Chennai Real estate searches in Jan 26

The traditional "checkbox" approach to finding a home is dying. According to the latest January 2026 search data from findbhk, Chennai’s property seekers are moving away from mindless scrolling toward a high-intent, "problem-solving" behavior that is reshaping the city’s real estate ecosystem.

The report reveals that users are no longer just browsing listings; they are using property platforms as informed advisors to navigate complex life decisions.

From Listings to Intent: The Search for Solutions

Chennai users are ditching generic filters for highly specific, intent-driven queries. The data shows a surge in real-world, everyday questions that demand more than just a list of results. Common searches now include: 

• “Ready to move flats near Porur”
• “Iyra the spire Velachery reviews”
• “Plots around GST Road under ₹2,000 per sq.ft”
• “Properties near metro stations”

The report highlights a growing "decision request" trend, where users ask platforms to perform the heavy lifting of analysis with queries like:

• “Rank top 3 options with reasons”
• “Is it UDS or land ownership?”
• “What is the maintenance cost and what does it include?”

Plot Demand: Safety Over Speculation

Plot and land demand remain a cornerstone of the market, particularly along the OMR and GST Road corridors. However, the search behavior reveals a "risk-reduction" mindset. Buyers are pairing location searches with technical feasibility questions:

• “Water feasibility” and groundwater concerns.
• “Is this a water-logging area?”
• “Ready to build” vs long-hold land.
• CMDA/RERA approvals.

This suggests that while price-per-square-foot (frequently filtered between ₹1,500–₹7,000) is important, transparency and legal safety are the primary drivers of final decisions.

The Lifestyle-Led Rental Market

Renters in Chennai are behaving more like buyers, meticulously optimizing for lifestyle fit. Budget caps (like "rent under 15k") are now combined with specific constraints:

• Proximity: Tech parks, metro stations, and schools.

• Comfort: Semi-furnished, AC, western commode, and pet-friendly.

• Community: Gated, lift, security, and power backup.

Amenities as a Proxy for Quality

One keyword dominated the January data: "Swimming pool." Often paired with gyms and car parking, amenities are no longer considered "nice-to-have" extras. They have become a shorthand for build quality and long-term resale comfort. Frequent queries include:

• “2 BHK with swimming pool and car parking under 20k”
• “Gated community with pool in OMR”
• “Projects with swimming pool in North Chennai”

The "Compare and Shortlist" Shift

Perhaps the most significant finding is the rise of the "Compare and Shortlist" behavior. Overwhelmed by choice, users are asking AI-driven platforms to help them narrow the field:

• “Compare the top 2 on price, possession, highlights”
• “Which two should I shortlist and why?”
• “Show the lowest starting price options and what I lose/gain”

There is also a growing intolerance for "noise." Users are increasingly using restrictive commands to keep their searches clean, such as: "Suggest only the location I mentioned," "Don't show this builder/project," and "Show me only gated communities."

The Verdict: A Maturing Market

The findbhk report indicates that Chennai’s real estate market is entering a new phase of digital maturity. Buyers and renters are no longer just shopping—they are auditing.

For the property ecosystem, the battleground has shifted from the "number of listings" to the "quality of decision support." The platforms that win will be those that understand intent, provide due diligence data, and reduce the complexity of the home-finding journey.