Top Location Trends: Emerging Demand in Chennai’s Secondary Business Hubs

Chennai’s commercial spotlight has shone chiefly on the big names Guindy, Mount Road, and OMR for years. But here’s the twist: the city’s office space in Chennai for rent story is no longer just about these prime districts. There’s a quiet (and sometimes not-so-quiet) revolution happening in the secondary business hubs, and they’re quickly becoming the new favourites for companies of all shapes and sizes.

Chennai is growing fast. As businesses expand, they realise that good connectivity, innovative infrastructure, and lifestyle-friendly surroundings can be found beyond the traditional centres.

Let’s take a look at the rising stars.

1. Perungudi & Thoraipakkam: The OMR Stretch Expands

If OMR is Chennai’s “IT Corridor,” then Perungudi and Thoraipakkam are its younger, cooler cousins.

Why they click: Rentals are easier on the wallet compared to the prime OMR stretch, there’s solid access to talent, and the residential scene is growing fast.

The vibe: Think buzzing coworking spaces, ambitious startups, and mid-sized firms that want flexibility without the sky-high price tag.

For tenants: A smart pick for companies hunting for workspace in Chennai that blends affordability with a vibrant, tech-friendly environment.

2. Ambattur: The Industrial Star-Turned-Commercial Contender

Once known purely as an industrial hub, Ambattur has reinvented itself as a serious contender in the office space market.

• Why They Work: Large land parcels, IT parks, and lower lease rates than the CBD.
• The Vibe: It’s functional, no-nonsense, and popular among back-office operations, IT/ITES firms, and cost-conscious companies.
• For Tenants: Ambattur has you covered if you want office space in Chennai for rent that can handle a large scale without burning a hole in your budget.

3. Velachery: The Lifestyle Magnet

Velachery has the best of both worlds: the ease of a residential neighbourhood and the buzz of a growing commercial hub.

Why it clicks: It is close to OMR and GST Road, has strong metro links, and offers a lively mix of shopping, cafés, and lifestyle hangouts.

The vibe: This is ideal for companies that want their teams to step out of the office and straight into a mall, a gym, or a coffee shop.

For tenants: It’s especially appealing if you’re looking to attract younger talent who value a workspace in Chennai that fits seamlessly into their lifestyle.

4. Porur: The Rising West

Chennai’s western corridor is coming into its own, and Porur is leading the charge.

• Why They Work: Easy access to IT hubs like DLF Cybercity, better road networks, and improved social infrastructure.
• The Vibe: Corporate campuses and large-format offices dominate, but flexible workspaces are finding a foothold too.
• For Tenants: Perfect for mid-to-large companies looking for room to grow.

5. Pallikaranai & Medavakkam: The New-Age Frontier

Still considered “up-and-coming,” these locations are already turning heads among forward-looking businesses.

• Why They Work: Affordable real estate, growing residential clusters, and spillover from OMR.
• The Vibe: Early adopters are mostly startups and coworking providers.
• For Tenants: If you’re betting on Chennai’s next big growth wave, this is where you set up your office space in Chennai for rent.

The Bigger Picture

The hunt for workspace in Chennai isn’t just about the old-school CBDs anymore. The spotlight is shifting to secondary hubs, and it’s easy to see why they tick all the boxes: easier on the budget, better to get to, and friendlier to live and work around.

For businesses, this translates into more options, greater flexibility, and offices that fit employees’ work and living preferences. For Chennai, this is a clear sign that the city’s growth isn’t limited to one corner; it’s spreading north, south, east, and west.

Prime hubs will always have their shine, but the action is increasingly moving outward. Whether it’s Velachery’s lifestyle perks, Ambattur’s scale, or Porur’s connectivity, secondary hubs are redefining what it means to rent office space in Chennai. The bottom line? Chennai isn’t just growing, it’s diversifying. And for businesses, that’s the kind of trend worth riding.