The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of a 10.04% shareholding in a housing finance company by a special-purpose vehicle incorporated in an international financial centre. The proposed transaction involves the SPV acquiring the stake on a fully diluted basis from an existing shareholder, as per the regulator’s approval order. Separately, an open offer for equity shares of the housing finance company was launched under the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011, by the acquirer along with certain affiliated investment entities acting in concert. According to disclosures made to stock exchanges, no equity shares were tendered in the open offer as of February 3, 2026, and no shares were credited to the designated escrow demat account maintained for the offer.

The new year has begun on a strong footing for India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry, with total battery-electric vehicle registrations crossing the 2 lakh mark in January. Notably, registrations have remained above this level for the fourth consecutive month, underscoring sustained demand despite reduced GST rates on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles since October 2025. Total registrations of battery-powered vehicles across all segments stood at 2.18 lakh units in January, marking a significant increase over 1.71 lakh units recorded in January 2025 and higher than the 2.03 lakh units registered in December 2025. Improved availability of key components such as magnets, along with better production stability, supported higher volumes during the month. The electric two-wheeler (E2W) segment was a major contributor to overall growth, with registrations reaching approximately 1.22 lakh units in January. This represented the second-highest monthly tally in the past 12 months, compared with about 98,000 units in December 2025 and 98,426 units in January 2025. The segment saw strong momentum, with the leading player widening its lead over competitors, while several other manufacturers also posted healthy volumes. Electric passenger vehicle (PV) registrations, including electric cars and SUVs, continued to expand steadily. Total registrations in this segment reached 18,101 units in January 2026, up from 15,685 units in December 2025 and 11,895 units in January 2025. The segment leader maintained a clear advantage, while the second- and third-largest players reported solid growth. Other manufacturers remained in the sub-1,000-unit range, indicating that market concentration remains high, though participation is gradually broadening. The electric three-wheeler segment also showed year-on-year improvement, with registrations rising to 75,764 units in January, compared with 59,930 units in January 2025. However, volumes moderated on a month-on-month basis, falling from 88,277 units recorded in December 2025, reflecting some seasonal softening after the year-end peak. Overall, the January performance highlights continued resilience in India’s EV market, supported by improving supply conditions, stable policy support, and growing consumer acceptance across vehicle segments, even amid increased competitive pressure from conventional ICE vehicles.

Residents of a suburban neighbourhood staged a demonstration on Saturday along a major arterial road, opposing a planning authority’s decision to halt building permits within a 1-km radius of a nearby marshland. Resident welfare groups said the restriction had severely impacted owners of approved plots and legally registered lands across several localities along a key IT corridor.

More than 200 residents participated in the protest, urging the state government to review the circular and protect the rights of those who had purchased approved housing sites. Protesters demanded that authorities focus on removing encroachments within the marshland instead of imposing restrictions on already approved residential areas.

According to resident representatives, nearly one lakh houses have been affected by the circular. Many homeowners said housing loan applications that were under process had been rejected, and expressed concern that future permissions for reconstruction or redevelopment could also be denied.

Residents pointed out that the area is rapidly developing and warned that such restrictions would disrupt ongoing and future development projects. They added that the protest was aimed at seeking clarity, relief measures, and a long-term policy solution for affected property owners.

An elected representative from the area met the protesters and assured them that the issue would be taken up with the government.

Some of the city’s most recognisable corporate entities figure in the Greater Chennai Corporation’s latest list of the top 100 property tax defaulters, with unpaid dues adding up to ?33.68 crore. Many of these premises are located along major commercial corridors across the city. According to the list released for the second half of 2025–26, several large properties linked to a prominent recreational institution also appear on the list, together accounting for more than ?5 crore in unpaid taxes across multiple holdings. The largest defaulter owes ?2.42 crore in property tax for a commercial premises, while two other major defaulters owe ?1.74 crore and ?1.64 crore respectively for properties located in high-value business districts. The defaulters’ list spans multiple sectors, including telecom, retail, real estate, and media. A number of individual property owners have also defaulted, with arrears ranging from ?10 lakh to ?60 lakh. Civic officials said the decision to make the list public was aimed at increasing transparency and exerting pressure on defaulters to clear their dues. Property tax collections of around ?2,200 crore annually form a major source of revenue for essential services such as roads, stormwater drains, and conservancy work, and persistent non-payment adversely affects service delivery, officials said.  senior revenue official stated that fresh notices would be issued to defaulters and that buildings would be locked and sealed after 14 days if dues were not cleared. Some defaulters have approached the courts over reassessment, the official added. Six years ago, the civic body launched a GIS-based mapping project to reassess around three lakh buildings with deviations, aiming to generate an additional ?400 crore in revenue and raise the annual tax target to ?2,600 crore. However, only about 60,000 buildings have been assessed so far, and most are yet to be levied revised rates. Educational institutions were identified as major defaulters in cases involving building deviations. Revenue officials said assessments require physical inspections to measure structures and raise bills. It was also suggested that power supply connections be disconnected for persistent property tax defaulters.

