NRI-Corner

Why NRI's Should Invest in Indian Real Estate

Unlock Growth & Stability

India’s real estate market offers high capital appreciation, steady rental income, and favorable exchange rates, making it a lucrative investment for NRIs. With government incentives, seamless digital transactions, and luxury developments, investing in India ensures financial security while keeping you connected to your roots. Whether for future relocation or portfolio diversification, Indian real estate is a smart, future-ready choice.

Benefits of Real Estate

for NRI

High Capital Appreciation

RENTAL INCOME POTENTIAL

FAVORABLE EXCHANGE RATES

GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES

EASY FINANCING OPTIONS

SEAMLESS DIGITAL TRANSACTIONS

HASSLE-FREE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

International

Events

Stay tuned for updates on when we’ll be visiting a city near you. Check back regularly to catch us at upcoming events!

Date Location Venue

29-11-2025 to 30-11-2025

Nairobi, Kenya

Hyatt Regency, 38 Muthithi Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya

15-11-2025 & 16-11-2025

Singapore

InterContinental Singapore 80 Middle Rd, Singapore 188966

09-11-2025

Malaysia

W Kuala Lumpur, 121, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

11-10-2025 to 12-10-2025

Australia

Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne VIC 3000

11-10-2025 to 12-10-2025

Germany

Eurostars Grand Central, Munich

05-10-2025

London

Hilton London Syon Park, Isleworth, UK, TW8 8JF

04-10-2025 & 05-10-2025

Belgium

Hilton Antwerp Old Town, Groenplaats 32, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

04-10-2025 & 05-10-2025

Sydney

Mantra Parramatta, And, CNR Parkes St. Valentine Ave, Parramatta NSW 2150, Sydney, Australia

04-10-2025

London

InterContinental Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London W1K 6JP

27-09-2025 & 28-09-2025

Hong Kong

Novotel Citygate 51 Man Tung Rd, Tung Chung, Hong Kong

25-07-2025 to 27-07-2025

Seattle, USA

Hyatt Regency, Bellevue, WA, USA

17-05-2025 & 18-05-2025

New Jersey, USA

Sheraton Edison, 125 Raritan Center Parkway, Edison, NJ

22-03-2025 & 23-03-2025

Melbourne, Australia

Rendezvous Hotel, Melbourne

08-02-2025 & 09-02-2025

Washington, USA

The Westin Bellevue, 600 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

NRI

FAQs

To simplify the property buying journey for our growing base of NRI customers, we have put together a comprehensive set of essential facts, guidelines, and requirements. This consolidated information is designed to make investing in our properties seamless and stress-free.

NRI/PIO/OCI

To simplify the property buying journey for our growing base of NRI customers, we have put together a comprehensive set of essential facts, guidelines, and requirements. This consolidated information is designed to make investing in our properties seamless and stress-free.

To understand the implications of buying a property in India, you need to assess your residential status. There are different definitions of residential status under different categories and under different laws.

NON-RESIDENT INDIAN (NRI)

This is a broad term used to refer to Indian citizens living abroad. Technically, you need to be away for a certain period of time in a year to qualify as an NRI. The term NRI has been defined under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) and the Income tax Act, 1961.

NRI DEFINITION ACCORDING TO FEMA

“Person resident outside India” means a person who is not resident in India. Person resident in India means one who resides in India for 182 days or more during the preceding financial year. The following are exceptions to this rule:

  • Persons going outside India for taking a job, carrying on a business or vocation, or for any other purpose for an uncertain period of time are considered as Non-Resident Indians, irrespective of their period of stay abroad.
  • Persons coming to India for taking a job, carrying on a business or vocation, or for any other purpose for an uncertain period of time are considered as Resident in India, irrespective of the period of stay in India.
NRI DEFINITION ACCORDING TO INCOME TAX ACT

An NRI is a person who is not resident in India. An individual is deemed to be a resident in India if:

  • He/she is in India for a period of 182 days or more during the previous year; or
  • He/she is in India for a period of 60 days or more during the previous year and 365 days or more during four years immediately preceding the previous year.

