Need advice on warehouse project in Chennai
I am an NRI and have around ₹11 Cr in hand, with a total budget of ₹14 Cr. I am planning to invest in a warehouse project near Chennai, specifically in the Oragadam industrial area. Below is the math I have worked out — please let me know if my assumptions are realistic and if there are any pitfalls I should be aware of.
Land cost: ₹6 Cr (for ~2 acres near Oragadam)
Warehouse construction cost: ₹1,500/sqft
Target built-up area: 50,000 sqft
Construction cost: ₹7.5 Cr
Total project cost: ₹13.5 Cr
Rent: ₹27/sqft/month
I had a discussion with CBRE, and they assured me that if I engage them for purchasing the plot, they can help secure a rental agreement with a client for a built-to-suit warehouse. The agreement would offer an assured rent of ₹27/sqft with a 10-year lock-in on a 20-year lease. Demand is strong in this corridor, especially from 3PL and automotive manufacturing companies.
I am also expecting long-term capital appreciation on the land.
What I want to know: Are there any pitfalls I might be missing? Is it safe to invest in this region from an NRI perspective? Are there any risks of local political pressure, or interference after construction or during leasing? What is the ground reality when it comes to owning and operating industrial real estate around Oragadam?
I would really appreciate any insights from people who have done something similar or are familiar with the area.
Posted Aug 7, 2025, 12:50 AM UTC