The Madras High Court has banned any construction or renovation work in ancient temples across Tamil Nadu. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the state government for delaying the formation of the Tamil Nadu Heritage Commission.

A special bench passed an interim order on Thursday while hearing a petition that sought to stop the construction of a commercial complex near an ancient temple in the state. Earlier, the court had given the state government one month to decide on constituting the Heritage Commission.

During the latest hearing, the government informed the court that rules for the commission had already been framed and that a selection committee had been formed to choose the chairperson. Applications had also been invited through an official notification.

The court ruled that until the entire process of forming the Heritage Commission is completed, no construction or renovation activities should be carried out in ancient temples. The case has been adjourned to March 5.

The proposed knowledge city will house a knowledge tower that will offer plug-and-play facilities with easily accessible classrooms, auditoriums, and research hubs for global universities, a senior official said while speaking at the inauguration of a two-day global education summit on Wednesday. The knowledge city is spread over more than 800 acres. It envisions a knowledge-driven ecosystem with research and development hubs, incubation centres, industry platforms, and global universities. These institutions will not only coexist but also accelerate ideas from the lab to the market. The convention has immense potential as global university partnerships are being forged and large campuses are planned. In the days ahead, economic development is no longer about capital investment alone. It is a knowledge-driven economy where talent, research, technology, and innovation will contribute to national growth. The speaker further highlighted initiatives such as university research parks, a space manufacturing ecosystem, and collaborative industry platforms. The model represents a shift where universities do not operate in isolation but as part of a living ecosystem with strong research and industry collaboration. The summit is expected to initiate discussions on global academic collaborations, including joint degrees, dual degrees, and research and innovation partnerships in frontier areas. Another international academic leader noted that universities across Asia are rising with unprecedented vision, skill, and scale. However, it was also observed that institutions in another region will continue to attract global talent due to the strength of their research-oriented universities, despite periodic challenges.

The city is undergoing a dramatic transformation, propelled by large-scale infrastructure projects that are reshaping its skyline and property market. Over the last decade, a steady stream of investments in transport, urban renewal, and civic amenities has turned it into one of India’s most dynamic real estate destinations. In 2025, this evolution is reaching a critical peak, positioning the city as a place where infrastructure and real estate progress in lockstep.

This growth is not just about new flyovers or expanded metro lines—it’s about unlocking the full potential of once-overlooked neighborhoods and reshaping how people live, commute, and invest. With metro rail extensions weaving through emerging suburbs and expressways reducing travel times across regions, urban sprawl is no longer a disadvantage. Instead, it is creating fertile ground for new investment zones, housing clusters, and commercial corridors.

The expansion of the metro rail network is among the most transformative developments to date. The second phase of the metro project, estimated at over ?63,000 crore, is one of the largest infrastructure endeavors in the region. It spans nearly 119 kilometers, connecting previously disconnected parts of the city through three major corridors. By improving commute times, enhancing last-mile connectivity, and linking business hubs with residential areas, the metro is not only boosting quality of life but also driving a surge in property demand in adjacent zones. Areas once considered peripheral are now at the center of the real estate growth story.

On the roads, major projects such as the Outer Ring Road and the upcoming Peripheral Ring Road are bringing new vitality to the transport ecosystem. These thoroughfares are designed to alleviate traffic congestion in central areas while opening up access to industrial, logistics, and residential zones on the city’s edge. Improved road connectivity has had a cascading effect on real estate, attracting both developers and end-users to previously underutilized regions.

The proposed greenfield airport is another key milestone in infrastructure-led development. As it moves from planning to execution, this project is expected to significantly enhance global connectivity, supporting not only air traffic but also the growth of logistics, warehousing, and tourism sectors. This, in turn, is fueling early-stage residential interest in surrounding regions, which are being primed for plotted developments, integrated townships, and commercial investments.

The city’s growing status as a commercial and industrial hub cannot be overstated. It forms a core part of a major industrial corridor and is home to large IT parks, manufacturing zones, and logistics hubs. It accounts for a significant portion of India’s automobile production and plays a vital role in electronics and auto component exports. With industrial parks and integrated business cities attracting global companies, real estate in these corridors is witnessing a corresponding rise in both residential and commercial demand.

