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NRI property FAQs

Straight answers to the questions NRIs ask most about buying property in India.

Yes. NRIs (Indian citizens resident abroad) and OCI cardholders can buy any number of residential and commercial properties in India. They cannot buy agricultural land, plantation property or farmhouses, though they may inherit them. See our NRI Investment Guide.

Not necessarily. You can shortlist through virtual tours, pay from your NRE/NRO account and appoint a trusted person in India through a Power of Attorney to sign and register documents on your behalf.

We display RERA registration numbers where the developer has published them. Always verify the registration and project details yourself on the relevant state RERA website before booking.

Initial consultations and shortlisting are free. If any paid service applies (for example property management), we explain the fees in writing before you engage us.

Payments must be made in rupees through banking channels - by inward remittance or from your NRE, FCNR(B) or NRO account, or through a home loan from an Indian lender. Foreign currency cash and travellers' cheques are not permitted.

Yes. Our team can arrange live video walkthroughs of sample flats, construction sites and the surrounding area, scheduled to suit your time zone.

Under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, an NRI is an Indian citizen who is a person resident outside India - broadly, someone who has gone abroad for employment, business or another purpose indicating an intention to stay outside India for an uncertain period. FEMA residency is different from tax residency under the Income-tax Act.

Yes. OCI cardholders can buy residential and commercial property in the same way as NRIs, but not agricultural land, plantation property or farmhouses (other than by inheritance).

There is no limit on the number of residential or commercial properties an NRI or OCI can buy. However, repatriation of sale proceeds of residential property bought with foreign exchange is limited to two properties.

Both can be used to pay for property. Funds from an NRE (or FCNR(B)) account or fresh inward remittances make it easier to repatriate sale proceeds later. An NRO account holds income earned in India such as rent. Keep all remittance proofs.

Yes. Execute a specific POA abroad - notarised and apostilled, or attested at the Indian Embassy/Consulate - and have it stamped (adjudicated) in India within three months of receipt. Registration may also be required. See the POA guide.

An NRI or OCI can receive residential or commercial property as a gift from a relative and can inherit any property, including agricultural land. Tax and stamp duty consequences vary, so take professional advice.

Yes. Most Indian banks and housing finance companies lend to NRIs and OCI cardholders, subject to age, income, employment and country-of-residence criteria set by each lender.

Under RBI norms, the maximum loan-to-value is 90% for loans up to ₹30 lakh, 80% for loans above ₹30 lakh and up to ₹75 lakh, and 75% for loans above ₹75 lakh. Lenders may offer less based on your repayment capacity.

EMIs can be paid from your NRE, NRO or FCNR(B) account, by inward remittance through banking channels, or from rental income in India. Payment in foreign currency cash is not allowed.

It varies by lender - commonly up to 15–20 years, and with some lenders up to 30 years - subject to your age at the end of the loan.

Yes. A close family member, resident or non-resident, can be a co-applicant to improve eligibility. Lenders usually require any co-owner of the property to be a co-applicant.

RBI rules do not permit lenders to charge foreclosure or prepayment penalties on floating-rate home loans taken by individuals for non-business purposes. Check your loan agreement for fixed-rate terms.

Rent from Indian property is taxable in India. The tenant must deduct TDS at 30% plus surcharge and cess before paying rent to an NRI. You can claim deductions (such as the 30% standard deduction and municipal taxes) and a refund of excess TDS by filing an Indian tax return. Consult a chartered accountant.

Gains on property held for more than 24 months are long-term and, for transfers on or after 23 July 2024, taxed at 12.5% without indexation plus surcharge and cess. The option to choose 20% with indexation for property bought before that date is available only to resident individuals and HUFs, not NRIs. Short-term gains are taxed at slab rates.

The buyer must deduct TDS under Section 195 and deposit it using a TAN. The NRI seller can apply for a lower deduction certificate (Form 13) so that TDS is deducted only on the expected tax liability.

Long-term gains may be exempt if reinvested in a residential house in India (Section 54, subject to a cap and time limits) or in specified bonds within six months (Section 54EC, up to ₹50 lakh). Conditions apply - take professional advice.

Sale proceeds of up to two residential properties bought with foreign exchange or NRE/FCNR(B) funds can be repatriated up to the amount paid in foreign exchange. Other balances in an NRO account can be remitted up to USD 1 million per financial year after taxes, with Form 15CA and, where required, Form 15CB.

India has Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements with many countries. Property income is generally taxed in India and your country of residence usually gives credit or relief. You will typically need a Tax Residency Certificate and Form 10F to claim treaty benefits in India.

We help NRIs and OCIs find, evaluate and buy property in India - project shortlists, virtual tours, documentation and POA guidance, home loan assistance, registration support and referrals for property management.

Our focus markets include Gurugram (including Dwarka Expressway), Noida, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Browse all projects or ask us about other cities.

We aim to respond within one business day. Tell us your preferred call time and time zone in the enquiry form and we will call accordingly.

No. Prices are indicative, based on information from developers, and can change. Taxes, stamp duty, registration and other charges are extra. Always confirm the latest price list with the developer before booking.

Carpet area is the net usable floor area inside the walls of your apartment, as defined under RERA. Built-up area adds wall thickness and balconies, and super built-up area adds a share of common areas. Under RERA, apartments must be sold on carpet area.

Search for the project by name or registration number on the official RERA website of the state where it is located. Check the registration certificate, approved plans, completion date and quarterly progress reports.