Flats in Virugambakkam: Why Small Builder Apartments Are Selling Faster Than High-Rises in 2025

Suppose you are searching for flats in the western pockets of Chennai. In that case, you have probably come across Virugambakkam, which is recognized for its proximity to Arcot Road, peaceful residential streets, and bustling markets, and has become one of the most sought-after areas for flat buyers in 2025.

However, an interesting trend in the local property market is that small builder apartments are selling more than big gated complexes. This isn’t just a random trend, but is something very particular to Virugambakkam’s real estate landscape.

If you’re considering buying a flat in this area, it’s important to know about why small builder projects are dominating and why many homebuyers prefer them over large complexes. Let’s briefly discuss the reasons behind this trend.

Virugambakkam: A Residential Hub with Its Own Identity

Virugambakkam isn’t just a usual locality along Arcot Road. It boasts a unique blend of historic residential areas, film industry offices, bustling local markets, and temples. While neighbouring areas such as Koyambedu and Saligramam have witnessed more commercial development, Virugambakkam has managed to stay largely residential, a reason behind its becoming a preferred choice for families.

Walk through streets such as Valasaravakkam Main Road, Meenakshi College Road, and Choolaimedu Link Road, and you’ll see that small apartment blocks, builder floors, and independent houses dominate the entire area. There are very few high-rise projects in Virugambakkam compared to Velachery or OMR.

The reason behind this is that the locality is built on smaller plots, typically ranging from 1 to 2 acres. Large township-style developments, which have a more community-driven lifestyle, don’t easily fit into the landscape of Virugambakkam.

Why Small Builder Flats Are Selling Faster

In 2025, small builder flats are rapidly developing in Virugambakkam for several reasons, all tied to the local lifestyle and real estate patterns.

Land Availability Favours Small Projects

The majority of Virugambakkam’s residential colonies comprise independent houses, old builder floors, and inherited properties. Builders usually purchase single houses or old flats and reconstruct them into:

4-unit or 6-unit apartment buildings
Compact 2BHK or 3BHK flats
G+2 or G+3 constructions without massive towers

Due to smaller land parcels, builders can’t create high-rise communities even if they wanted to. This makes small builder apartments the new standard supply in Virugambakkam.

Families Prefer Community-oriented Living

Virugambakkam has always had a close-knit community vibe. Streets such as Kalaimagal Nagar, Chinnappa Street, and Palaniappa Nagar are filled with residents who’ve lived there for several years. Families like the idea of living in smaller apartments where:

You are familiar with your neighbours.

Maintenance costs are lower.
The common areas aren’t congested.
There’s no demand for massive clubhouses or pools that you may never use.

For buyers who prefer the privacy of small, gated complexes, builder floor apartments offer a more personal and accessible option.

Small Builder Flats are more Affordable – At Least Upfront

While property prices have risen in Virugambakkam over the years, small builder flats still offer a relatively affordable entry point compared to large high-rise projects in neighbouring areas.

Buyers can usually expect:

Lower costs for construction
Simple amenities without any fancy clubhouse or gym
No extra premium for large-scale project marketing or brand value

Streets such as Kaveri Nagar, Rajiv Nagar, and Rangarajapuram Extension have seen numerous small builder projects over the last two years, with prices that appeal to first-time buyers and middle-class families.

Faster Project Timelines

One of the most significant problems faced by homebuyers in Chennai is huge delays in the project, which is very common for large township-style apartments. But the small builders usually develop quickly because:

The scale is relatively small
Builders function on single-phase projects instead of multi-tower layouts
There’s less dependency on large-scale RERA-registered funding cycles

Most small builder flats in Virugambakkam become functional within 12 to 18 months of the project launch. In some instances, buyers can book near-completion units, which is a significant advantage for those seeking a quick relocation.

Higher Undivided Share of Land (UDS)

Another big reason for residents opting for builder flats is the higher Undivided Share of Land (UDS). In large gated communities, the UDS per flat is usually much smaller because the land is divided into hundreds of apartments.

In Virugambakkam’s builder floor projects, buyers typically get:

A bigger land share for every flat
Better sustainable value if the land appreciates
More possibilities for redevelopment in the future

For streets such as Kaliamman Koil Street or Rajamangalam Main Road, where land shortage is a significant factor, UDS is a major consideration for buyers considering long-term investments.

Parking & Utility Simplicity

While parking is a significant concern in many parts of Chennai, small builder floor flats often offer stilt parking or ground-floor parking slots, especially in recent developments. Since these are small complexes, parking is manageable compared to large high-rise projects, where allocation can be a challenge.

Utility management is also simpler, as residents don’t have to deal with expensive maintenance contracts for gyms, swimming pools, or large power backups, which can lead to additional monthly costs.

What Buyers Should Consider

While builder floors have clear advantages, there are some things to consider before you purchase:

Verify the CMDA approval and RERA registration even for small projects.
Analyse the construction quality, as small builders may cut corners in some instances.
Ensure a registered association is in place post-handover to handle repairs and maintenance.
Be mindful of the difference between carpet area and built-up area, as some small builders advertise larger sizes but include balconies and common areas in their calculations.

The Virugambakkam Lifestyle: Why It Works for Flat Owners

Beyond the flats themselves, Virugambakkam offers a lifestyle that perfectly suits retirees, small families, and working professionals. Some of the local highlights include:

Easy access to schools such as Vani Vidyalaya and Chinmaya Vidyalaya
Grocery shopping at Virugambakkam Market and nearby supermarkets
Healthcare access with hospitals such as Sooriya Hospital and Rakshith Hospital nearby
Temples and parks in residential colonies add to the community feel.
Nearness to Koyambedu Bus Stand to Vadapalani Metro Station, which enhances connectivity

If you’re looking for flats for sale in Virugambakkam that offer faster possession, better land share, lower maintenance costs, and a simpler way of life, these small builder flats make a lot of sense in 2025.

The rising demand is not only for affordability, but because families are intentionally opting for community-oriented living over high-rise complexity. For buyers who prioritise convenience, location, and long-term value, this is the right time to consider the apartments in Virugambakkam before the available plots are sold out.