Tambaram Corporation undertook property tax reassessment without proper consultation or prior notice, triggering backlash from residents' welfare associations, social activists and property owners. At least 100 complaints received, being examined case-by-case. Commissioner S Balachander said properties may have been under-assessed or misunderstood; matter will be redressed shortly.

Complaints show significant increases: Chitlapakkam resident study found 1,500 sq ft residential property on Babu Street would draw Rs 23,238 annually against Rs 16,250 for comparable property on Boat Club Road in GCC area. United Federation of Residents Welfare Associations reported half-yearly tax on 468-sq-ft commercial property climbed from Rs 3,000 (2024-25) to Rs 11,725 (2025-26), with solid waste user charge rising from Rs 1,800 to Rs 3,000. Pallavaram resident's 2,620-sq-ft ancestral property half-yearly tax jumped from Rs 490 to Rs 24,231. Residents attribute spike to civic body's attempt to establish uniform property tax rates. Federation demanded calculation break-up and tax review.

Chennai's rental market is shifting to suburbs due to Metro expansion, growing IT employment hubs, and upgraded transport infrastructure. Average rental growth across Chennai was 8% year-on-year.

Localities with highest rent appreciation:

• Iyyappanthangal: 21.7%
• Koyambedu: 20.3%
• West Tambaram: 19.1%
• Medavakkam: 18.5%
• Thoraipakkam: 18%
• Ramapuram: 15.3%

Rent drivers: Chennai Metro expansion along corridors including Iyyappanthangal, Ramapuram, and Koyambedu; IT and Global Capability Centre expansion on Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) corridor (Thoraipakkam, Perungudi, Sholinganallur); Kilambakkam Bus Terminus opening transforming GST Road corridor (Pallavaram, Perungalathur, Tambaram belt).

Affordability: Average monthly rent in Tambaram is Rs 15,073, approximately 30% lower than Porur (Rs 19,753). Young professionals and corporate employees migrating to suburbs for larger homes at lower rents.

Tenant preferences: 59% prefer apartments in gated communities or complexes (up from 42% in 2020). Demand for fully furnished homes increased 49% since 2023; fully furnished homes attract 1.4 times more tenant demand than semi-furnished properties. Demand for unfurnished properties declining.

Property experts expect strong rental appreciation ahead in KK Nagar, Tambaram, Maduravoyal, Adyar, and Valasaravakkam.

Residents of fast-developing areas around Chennai, including Tambaram, have waited three decades for inclusion under Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (Metro Water) for improved water and sanitation services.

Comparison of services: Metro Water provides incentives for early payment of water and sewerage tax; Tambaram Corporation does not but offers incentives for property tax payment only.

Issues in Tambaram Corporation limits:

• Several areas lack underground sewage networks, affecting lakes and groundwater
• Many areas do not receive daily drinking water supply
• Residents struggle with payment process: Corporation assigns separate numbers for property tax and water charges; SMS demands cite assessment numbers for property tax but not connection numbers for water charges, hindering payment
• No expertise in finding new water sources; insufficient manpower and efficiency

Second Master Plan of Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) recommended expanding Metro Water across entire Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA).

A senior Metro Water official confirmed a pending proposal with government to expand operational jurisdiction of Metro Water to Tambaram and Avadi corporations, but implementation is delayed due to financial constraints. The proposal may be taken up after elections.

In Greater Chennai Corporation, residents can pay both property and water taxes using the same assessment number.