Top 10 Things To Consider Before Buying An Apartment In Chennai

Published On: 13th January 2025

Are you stuck on how to choose the best apartment in Chennai? Let’s face it – buying an apartment in Chennai is no small feat. With the city’s real estate landscape changing faster than ever, making the right choice can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a young IT professional looking for your first home or a family seeking an upgrade, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that’ll help you navigate this significant life decision. Here are all the factors that need to be in your checklist for buying a flat in Chennai:

 

Location & Connectivity:

You’ve probably heard the age-old real estate mantra: “location”. But in Chennai, it’s more than just a catchphrase. Think about it – do you want to spend two hours stuck in OMR traffic every day, or would you prefer a quick metro ride from your residential area to your workplace? Here’s what really matters:

• Your daily commute (Be honest about how much traffic you can handle without losing your sanity)
• Essential services nearby (Groceries, hospitals, schools if you’ve got kids – the basics shouldn’t be a journey)
• Public transport options (Being near a metro station can literally change your life – ask anyone who lives near one)
• Future development (That quiet area might become the next hot spot – or the next traffic nightmare)

Pro tip: Visit your potential new home during different times. That peaceful Sunday afternoon viewing won’t show you the Monday morning chaos or the Friday evening market rush.

Builder Reputation:

Let’s be honest – not all real estate developers in Chennai are created equal. While established names like MP Developers have a track record you can verify, newer builders might offer attractive prices but come with risks. Do this homework before signing anything:

• Look up their track record (How many projects have they completed? On time?)
• Talk to residents in their other projects (Nothing beats first-hand experiences)
• Check their RERA registration (This isn’t just paperwork – it’s your safety net)
• Visit their completed projects (See how well they’ve aged)
• Google is your friend (Reviews, news articles, etc)

Legal Documentation:

Legal paperwork is about as exciting as watching paint dry. But here’s the thing – missing a single document can turn your dream home into a legal nightmare.
Must-have documents include:

• RERA registration (non-negotiable!)
• CMDA approval (check for any deviations from approved plans)
• Legal opinion on land title (get this from an independent lawyer)
• Bank approval (check if multiple banks have approved the project)

Here’s an example: A person finds his dream apartment in Pallavaram, only to discover it was built on land with ownership disputes. A simple title verification could have saved him months of stress and legal fees.

Price & Payment Structure:

When developers quote prices for flats for sale in Chennai, they often lead with the basic cost per square foot. Here’s what your wallet needs to be ready for:
Basic cost per square foot (The number they advertise)

• GST (Currently 5%)
• Registration charges (7% in Tamil Nadu)
• Maintenance deposit (Usually 2 years worth)
• Parking charges (Especially if you’re planning on multiple vehicles)
• Clubhouse membership (If applicable)
• Legal fees (Good lawyers aren’t cheap, cheap lawyers aren’t good)
• Interior work (Unless you plan to live like a minimalist)

Smart tip: Create a spreadsheet comparing all these costs across properties. You might find that the apartment with the lower base price actually costs more in total!

Apartment Layout:

This is where you need to think practical, not just pretty. Sure, that Italian marble flooring looks fantastic, but does the kitchen have enough counter space for your mom’s weekend cooking sessions?
Consider these often-overlooked aspects:

• Is the kitchen ventilated enough? (Unless you want your whole house smelling like sambar)
• Which direction do the bedrooms face? (East-facing bedrooms are gold in Chennai)
• How’s the natural light? (Save on those electricity bills!)
• Storage space – is it enough? (Where will you store all those Diwali decorations?)
• Balcony size and utility (Will it fit your weekend coffee setup?)

Building Amenities:

While swimming pools and fancy clubhouses look great in brochures, think about what you’ll really use. Those high-end amenities come with equally high-end maintenance costs. So, consider these practical amenities first:

• Power backup capacity (especially during Chennai summers)
• Water storage and treatment facilities (because water scarcity is real)
• Security systems (including CCTV coverage and visitor management)
• Parking allocation (including visitor parking)
• Waste management (segregation and disposal systems)

Water Supply:

In Chennai, water isn’t just another utility – it’s practically currency! Many apartments in Chennai now offer advanced water management systems, but to dig deeper, ensure to ask these essential questions:

• Is there a metro water connection? (The holy grail of water supply)
• What’s the groundwater level like? (Especially important during summer)
• How big are the storage tanks? (Both underground and overhead)
• Is there a water treatment plant? (Your washing machine will thank you)
• Rainwater harvesting (Not just those mandatory pipes that lead nowhere)

Future Development:

While nobody can predict the future perfectly, some research can give you a good idea of where your area is headed. Mainly look out for:

• IT park expansions (especially along OMR and Porur)
• Metro rail routes (Phase 2 is already changing property values)
• New educational institutions or hospitals
• Commercial complex developments
• Road expansion projects

Environmental Factors:

Our city’s unique climate and coastal location make certain environmental factors crucial. Here are some critical considerations:

• Flood history of the area (2015 taught us some hard lessons)
• Proximity to water bodies (check corporation flood maps)
• Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) implications
• Natural ventilation (those sea breezes can save on AC bills)
• Green spaces (they’re becoming rarer in Chennai)

Investment Potential:

Whether it’s your forever home or an investment, understanding the growth potential is crucial. Please analyze various investment metrics such as:

• Historical price trends (5-10 year data if available)
• Rental demand in the area
• Infrastructure development timeline
• Commercial growth patterns
• Demographics of the neighborhood
• Trust your instincts, but back them up with data. Create a scoring system for your priorities and rate each property systematically. Remember:
  No apartment will be perfect in every aspect
• Location and legal clarity should never be compromised
• Future potential often trumps current convenience
• Budget buffer is essential for unexpected costs

Conclusion

Buying an apartment in Chennai is a journey that requires patience, diligence, and sometimes, a bit of luck. Take your time, do your homework, and don’t let anyone rush you into a decision. The perfect home is out there – it’s just a matter of finding it with the right approach.
Remember, this isn’t just about buying four walls and a roof, it’s about creating a space where you’ll build memories for years to come. Whether you’re looking at the bustling streets of Velachery or the serene stretches of ECR, use this guide to make an informed decision that you’ll be happy with for years to come.