The timely implementation of master plans for all 135 major cities and towns across Tamil Nadu could significantly support the State’s goal of achieving a $1-trillion economy by 2030, according to a leading real estate industry official.

The absence of comprehensive master plans affects investors’ clarity on city growth trajectories, slowing capital flow and reducing investor interest. A master plan facilitates organized growth, unlocks land value, and drives planned urbanization, thereby boosting real estate potential. Authorities are reportedly engaging with the government on plan preparation, but officials emphasized the need to accelerate the process.

Residential developers, particularly those catering to first-time homebuyers, are under pressure due to sharp increases in material costs of 30–40%, with around 20% of the cost being taxes, making housing less affordable for new buyers.

Industry representatives highlighted the real estate sector’s contribution to the State’s GDP and called for more consistent industry representation and collaboration with authorities. They also emphasized the importance of aligning Tamil Nadu’s real estate sector with global standards and urban strategies, taking cues from international models.

To deepen engagement, the industry body plans to expand its chapter network beyond the existing 10 chapters, adding new chapters in regions such as Sivagangai, Vellore, Karur, Nilgiris, and Thanjavur.

Chief minister M K Stalin on Tuesday inaugurated a newly constructed apartment complex comprising 32 flats in Karur through video conferencing. The project, undertaken by the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHDB), is located in Velambadi, Aravakurichi area of Karur district, and was built at a cost of 2.95 crore. Spread over 0.16.5 hectares, the residential complex consists of a basement and three floors. Each of the 32 apartments measures 400sqft and includes a bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, and toilet, with an individual unit estimated to cost 9.23 lakh. As part of the initiative, 30 beneficiaries were issued allotment orders during the inauguration ceremony. The flats come equipped with essential amenities. A dedicated ground water tank, borewell, and motor room have been set up to ensure adequate water supply, managed by the Velambadi village administration. Additionally, a septic tank and drainage system have been constructed, along with street lighting for the safety and convenience of residents. District collector M Thangavel officially handed over the allotment orders in the presence of Karur MP S Jothimani and Aravakurichi MLA R Elango. The event was also attended by other district officials.
 

Despite reduction of unsold stock inventory and signs of recovery in the affordable housing segment, it has not enthused developers. Poor conversion rates, spiralling construction costs and unsustainable margins are posing a grave challenge to the affordable housing market. This has resulted in several developers keeping away from launching new projects in the segment. Their reluctance is despite a huge opportunity in this space over the next five years. A report by CII and Knight Frank has projected the cumulative fafordable housing demand to reach 31.2 million units with an estimated market size of Rs 67 trillion by 2030.   P Suresh, MD of Chennai-based affordable housing developer Arun Excello said, 90% of developers have shifted out of the affordable housing segment post-Covid in Tamil Nadu. "The pandemic impacted lower salaried employees who were the core customers of affordable housing. . Also, govt's incentives for affordable housing homebuyers were withdrawn. Subsequently, those buying properties for the purpose of rentals did not pursue their interests. Affordable housing units are those with a carpet area of up to 60 sqft in metropolitan cities and 90 sq m for m
 

Chengalpet, long plagued by poor roads, inadequate solid waste management, and a lack of basic infrastructure such as underground drainage, is now poised for a transformation. Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has unveiled plans to reimagine the town as a sustainable, smart, and inclusive urban hub. Wide, walkable streets, eco-friendly mobility, planned residential zones, bustling commercial spaces, and thriving public areas all seamlessly connected to Chennai while preserving Chengalpet's unique identity form the heart of this ambitious vision. To realise this, CMDA floated tenders for preparing a comprehensive plan for Chengalpet New Town, mapping its growth from 2025 to 2045. The goal is to reduce dependency on Chennai, create local jobs and foster regional economic growth," said a CMDA official. Strategically located on Chennai's southern edge, Chengalpet has traditionally served as a transit and industrial corridor. The proposed planning area includes 60 villages from Chengalpet, Thirukazhukundram, and Thiruporur taluks. E Shankar, CPI(M) district secretary, said, "Chengalpet lacks underground drainage, has poor drinking water supply, and damaged roads. The new plan must address these gaps while creating employment for local residents." Urban planning expert K P Subramanian welcomed the initiative but cautioned, "The earlier master plan must be denotified first. Also, this new plan should not remain on paper implementation is critical."
 

