housing on ECR

Nick-H

Well, not everywhere, but even our modest home is set back sufficiently from the road that one would not exchange much with passers by.

By contrast, my previous home was in a small street of about a dozen houses, the occupants of which varied from unfriendly through indifferent to friendly and helpful. We (and particularly I, when I was living by myself) were lucky to have good neighbours there. Here, to be a little cynical, we tend to meet people when they want something.

Contrary to any impressions given online, I am moderately introvert, and my wife has a concious policy of more-or-less keeping her life private and herself to herself. I think an extrovert coming here could have as busy a social life with the locals as they chose.

I also think they would find themselves doing a lot of, err... charity work.

Silence is pretty impossible to find, even in the hours of the night. I'd hope for more of it if I moved out where SAHM is --- and if I found myself next to a party house I'd be very pissed off.

madan80

the ford Factory is in Maraimalainagar. This is roughly 35Kms from the Airport. Now given that point of reference - ECR is on the parallel road (quite literally).

there is a connector road from Kovalam thru to Kellambakkam to Vandallur to Maraimallainagar. Vandallur to Maraimalainagar is roughly 13Kms.

There are some nice houses at neelankarai and going further till Uthandi. beyond uthandi does make a trip to the city pretty cumbersome but this is minimized as you have theatres, entertainment centers and shopping areas all around there.

If you are looking at something with a pool - that would be a good place to look as well.

So if you stay at Uthandi- you might end up travelling about 40-55 kms one way to work.

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mirjamd

It did have to do with the lack of streetlights. She just didn't feel safe there at night on her own.

And yes, by all means, do avoid the party houses!! When you go to these parties it is great fun, but as a neighbour, I am sure it can drive you crazy....

Even though, the beachhouse party scene has quieted down a bit, because the police cracks down on them a lot more than before, they are still there...

Nick-H

When I was a child living in the rural English Midlands, we received notice from the local council that they intended to improve our dark road with street lights. Immediately my parents and several other neighbours were up in arms: this was a country lane, we neither wanted nor needed street lights.

Certainly the blackness never tripped up this child on his way home from the station when coming home from school.

I've never really liked street lighting, but I guess it is necessary.

VJ HAWK

Yet another family considering a move to Chennai from Midwest USA on an EXPAT assignment. Thank you all for all the great information available on IM. I greatly appreciate it. Special thanks to NICK, SAHM,and CAPT for all the comments. I intend to seek more information from you as we consider this move.

Cheerios,
VJ

Nick-H

You are welcome

Gerry1

hello again,
I have visited Chennai three days before. I also spent a whole day to look for a home for my wife and me.
First the relocation company showed me apartment in the city an I was shocked about the condition and the prices. 100.000 - 190.000 Rupies for a 20 year old appartment which was dirty and stinky, the walls damaged. No garden, no pool, a pretty loud area, -horrible!
Is it really so difficult to find a home for such a high price?
After lunch we drove south, along the ECR. There I had the chance to see two beach houses (not directly on the beach). One of it was appr. 15 years old and has a large garden. It had a lot of work to be done before it is usable. But the surroundings are great and quiet.
Does everyone know about houses for rent around Muthandi?

Nick-H

It sounds like it is time to sack the relocation company.

one or two lakhs can and should buy you some amount of luxury! The city is a big place, though, what area did you see?

Go back to the site ISN suggested a few posts ago: http://www.primelocator.in/search-properties.php and compare what you saw with what you see there.

I think it is seriously worth your while to dump the relocation people and make some phone calls and enquiries yourself.

But a day is nothing. A day is good to choose a hotel or serviced apartments to spend the first 2-4 weeks in while you look for something permanent. Even when you are working, your family can shortlist places in the day, cutting out the dross, you can then maximise the use of your time out of the office. If you can, leave the actual negotiation to your company here.

Do not let the relocation agency foster a sense of dependency: it will dig deep into the wallet!

ISN

Your relocation agency is trying to rip you, the real-estate industry is in a very sad state in India. Agents only show you what they have they will not show properties listed by others, so they use a pressure tactic they show you the worst property they have and quote a higher price and tell you that there is no place available in Chennai and if you don’t decide within a few minutes the property will be rented out to another person, the money you are spending is huge you can even buy a property using a bank loan and sell it at a huge profit when you leave, so don’t fall for the pressure tactic do your own homework, contact the person in prime locator maybe he can find you a good place like the ones he has listed in his website and tell him your requirement and use the price he has quoted on the site as a reference.

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milliways

It seems that at the moment many companies/expats come to Chennai and the housing opportunities are limited.

The relocation companies show you what have. But they maybe offer first the left overs before they show the better stuff. Be patient and ask them to provide alternatives. If the relocation company is not able to show appropriate solutions, check for other relocation companies. Put the pressure on the relocator. No deal results in no profit.

Check also for alternative relocation companies. Competition always helps you. Inform your HR guys about the competence of the relocation company, they decide about the future relocation business.

In a worst case come to Chennai without a final decision and stay in a hotel. The sea freight will be on the way minimum 6 weeks, you still have time.

good luck
milliways

Nick-H

The relocation company, although it will have a few properties on its own books, will also go to other agents. Another level of profit making.

The expat population is tiny; I don't see how it can make any great effect on the market. However, generally, rents at all levels have followed the land price trend, which is one of having tripled in the last few years.

Gerry1

Now, my wife and me have been moved to Chennai. We are living in the Hotel since two weeks, because the house we have choosen, is still under construction.
It is located in Kanathur (next village after the toll gate). SAHM, You must live in that area. It would be great to get in touch with You. May be You can give us some recommendations where to buy some stuff.

ISN

Hi Gerry,

Welcome to Chennai, hope you will get your house finished soon so that you can start enjoying the place. Staying in hotel is not fun, hope your kids are adjusting to the new environment. Have you found a school for your kids?

ISN