If you are not a citizen of India presently but were in the past or at least one of your parents / grandparents / great grandparents was an Indian citizen, or you are married to an Indian citizen / OCI, you can register as an OCI. You are eligible for certain privileges in India such as a lifelong multiple-entry visa.

A Person of Indian Origin (PIO) refers to an individual (excluding citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, China, Iran, Nepal, or Bhutan) who:

  • Has held an Indian passport at any point in time, or
  • Is the child or grandchild of a person who was a citizen of India under the Constitution of India or the Citizenship Act, 1955 (Act No. 57 of 1955).

Owning a home for most of us is a matter of comfort, pride and status. And for those Indians living abroad, buying a home in India is about staying connected to their roots and having a sense of belonging to their native land. No wonder, most Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) wish to purchase a house in India. The currency advantage due to a depreciating Rupee tends to work in favour of NRIs, beefing up purchasing power.

NRIs and OCIs are allowed to acquire and own immovable property (other than agricultural land, plantation property or farmhouse) in India. However, suppose you are a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Iran, Nepal or Bhutan (and such other countries as may be notified from time to time). In that case, you need prior permission from the Reserve Bank of India to acquire property in India. The basic conditions and restrictions on property ownership by NRIs / OCIs are laid down by the Foreign Exchange Management Act 1999 (FEMA).

REPARTIATION OF NON-RESIDENT INDIANS (NRI’s) INVESTED FUNDS

The Government of India allows Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to repatriate their invested funds, but there are specific limits and conditions. NRIs can repatriate up to USD 1 million per financial year from their Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) accounts. This limit applies to principal amounts and does not include interest earned, which can be repatriated separately. There are also specific rules for repatriating funds from property sales, with a similar USD 1 million limit per financial year. While the 60% figure might relate to a specific investment scheme or a general guideline, the primary repatriation limit for NRO accounts is USD 1 million.

HOME LOANS FOR NRIS

The FDI policy, which permits 100% foreign/NRI investment under the automatic route, has further strengthened NRI investor confidence. Banks offer a range of attractive housing loan schemes specifically designed for NRIs, and housing finance companies provide tailored loan products with flexible repayment terms.

Finally, NRIs should exercise caution when choosing their loan provider/financial Institution. Given the geographical distance, it’s essential to partner with a responsive and proactive housing finance company to ensure smooth coordination and service.

A wide choice of home loans is available to NRIs to purchase their home. Each financial institution has its own set of rules and norms.

Following are the key documents needed to apply for a home loan:

  • Proof of identity, residence and income
  • Photocopy of a valid passport and visa
  • Copy of property allotment letter/buyer agreement or agreement to sell, if property is already shortlisted
  • Passport size photographs of all applicants
  • Cheque towards processing fees
  • Power of Attorney if applicable
  • Or any other document as required by Financial Institution
  • PAN Card (Permanent Account Number)
  • OCI/PIO Card (applicable for Overseas Citizens of India / Persons of Indian Origin)
  • Passport (required for NRIs)
  • Recent passport-size photographs
  • Valid address proof
  • A photocopy of the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card. If the PIO card is not available, submit photocopies of any one of the following documents:
  • Current passport mentioning ‘INDIA’ as the place of birth
  • A previously held Indian passport

Indian passport, birth certificate, or marriage certificate of the applicant’s parent or grandparent, supporting the claim of Indian origin

Under the general permission granted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the following categories are allowed to freely purchase immovable property in India:

  • Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
  • Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)

This general permission is applicable only for the purchase of residential and commercial properties, and does not extend to agricultural land, plantation property, or farmhouses in India. Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) are also permitted to purchase immovable property in India, excluding agricultural land, plantation property, or farmhouses.