A major housing finance institution reported a 25.4% increase in net profit, reaching ?1,368 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 2025. In the same period of the previous financial year, the profit was ?1,091 crore.

Total income for the March quarter of FY25 rose to ?7,283 crore, compared to ?6,937 crore in the corresponding quarter of FY24, according to a regulatory filing.

For the full financial year 2024–25, the institution recorded a 14% rise in net profit, touching ?5,429 crore, up from ?4,765 crore in FY24.

Its stock closed at ?624.90, marking a 1.31% increase over the previous day’s closing price.

A central enforcement agency conducted searches at 13 locations as part of a money-laundering investigation linked to the unauthorised construction of 41 buildings on 60 acres of land that had been set aside for sewage treatment and waste-management facilities.

According to officials, the builders had put up these structures using falsified documents, fabricated approvals and fraudulent sale agreements.

The searches were carried out at the premises of a senior town-planning official from the local municipal corporation and other individuals previously linked to corruption and forgery cases involving illegal constructions. The money-laundering case was initiated on the basis of multiple complaints filed by homebuyers who were allegedly defrauded.

Earlier, affected homebuyers had approached the courts against demolition action taken by the local authorities but were not granted relief. The highest court also declined to intervene, directing the homebuyers to approach the government for rehabilitation and instructing local authorities to proceed with demolishing the structures built on the reserved land.

It was alleged that the main accused had illegally occupied plots, constructed buildings without permission using falsified documents and sold them to unsuspecting low-income families. Part of the land was wetland, while the remaining portion consisted of privately owned plots that had been reserved in the 2010 development plan for waste-management and sewage-treatment facilities.

The Competition Commission of India approved the acquisition by an IPO-bound real estate trust of several entities affiliated with private equity investors and a Bengaluru-based real estate group.

The proposed combination involves direct and indirect acquisition by the trust, acting through its management company, of certain entities previously owned by private equity and real estate groups, including jointly controlled entities. The trust is registered as a REIT and is engaged in owning and/or operating a portfolio of rent- or income-generating real estate assets.

The trust’s total portfolio spans 48 million sq ft, including 37 million sq ft of completed Grade A office assets across six major cities, making it one of the most geographically diverse office REITs in India. About 90% of the portfolio is leased, with 76% leased to multinational corporations and 45% to global capability centers.

The real estate group involved has developed 74 million sq ft across seven Indian cities in commercial, residential, co-living, co-working, hospitality, and data center sectors, with an additional 75 million sq ft in planning and implementation.

The country's first set of residential mortgage-backed securities was listed on the market on Monday, and the housing finance regulator stated that it expects various firms to raise over ?10,000 crore through this route during the current financial year.

A development company promoted by the regulator listed the first tranche of ?1,000 crore in securities, maturing in 20 years, carrying a monthly coupon of 7.26%.

A senior official from the regulator said that up to ten additional transactions are likely this year, enabling lenders to mobilize between ?10,000–12,000 crore.

The first listing consists of pass-through certificates backed by a pool of residential loans, and the issue was fully subscribed.

The development company was established earlier this year to help housing financiers secure funding by assigning future receivables from loans to investors. The initiative will also create new investment opportunities for long-term institutional investors such as pension and insurance funds.

The official added that discussions are ongoing with several housing finance entities to prepare additional pools of loans for future listings, with another tranche of ?1,000 crore expected next month.

Additionally, the regulator plans to raise up to ?60,000 crore through bonds in FY26, compared to ?48,000 crore in the previous year.

A housing finance firm reported a 21% increase in net profit, reaching ?245 crore in the fourth quarter of 2024–25. The profit in the same quarter last year was ?202 crore.

Total income for the quarter rose to ?834 crore, compared with ?692 crore in the year-ago period, according to a regulatory filing. Interest income increased to ?722 crore, up from ?596 crore in the same period last year.