This wave of development is not limited to transit and employment infrastructure. Urban renewal initiatives are adding another layer of depth to growth. Revamps in key commercial centers are making neighborhoods more pedestrian-friendly and sustainable. Central business district redevelopment projects and the modernization of major railway stations are elevating the city’s urban core, making it more appealing for corporates, retailers, and residents alike.

Civic infrastructure is also evolving. The expansion of healthcare facilities and educational institutions is transforming several zones into self-sufficient micro-markets. Lifestyle destinations such as large malls and entertainment hubs have become focal points for shopping, leisure, and social interaction, enhancing overall liveability across suburban and peripheral areas.

The direct impact of this infrastructure-driven growth is reflected in property values and market momentum. Prices in well-connected neighborhoods are appreciating steadily, with many corridors recording a 5% to 7% annual rise. Rental yields have also surged due to increased migration from other states and rising demand from professionals working in IT, manufacturing, and allied sectors. In the third quarter of 2024, the city led the country in residential rental growth, registering a 22.2% increase over the previous quarter. Commercial real estate is experiencing parallel growth. Office stock is expected to exceed 100 million square feet by 2026, up from 89 million at the end of 2024. Co-working spaces have flourished, driven by demand from startups

Expanding welfare schemes ahead of a crucial Assembly election, it was announced on Friday that one lakh housing units would be constructed under the Dravidian Model government’s flagship programme ‘Kalaignar Kanavu Illam Thittam’ at a cost of ?3,500 crore. This was one of five major announcements, which was greeted with loud applause from the treasury benches.

In addition to the construction of two lakh houses over the last two fiscal years, the government will build one lakh houses in the coming fiscal year. The housing initiative is part of a broader plan to construct eight lakh houses with the objective of achieving a hut-free Tamil Nadu by 2030.

The government also announced the upgradation of 2,200 km of rural roads at a cost of ?1,088 crore under the Village Road Development Scheme to strengthen the rural economy. Under this scheme, the quality of 20,484 km of rural roads has already been improved at a cost of ?8,911 crore.

Addressing grievances of temporary teachers, it was stated that they would be given priority during recruitment to fill vacant permanent teacher posts in government schools. A government order in this regard will be issued shortly and will be implemented from February 4.

The government will also enhance monthly pensions from ?2,000 to ?3,400 for noon-meal organisers, anganwadi workers, and village panchayat secretaries. Additionally, retirement benefits will be doubled from ?1 lakh to ?2 lakh.

The Madras High Court on Friday granted an interim stay on the operation of a government order (GO) that permitted the conversion of non-religious buildings into religious buildings without obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) between February 2019 and March 2024.

A division bench passed the order while hearing a public interest litigation, which contended that the construction or conversion of any building into a religious institution was never an unfettered right in Tamil Nadu.

The petitioner argued that a GO issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department in January 2026 had introduced unconstitutional conditions. As per the GO, buildings functioning as religious institutions between February 4, 2019, and March 6, 2024—though originally approved for non-religious purposes—were retrospectively validated. The statutory requirement of obtaining an NOC was made applicable only prospectively from March 7, 2024.

It was further contended that the GO could adversely affect public order, morality, and public peace, as it was issued without adequately considering statutory provisions and regulatory measures required to maintain public order. The petition therefore sought to quash the GO.

The residential real estate sector recorded a notable downturn in the 2025 calendar year, with housing sales across seven major urban markets declining by 14% year-on-year. Approximately 3.96 lakh units were sold during the year, down from nearly 4.6 lakh units in the previous year. This broad market contraction was driven by factors such as rising property prices, economic uncertainty, and shifts in the employment landscape, particularly within the technology-driven job market. Despite the decline in sales volume, the total value of homes sold rose marginally by 6% to over ?6 lakh crore, indicating sustained demand for higher-priced properties and a continued trend toward premiumization. Mixed Performance Across Key Southern Markets Real estate markets in the southern region presented a mixed performance during 2025. One major southern market emerged as a standout, recording a 15% year-on-year increase in housing sales, with approximately 22,180 units sold. This growth contrasted sharply with other large southern markets, where one recorded a marginal 5% decline in sales with around 62,205 units sold, while another experienced a sharper 23% drop, totaling approximately 44,885 units. Collectively, these southern markets accounted for roughly 129,270 units sold during the year, highlighting a clear divergence within the region, with one market defying the broader downward trend. Regional Market Dynamics and Supply Trends Beyond the southern region, other major markets also experienced notable sales contractions. One western metropolitan region saw an 18% year-on-year decline, with approximately 1.28 lakh units sold, remaining the largest market by volume despite the drop. Another prominent western market recorded a 20% decline, with sales of about 65,135 units. Meanwhile, a major northern region experienced an 8% annual decline, with approximately 57,220 units sold. New housing supply across the seven major markets remained relatively resilient, increasing by 2% year-on-year to around 4.19 lakh units in 2025. However, the combination of increased supply, moderating demand, and rising prices led to a 4% rise in unsold inventory, reaching approximately 5.77 lakh units by year-end. One southern market, in particular, witnessed a sharp 23% increase in unsold housing stock. Premiumization and Market Recalibration Industry experts described 2025 as a phase of market recalibration rather than demand destruction. Buyers remained active but were increasingly selective, with a clear shift toward premium and luxury housing segments. The rise in total sales value despite falling transaction volumes reinforces this trend. Developers adopted more disciplined supply strategies, helping sustain price stability across many markets. Continued income growth and strong interest from overseas buyers further supported demand for higher-value homes. Peer Market Comparison Among the southern markets, one city stood out with a 15% growth in housing sales, while its regional peers recorded declines of 5% and 23%, respectively. This contrasted with the broader trend across the seven major markets, where most regions experienced negative growth, underscoring a widespread market adjustment nationwide.