No, NRIs and PIOs do not have general permission to acquire agricultural land, plantation property, or farmhouses in India. Any such acquisition requires prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are considered in consultation with the Government of India.

Tax on income from immovable property selling / renting

Merely purchasing a property does not incur any income tax liability. However, any income generated from the property is taxable in the hands of the owner. This includes:

  • Rental income, if the property is let out
  • Deemed annual value, if the property is not rented and is not the only residential property owned in India
  • Capital gains, whether short-term or long-term, arising from the sale of the property or any part of it

These income sources are subject to taxation under the applicable provisions of Indian tax law.

The Government of India allows NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs to purchase property in India under general permission, and no taxes are applicable at the time of acquisition. However, taxes become applicable when the property is rented or sold.

  • Rental Income: If the property is rented out, the rental income is taxable in India. In such cases, the individual must obtain a Permanent Account Number (PAN) and file an income tax return in India declaring the rental income.
  • Capital Gains on Sale: When the property is sold, any profit earned is subject to capital gains tax:
    • If the property is held for 3 years or less from the date of possession, the gains are treated as short-term capital gains, which are added to the total income and taxed as per the applicable income tax slab.
    • If the property is held for more than 3 years, the gains are classified as long-term capital gains, taxed at a flat rate of 20%, along with applicable cess and surcharge.

Thus, while purchasing property does not incur tax, NRIs / PIOs / OCIs are required to file returns if they earn taxable income from the property in India.

India has entered into Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) with several countries to offer beneficial tax treatment for specific types of income. These agreements are designed to prevent the same income from being taxed in both India and the country of residence of the taxpayer.

However, in the case of capital gains from the sale of immovable property, most DTAAs specify that such gains are taxable in the country where the property is located. Therefore, if an NRI sells property situated in India, the capital gains arising from the sale will be taxable in India.

Similarly, rental income from letting out immovable property in India is also taxable in India under most tax treaties, as the property is physically located within Indian territory.

In summary, under DTAA provisions, capital gains and rental income derived from Indian property by NRIs are generally subject to taxation in India, regardless of their country of residence.

Does capital Gains Tax (CGT) Apply to NRI / PIO / OCP

Yes, both long-term and short-term capital gains are taxable in the hands of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs). The applicable tax rates and conditions are governed by Indian tax laws and may vary based on the duration of property ownership and the nature of the asset sold.

Type of asset: Includes house property, land and building, jewelry, development rights, etc.

Rate of tax deduction at source (TDS):

  • Long-term: 12.5% without indexation (for properties acquired after July 23, 2024); 20% with indexation remains an option for earlier acquisitions
  • Short-term: Taxed as per individual income tax slab

Exemption available (only for long-term capital gains):
Capital gains from sale of a residential house can be reinvested in another residential property within the prescribed time. The exemption is limited to the amount of gains or the investment, whichever is lower. Alternatively, investment in specified bonds (e.g., NHAI or REC) up to ₹50 lakhs also qualifies for exemption.

When a non-resident pays capital gains tax in India, the same income is typically reportable in their country of residence. However, under the applicable Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), the taxpayer is generally eligible to claim a foreign tax credit for the tax paid in India.

The exact credit amount depends on:

  • The provisions of the DTAA between India and the taxpayer’s home country
  • The domestic tax laws of the home country governing how foreign tax credits are calculated and allowed
What Are the Rules Governing the Repatriation of Sale Proceeds of Immovable Properties by NRI / PIO as Prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India?
  • If the property was purchased using foreign exchange—either through normal banking channels, or by debit to an NRE or FCNR(B) account—then the amount repatriated cannot exceed the original amount paid through:
    • Foreign exchange remitted via banking channels
    • Debit to NRE account (converted to foreign currency as on the date of payment)
    • Debit to FCNR(B) account
  • Repatriation of proceeds from residential property purchased using foreign exchange is limited to two properties.
  • Capital gains, if any, must be first credited to the NRO account. From there, NRIs/PIOs may repatriate up to USD 1 million per financial year, subject to applicable taxes.
  • If the property was acquired using Rupee funds, the NRI/PIO may also remit up to USD 1 million per financial year from the NRO account (including proceeds from assets acquired through inheritance or settlement), provided the remittance is for bona fide purposes and tax obligations are met.