Total expenses grew to ?517 crore, compared with ?433 crore a year earlier. Gross non-performing assets stood at 1.05% as of March 31, 2025, slightly lower than 1.08% at the end of the corresponding quarter in the previous financial year.

The board has also approved the appointment of a new independent director who previously held leadership roles in the national housing sector and contributed to several key initiatives related to affordable and low-income housing.

India’s ageing office properties present a major value-creation opportunity, with strategic retrofitting capable of unlocking ?1.2–1.6 lakh crore in capital value, according to a recent industry report.

The report estimates that such upgrades could boost asset values by 25–40% across major commercial micro-markets.

To achieve this, an investment of ?30,000–40,000 crore would be required, depending on the extent of upgrade work. This includes structural strengthening, façade improvements, HVAC modernisation, sustainability upgrades, and the addition of employee-focused amenities. Well-planned retrofits can offer a 3–5 year payback period, supported by higher occupancy, better lease terms, and improved tenant retention.

The study notes that approximately 160–180 million sq ft of India’s office stock is over ten years old and may require refurbishment or complete repositioning. With workplace expectations evolving quickly — including demand for sustainability, wellness features, and smart technology — retrofitting has become a high-return strategy for property owners.

Post-retrofit, asset value enhancement may reach up to 40% in select markets, while rental appreciation could range between 15–35%, depending on location and quality of upgrades.

Energy-efficient improvements such as HVAC optimisation, LED lighting, and advanced water systems can also cut operating costs by 20–30% over time. Beyond financial benefits, retrofits help owners align with environmental and sustainability standards, secure green certifications, and strengthen the long-term performance of their assets.

A housing finance company operating in the affordable housing segment across multiple states has reported its annual financial results, showing strong growth in assets under management (AUM) and stable asset quality.

For the twelve months ending March 31, 2025, the company posted total revenue of Rs. 94.96 crore, a 54% year-on-year increase. Profit after tax (PAT) rose 25% to Rs. 11.10 crore, compared to Rs. 8.88 crore in FY2023-24. During the fourth quarter, the company recorded revenue of Rs. 27.89 crore and PAT of Rs. 2.93 crore, up from Rs. 19.34 crore and Rs. 2.74 crore in Q4 FY2023-24.

AUM grew to Rs. 520.70 crore as of March 31, 2025, up from Rs. 426.86 crore — a 22% increase, driven by demand for affordable home loans.

Business Highlights:

• Disbursed Rs. 148.60 crore in housing loans to over 1,250 homebuyers across 30+ locations in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and NCR.

• Executed first successful direct assignment worth Rs. 55.83 crore.

• Interest income grew 47% year-on-year, with a Net Interest Margin (NIM) of 7.69%.

• Asset quality remained stable: GNPA at 1.84% and NNPA at 1.40%.

• Raised Rs. 145 crore in incremental liability from banks and financial institutions to support loan book growth.

• Net worth stood at Rs. 143.87 crore with leverage of 2.81x.

The company provides long-term housing finance assistance to economically weaker sections (EWS) and low-income groups (LIG) for the purchase or construction of affordable housing units across its operational geographies.

Property owners in Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) layouts have erupted in anger over what they see as an "irrational" and "abnormal" rise in property taxes ranging from 9% to 51% for 2025-26. This is the steepest increase ever, property owners said as the BDA plans to net about Rs 100 crore from the two layouts that it is still managing. The hike, which the BDA quietly introduced in its property tax portal without prior notice, has triggered strong reactions as many property owners felt the BDA's conviction does not go beyond extracting taxes. The authorities look the other way when it comes to delivering any commensurate services, they alleged. The ground realities at NPKL are in sharp contrast to what the senior BDA officials claim in the media. They are either ignorant about the incomplete work or are trying to hide the facts," said Shankar, a 56-year-old plot owner at Block 3 of NPKL. "Many people are prepared to build houses if the authorities focus on beefing up infrastructure rather than on adding to taxes." The BDA tax hike is the latest in a series of price increases the govt has announced including on milk, petrol, bus and Metro fares, electricity tariff, stamp duty on non-registrable documents, and guidance value of properties.