Jan 21 (Reuters) – An Indian housing finance lender posted a 7.7% rise in third-quarter profit on Wednesday, supported by healthy loan growth in smaller cities amid intensifying competition in the mortgage lending space. The non-banking finance company (NBFC) reported consolidated net profit after tax of 5.20 billion rupees ($56.8 million) for the quarter ended December 31, compared with 4.83 billion rupees a year earlier. Total revenue increased 9% to 21.19 billion rupees. The lender has expanded aggressively into the non-premium and affordable lending space in recent quarters, where loans typically command higher interest rates due to lower competition from big banks. However, that advantage may be eroding, as analysts said competition in the affordable segment from larger lenders is picking up. Meanwhile, the prime segment, which generally includes loans in larger cities, continued to face stiff competition. Disbursements in the emerging markets segment, which caters to smaller cities with an average loan ticket size of around 2.5 million rupees, rose 25% year-on-year to 21.49 billion rupees, while the prime segment grew 20%. However, disbursements in the affordable loans segment, which caters to borrowers with monthly household incomes as low as 10,000 rupees, fell 15%, with overall disbursements rising 16%. The company said the decline in the affordable segment was due to ticket size capping in select geographies. Net interest income, the difference between interest earned and paid, rose 11% to 7.72 billion rupees. Asset quality also improved, with gross bad loans as a percentage of total loans declining to 1.04% at the end of December from 1.21% a year earlier.

As expectations build around the Union Budget 2026, the real estate sector is seeking policy continuity and targeted reforms to sustain its recent momentum and address long-standing structural challenges. Industry leaders believe that with the right mix of demand-side incentives, regulatory easing, and a strong infrastructure push, real estate can play an even more significant role in India’s economic growth story. The sector has demonstrated notable resilience in recent years, supported by steady demand, evolving buyer aspirations, and government-led initiatives. However, affordability continues to remain a key hurdle for a large segment of homebuyers. Expanding the definition of affordable housing in urban areas is widely seen as a move that could significantly boost end-user demand, particularly as residential real estate continues to be viewed as a long-term investment option. There is also a strong call for interest subsidies for first-time homebuyers who currently fall outside existing benefit frameworks, along with an increase in the home loan interest deduction limit to further encourage housing purchases. From a developer’s perspective, faster project approvals and rationalisation of GST on under-construction homes are considered crucial to reducing delays and improving execution efficiency. Granting industry status to real estate is another widely supported measure, as it could unlock access to more affordable financing and help streamline regulatory processes. Continued investment in infrastructure is also expected to support housing demand across regions. A growth-oriented Budget, stakeholders believe, could have multiplier effects across nearly 250 allied industries, driving employment and broader economic activity. Echoing the need for stability and long-term planning, industry voices stress the importance of consistent taxation policies, expanded access to institutional financing, and simplified regulations, particularly for luxury and branded residential segments. Sustained investment in urban infrastructure, mass mobility, and integrated city planning is seen as essential, given that connectivity and civic amenities directly influence the attractiveness of premium developments. Measures that promote formalisation and reduce compliance burdens are also expected to help the sector mature further and strengthen investor confidence. Institutional capital has emerged as another key theme ahead of the Budget. Strengthening demand-side support in established urban markets, alongside continued investments in urban transport and last-mile connectivity, is considered critical. There is also growing advocacy for enhanced incentives to encourage greater institutional participation in real estate, making investments more regulated, transparent, and scalable. Such a calibrated and forward-looking approach is expected to reinforce confidence across the value chain and further establish real estate as a key contributor to employment generation, capital formation, and India’s urban development journey.