Kelambakkam, once a quiet suburb on the southern outskirts of Chennai, has transformed into one of the city’s most promising real estate hubs. Thanks to its strategic location on the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) IT corridor, robust infrastructure developments, and a host of upcoming residential projects, Kelambakkam now stands out as a hotspot for savvy investors and homebuyers alike. In this blog, we delve into why investing in pre-launch projects near Kelambakkam can be a game-changer, explore the current market trends, highlight the top upcoming projects, and provide actionable tips to make the most of this booming market.
Why Pre-launch Projects?
- Lowest Price Point
Pre-launch projects are typically offered at the most attractive prices since developers rely on early bookings to fund construction. By booking early, investors can secure units at rates up to 20–30% lower than launch prices, offering significant upside potential as the project progresses . - Higher Appreciation
As construction advances and amenities take shape, property values tend to appreciate steadily. Early investors in pre-launch projects often enjoy higher capital gains compared to those who buy after project completion . - Flexible Payment Plans
Developers of pre-launch projects frequently provide interest-free or minimal-interest payment plans, easing the financial burden on buyers. This structure allows you to spread payments over the construction period rather than making a lump-sum payment. - Choice of Units
Early booking grants you access to the best inventory—preferred towers, floor levels, and layouts—before the project opens to the wider market.
Why Kelambakkam?
Strategic Location
Kelambakkam sits at the southern tip of the OMR IT corridor, home to leading tech parks and IT companies. It offers direct connectivity to:
- OMR through the Kelambakkam-Vandalur Road, which is under widening to four lanes, promising smoother travel to Siruseri and beyond .
- GST Road (NH45) via the Madambakkam link road, connecting residents to Tambaram, Chengalpattu, and the Chennai airport.
Hit by Chennai Metro Phase II
Phase II of the Chennai Metro, stretching from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur, is slated for completion by 2027. A proposed extension toward Kelambakkam will bolster public transport options, reducing travel time and congestion .
Social Infrastructure
Kelambakkam is well served by:
- Education: Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute, several engineering colleges, and international schools within a 10–12 km radius .
- Healthcare: Chettinad Health City and multi-specialty clinics.
- Retail & Entertainment: VIVIRA Mall (AGS multiplex) and Grand Marina Mall (INOX multiplex) cater to leisure and lifestyle needs .
Affordability & Demand
Land rates on the outskirts hover between ₹2,800 to ₹5,000 per sq. ft., while builder-floor apartments average around ₹5,700 per sq. ft. This affordability, paired with rising demand from IT professionals and end-users, fuels strong rental and resale markets .
Current Market Overview (2025)
- Land Appreciation: Land prices in Kelambakkam have risen by nearly 15% over the last 12 months, reflecting heightened interest from both local and NRIs .
- Apartment Rates: Ready-to-move 2 & 3 BHK apartments are priced between ₹43 lakh and ₹60 lakh, with pre-launch offers dipping as low as ₹38 lakh for 2 BHKs .
- Inventory: Over 70 new projects, including gated communities, plotted developments, and high-rise apartments, are in various stages of launch or construction .
- Rental Yields: Investors can expect rental yields of 4.5–5%, a strong figure compared to many Chennai suburbs.
Key Infrastructure Drivers
- IT Corridor Expansion
Plans to extend the IT corridor beyond Siruseri to Chengalpattu will boost demand for housing in Kelambakkam, as more professionals seek homes closer to work . - Kelambakkam Bypass Road
A 4.67 km bypass, bypassing the Kelambakkam junction to Thaiyur, will decongest traffic and improve last-mile connectivity . - Flyovers & Underpasses
Multiple flyover projects on OMR and Vandalur-Kelambakkam Road will cut travel times significantly, making daily commutes smoother. - Public Transport Upgrades
Enhanced bus services, new bus depots, and feeder services to metro stations will strengthen public transport networks.
Top Pre-launch Projects Near Kelambakkam
Below are some of the most promising pre-launch projects, offering a mix of apartments, plotted developments, and villas:
Benefits of Investing Early
- Higher Capital Gains
Early buyers benefit the most when project milestones—such as foundation completion and structure work—boost market confidence and price revisions. - Customizable Units
Buyers often get choices in flooring, paint shades, and minor layout tweaks when they book at the pre-launch stage. - Attractive Payment Plans
Developers may offer schemes like a 10:90 plan (10% booking, 90% on possession) or equated monthly installments (EMIs) tied to construction. - Priority Access
Securing the best views, floors, and buildings before other buyers enter keeps your investment premium.
How to Evaluate Pre-launch Projects
- Developer Track Record
Research past projects for quality, delivery timelines, and customer feedback. - RERA Registration
Ensure the project is registered under RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority), which mandates transparency in project plans and timelines . - Location & Connectivity
Check proximity to main roads, proposed metro stations, schools, and hospitals. - Amenities & Specifications
Compare what each project offers—clubhouse, gym, pool, landscaped gardens, security features—and how they align with your needs. - Legal Clearances
Confirm land titles, environmental clearances, and no pending litigations. - Payment Flexibility
Evaluate interest rates, installment schedules, and penalty clauses for delayed payments.
Financing Your Pre-launch Purchase
- Home Loans: Most leading banks and NBFCs fund pre-launch purchases, typically up to 75–85% of the project cost, with competitive interest rates.
- Balance Transfer: When the project nears completion, you can transfer the loan to your preferred lender for better terms.
- NRI Financing: Special home loan products are available for NRIs, often with eased documentation and higher loan-to-value ratios.
- Developer Schemes: Some developers tie up with banks to offer better EMIs during construction.
Risks and Mitigation
| Risk | Mitigation |
| Construction Delays | Check RERA timelines and track developer’s history of on-time completion. |
| Market Fluctuations | Diversify investments and avoid over-leveraging. |
| Quality Compromises | Visit ongoing projects by the same developer; read third-party quality audits. |
| Regulatory Changes | Stay updated via RERA portals and local news on zoning or infrastructure policy. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Investing
- Shortlist Projects
Based on location, price, developer, and amenities. - Site Visits
Visit model apartments and sample plots to assess quality firsthand. - Legal Due Diligence
Engage a property lawyer to verify land titles, approvals, and RERA registration. - Booking & Documentation
Complete application forms, pay booking amount, and sign the builder agreement. - Home Loan Application
Apply early to lock in attractive interest rates; maintain good credit for approval. - Monitor Construction
Regularly check project status through developer updates or site visits. - Possession & Beyond
Upon possession, inspect the unit, obtain occupancy certificate, and complete final payments.
Case Study: Early Bird vs Late Buyer
- Early Bird (Booked in Jan 2024)
Bought a 2 BHK at ₹3,800/sq. ft. in a pre-launch project. By mid‑2025, the same unit’s market value rose to ₹4,500/sq. ft., netting a paper gain of over 18%. - Late Buyer (Booked in Jan 2025)
Bought the same configuration at ₹4,200/sq. ft. By mid‑2025, the price corrected slightly to ₹4,300/sq. ft., yielding only a 2.5% gain.
This stark contrast underscores the advantage of early investments in pre-launch projects.
Conclusion
Investing in pre-launch projects near Kelambakkam offers an exceptional opportunity to leverage early-bird pricing, flexible payment plans, and the area’s burgeoning growth. Backed by strong infrastructure drivers—OMR expansion, metro connectivity, and social amenities—Kelambakkam is poised to deliver healthy returns for investors and end-users alike. By conducting thorough due diligence, choosing reputable developers, and following a disciplined investment strategy, you can secure a profitable stake in Chennai’s next real estate frontier.
Source : Fulinspace.com