Why OMR is one of Chennai's most-watched corridors
Old Mahabalipuram Road, known simply as OMR, runs south from Chennai along the coast and is the address most associated with the city's IT industry. Technology parks and company campuses line it from Sholinganallur through to Siruseri and beyond, and homes have followed the jobs.
Over about two decades, what began as a few gated apartment complexes for IT staff has become a full neighbourhood, with schools, hospitals, malls and cinemas along the road rather than a long drive away. Market commentary in 2026 still puts OMR among Chennai's biggest areas for home sales.
It isn't one market, though. Locals talk about two halves: the older, denser stretch from Madhya Kailash through Perungudi to Sholinganallur, and the newer stretch beyond Navalur towards Siruseri and Kelambakkam, which is still developing. Prices, building quality and facilities differ a lot between them, so judge a property by its stretch, not by OMR as a whole.
Getting around and infrastructure
OMR's appeal has always been its closeness to the IT jobs. It's served by IT-corridor buses and plenty of cabs, and the established stretches have reasonable roads, drainage and street lighting, especially inside gated developments.
Traffic at office hours is a real drawback. Drive your own commute at rush hour before you buy, rather than relying on the off-peak times a seller quotes.
Schools, hospitals and big shops are well established in the older stretches like Sholinganallur and Perungudi, and thin out towards Siruseri and Kelambakkam, where they're still catching up with the new homes.
What's for sale
Mostly flats in multi-storey gated complexes, from compact one- and two-bedroom units for young IT staff to larger three- and four-bedroom family flats in the established stretches.
Plots and independent villas exist but are less common and cost more per square foot than flats, because so much of the road is already built up, especially between Sholinganallur and Navalur.
Offices, from large company campuses to smaller shared workspaces, are a market of their own here, bought mainly by investors who want long-term rental income rather than a resale.
| Stretch | Main property type | Typical buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Sholinganallur / Perungudi | Established flats | Home buyers and landlords |
| Navalur / Siruseri | Newer flats, some plots | IT staff and medium-term investors |
| Kelambakkam and beyond | Plots and new layouts | Long-term land investors |
Legal checks
For any flat, start by confirming the project's TNRERA registration. Then check the undivided share (UDS) of land allotted to your flat, that what's been built matches the sanctioned plan, and the Encumbrance Certificate and parent title documents yourself rather than relying on the builder's copies.
For a resale flat, also make sure any earlier loan is closed and the bank has returned the original deed, and that maintenance dues are cleared before registration. For plots, check the layout approval (CMDA or DTCP, depending on where the plot is), the Patta and Chitta, and any pending change of land use.
What to check
- Confirm the project's TNRERA registration number.
- Check that the UDS matches the sale agreement.
- Compare the sanctioned plan with what's been built.
- Check the Encumbrance Certificate and parent title documents.
Who buys here
IT staff working along the corridor make up a big share of buyers, often choosing a short commute over a bigger home or a quieter street. Many move from older, larger homes in central Chennai to a smaller, newer flat near work.
Landlords buy for the steady demand from people working at the campuses nearby, and long-term investors look further south towards Kelambakkam, expecting the IT industry to keep pushing development outwards.
How we can help
We can check the TNRERA registration, the UDS and the builder's documents before you commit, and help you compare stretches of OMR against your budget and what you want from the property.
With more than 25 years in Tamil Nadu real estate, we can also help NRI and out-of-state buyers buy on OMR from a distance, arranging site visits and paperwork for you.
Common questions
Is OMR a good area for rental income in Chennai?
Generally, yes. The IT companies along the road keep demand from tenants steady, and it's one of Chennai's more reliable rental markets. Demand is strongest near the big employment clusters, and rents vary with the exact stretch and the age of the property.
What should I check before buying a flat on OMR?
The project's TNRERA registration, the undivided share (UDS) of land allotted to your flat, and that what's been built matches the sanctioned plan, all before you sign the sale agreement.
Which part of OMR is more affordable?
The stretches further from the Sholinganallur–Perungudi IT cluster, like Kelambakkam and beyond. Weigh the lower price against a longer commute and fewer facilities nearby.
Should I buy in the older or the newer stretch?
The older inner stretch is settled and fully built up, with facilities on the doorstep. The outer stretches cost less and have more room to grow, but are still developing. It's a question of what you need, not just your budget.