This USD 1 million facility may also be used for repatriating capital gains even if the property was originally acquired via funds remitted through NRE/FCNR(B) accounts or normal banking channels.

Yes, rental income is repatriable as it qualifies as a current account transaction. Repatriation is allowed after deduction of applicable taxes and upon submission of a certificate from a practicing Chartered Accountant confirming compliance with tax laws.

While rental income is freely repatriable, the repatriation of sale proceeds of immovable property is subject to RBI conditions. Specifically, the repatriated amount cannot exceed the original amount paid for acquiring the property in foreign exchange through normal banking channels or via NRE/FCNR(B) accounts.

Are NRI / PIO / OCI Eligible for Housing Loans to Buy Property from Any Indian Bank?
  • Yes, NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs can avail housing loans from authorized dealers or housing finance institutions in India approved by the National Housing Bank, subject to the following conditions:

    • The loan amountmargin money, and repayment tenure must be on par with those offered to Indian residents.
    • The loan amount must not be credited to the borrower’s NRE, FCNR, or NRNR accounts.
    • The loan must be fully secured through an equitable mortgage on the property being purchased and, if required, by a lien on other Indian assets of the borrower.
    • Loan repayments—covering principal, interest, and other charges—can be made via:
      • Remittances from abroad through normal banking channels
      • Funds in NRE, FCNR, NRNR, NRO, or NRSR accounts
      • Rental income from the acquired property
      • Relatives in India, by crediting the borrower’s loan account from their bank account (as per Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956)
    • The interest rate must comply with RBI or National Housing Bank guidelines.
Who Should File Tax Returns?

If you are an NRI, OCI, or PIO, you are required to file an income tax return in India if either of the following applies:

  • Your taxable income in India during the financial year exceeds the basic exemption limit of INR 1.6 lakh, OR
  • You have earned short-term or long-term capital gains from the sale of investments or assets in India, regardless of whether the gains fall below the exemption limit.

Note: The higher exemption limits available to senior citizens and women are applicable only to Resident Indians, not to Non-Residents.

Yes, there are two key exceptions where NRIs / PIOs / OCIs are not required to file a tax return in India:

  • If your only taxable income consists of investment income (interest) and/or capital gains, and tax has already been deducted at source (TDS) on such income, you are not obligated to file a return.
  • If you have earned long-term capital gains from the sale of equity shares or equity mutual funds, such gains are exempt from tax, and do not need to be included in your tax return.

Tip:

You may still choose to file a return if you want to claim a tax refund. For example:

  • If your total taxable income is below INR 1.6 lakh, but TDS was deducted by the bank on your interest income
  • If you have a capital loss that can be set off against capital gains, or carried forward to future years

In such cases, filing a return helps you recover excess tax paid and optimize your tax liabilities.

Traditionally, NRIs could file their tax returns by authorizing a representative in India through a Power of Attorney, or by mailing documents to a tax consultant who would handle the filing process.

However, the most convenient and efficient way today is to file tax returns online. Several secure and user-friendly platforms are now available, enabling NRIs to file directly from abroad, with minimal paperwork and faster processing.

 

Indicative List of Documents Required for Home Loans

Salaried Individuals / Self-Employed Individuals:

  • Audited balance sheets and profit & loss statements of the company for the last 3 years
  • Bank statements for the last 6 months (for both the individual and the business, if applicable)
  • Income tax returns for the last 3 years
  • Passport and visa copies
  • Recent utility bill as proof of address
  • PIO / OCI card, if applicable
  • Power of Attorney (if required, in the prescribed format of the respective bank)
  • Credit check report
  • Property agreement and other relevant property documents

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