Everything Non-Resident Indians need to know about buying property in India — FEMA rules, tax obligations, RERA compliance, home loans, and repatriation limits, all in one place.
India's property market is one of the most compelling investment destinations for the global Indian diaspora — buoyed by strong fundamentals, a weaker rupee, and surging demand in metro cities.
Delhi-NCR residential prices grew 10.5% year-on-year (Knight Frank India 2024). Gurgaon, Noida and Greater Noida are leading this surge.
Metro cities deliver 4–6% annual rental yields (CBRE India). Stable passive income denominated in INR, with no cap on ownership.
A weaker rupee stretches every foreign-currency dollar, pound or dirham — making Indian property significantly more affordable.
The Real Estate Regulation Act mandates transparency, project registration and fund discipline — a strong safety net for remote investors.
NRIs and OCIs cannot directly purchase these property types under FEMA:
Note: Restricted properties may still be inherited or received as a gift from a resident Indian under certain conditions.
All property payments must be routed through RBI-approved NRI accounts. Cash transactions are not permitted.
You can repatriate up to USD 1 million per financial year (inclusive of all transactions). Rental income is repatriable after applicable TDS deductions. Form 15CA / Form 15CB from a Chartered Accountant is mandatory for remittances above the prescribed threshold.
EMI repayments must be made from NRE or NRO accounts only. Loan tenure typically up to 20–25 years.
India has Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) with over 90 countries — you likely won't pay tax twice on the same income.
India has DTAAs with over 90 countries including the USA, UAE, UK, Canada, Australia and Singapore. To claim DTAA benefits, obtain a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) from the tax authority in your country of residence. Consult a qualified CA to determine how this applies to your specific situation.
Use a specific, limited PoA — one that covers only the defined real estate transaction. Avoid a general PoA. Have it notarised and apostilled in your country of residence, then registered in India.
Revoke the PoA as soon as the transaction is complete. Keep certified copies of the registration documents and retain the original PoA for your records.
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 is a landmark law that protects homebuyers — especially those investing from abroad who can't physically inspect projects.
All projects above 500 sq.m or 8 units must be RERA-registered before any marketing or sale. Always verify on your state's RERA portal.
Developers must deposit 70% of buyer funds in a separate escrow account, ensuring money is used only for that project's construction.
Builders are legally bound to deliver by the registered possession date. Delays attract interest compensation for buyers.
Check title deeds, encumbrance certificates and ensure there are no court disputes or mortgages on the property before signing.
Verify environmental clearances, building plan approvals, and OC (Occupancy Certificate) for completed projects.
Research past projects — delivery timelines, quality complaints, RERA violations — before committing to a new project.
Buying without a clear title check can result in costly legal disputes years later.
Investing in an unregistered project offers zero legal recourse if the builder defaults.
Missing TDS obligations, misreporting capital gains, or ignoring DTAA benefits can lead to penalties.
Buying in a low-demand micro-market can lock up capital with minimal appreciation or rentability.
Skipping a property lawyer, CA, and property manager is the most expensive shortcut you can take.
These markets offer a combination of infrastructure development, price appreciation potential, and strong NRI demand.
Delhi NCR — established market, MNC hub
Delhi NCR — Jewar Airport infrastructure
Delhi NCR — fastest-growing corridor
Whitefield, Electronic City, Sarjapur
HITEC City, Gachibowli corridor
Mohali & Panchkula corridors growing
Browse RERA-verified properties across India, connect with trusted developers, and get dedicated NRI support from our team — all from the comfort of your home abroad.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Consult a qualified CA and property lawyer before making investment decisions.