coimbatore, Madurai and other cities. The real estate industry has also called for faster decisions on Chennai's proposed second airport site and greater accountability for delays in major infrastructure projects, including the Chennai Port–Maduravoyal elevated corridor and the Anna Salai flyover. The proposed SPEED system is expected to simplify building approval procedures, improve coordination between departments and support more efficient real estate development across Tamil Nadu.

A new cement grinding facility with an annual production capacity of three million tonnes has been commissioned in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, with an investment of AED 115 million. The facility increases the region's total cement manufacturing capacity to seven million tonnes per annum and raises the overall production capacity to 76.3 million tonnes per annum. The new unit features advanced grinding technology, an integrated material-processing system, material-handling infrastructure and dust-collection facilities to support efficient production. The company also operates a waste heat recovery system with a green power generation capacity of 31.50 MW. Its total installed green power capacity has reached 634.5 MW. Renewable energy accounted for 66% of the company's total energy mix during the first quarter of the 2026–27 financial year, reflecting its continued focus on energy efficiency and sustainable manufacturing.