The demand for advanced residential amenities in Chennai has grown steadily over the years. With the rising interest in high-end housing, developers are now offering more features that cater to privacy and comfort. One such feature being discussed frequently is the inclusion of private elevators. Many prospective homebuyers and investors are beginning to notice this addition, especially in luxury flats in Chennai.
Let us explore whether private elevators are becoming standard in such properties and understand the reasons behind this trend.
What is a Private Elevator?
A private elevator refers to a lift that opens directly into a flat. It can be accessed only by residents or their authorized guests. Unlike regular elevators used by all residents in a building, these lifts connect to a single unit per floor or to a cluster of units with restricted access.
Private elevators are either keycard-operated or use biometric authentication to function. They are intended to offer a direct and isolated mode of vertical travel inside a residential tower.
Why Are Developers Adding Private Elevators?
The increasing focus on privacy in city living is the main reason for this trend. With the rise in gated communities and high-rise apartment towers, buyers are looking for quieter and more secure living options. Private elevators eliminate the need to share lift space with others and offer a seamless entry to the apartment.
Developers have started to include this feature in high-end projects to meet buyer expectations and stay ahead in a competitive housing market. In areas like Adyar, Nungambakkam, and Anna Nagar, several new projects are being launched that offer private elevator access to each unit.
Do All Luxury Flats in Chennai Have Private Elevators?
Not all flats advertised as luxury come with this feature. Many high-end apartments still use standard elevators, even if the rest of the property offers modern fittings and finishes.
Private elevators are usually seen in:
- Projects with one apartment per floor.
- Duplex or triplex flats.
- High-rise towers with segmented elevator zones.
In such properties, the private lift is not an optional upgrade but part of the basic plan offered to the buyer. However, the availability still varies depending on the size of the project and the number of units per floor.
Is This a New Feature or Just More Visible Now?
Private lifts are not entirely new in Chennai. Some older premium developments have included them, especially in penthouses. But their popularity is rising now due to increased awareness and demand for individualised living space.
The COVID-19 pandemic also influenced this change. During lockdowns, buyers became more conscious about avoiding shared spaces. Since then, the idea of having isolated access to one’s flat has gained more attention. Builders are using this demand to offer private lifts as part of their amenity set.
What Are the Benefits?
There are several advantages of having a private lift in an apartment.
1. Higher Level of Privacy:
Residents do not have to wait or ride with strangers. The lift opens directly into their unit.
2. Improved Security:
Since the lift requires a specific keycard or fingerprint to operate, unauthorized access is restricted.
3. Better Convenience:
Carrying items such as groceries or luggage becomes easier with direct access to the flat.
4. Higher Resale Value:
Flats with private lifts are likely to be more attractive in the resale market due to the added level of convenience.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
While private elevators offer several benefits, there are also a few limitations:
1. Higher Cost of Maintenance:
The service and maintenance of a dedicated lift can be costlier than shared ones.
2. Limited Use in Smaller Projects:
Private lifts are not practical in mid-sized apartments or where multiple units share the same floor.
3. Space Requirements:
These lifts need more space within the apartment layout and can slightly reduce usable internal space.
Are They Becoming Standard?
It would be premature to call private elevators a standard feature in luxury flats in Chennai. However, the trend is clearly growing. More new projects in the luxury segment are offering them as part of their regular offering, not as an add-on.
If the current market direction continues, we might see private elevators becoming more common in flats priced above a certain bracket. But for now, they are still limited to select buildings and specific unit configurations.
Who Should Consider Flats with Private Elevators?
Private elevators are particularly useful for:
- Families with elderly or mobility-challenged members.
- People who value maximum privacy.
- Buyers who live in areas with high footfall in common spaces.
- Those looking for long-term investments with resale potential.
Final Thoughts
Private elevators are slowly making their way into more projects under the premium housing category. Although they are not yet standard across all luxury flats in Chennai, the inclusion of such features is becoming more frequent.
If you are planning to buy a flat in Chennai and privacy is your top priority, then looking for a project that offers private lift access may be a wise decision. Just remember to consider the overall layout, cost of maintenance, and availability of space before finalizing your choice.
