Your Complete Roadmap to Buying Real Estate in India Without Stepping Foot on Home Soil
For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), purchasing a property in India offers more than just emotional satisfaction—it’s also a strategic investment decision. With India’s real estate sector seeing consistent growth, especially in emerging markets like Ahmedabad, many NRIs are turning their attention toward residential and commercial investments back home.
That said, buying property from abroad involves several legal, financial, and procedural considerations. At Property Navigators, we specialize in simplifying this process for NRIs by offering expert consultation, verified listings, legal due diligence, and personalized assistance at every step.
Here’s your complete guide to buying property in India remotely.
1. Who Is Eligible to Buy Property in India?
Under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), NRIs and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) are permitted to purchase residential and commercial properties in India. However, agricultural land, plantation property, and farmhouses are restricted unless prior approval is obtained from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
If you’re an NRI holding an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, you’re also eligible to buy and own immovable property, provided it falls within FEMA guidelines.
2. Choose the Right Property
Choosing the right property begins with identifying your goals—do you want to invest for capital appreciation, earn rental income, or secure a future home for relocation or retirement?
Cities like Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and GIFT City offer attractive options in both residential and commercial segments. From high-growth areas like Shela, SG Highway, Shilaj and South Bopal to emerging micro-markets near GIFT City, NRIs have access to a wide range of opportunities.
🔗 Explore verified projects with high ROI potential here
3. Funding Your Purchase (NRE/NRO/Loans)
As an NRI, you must use legally permitted financial channels to purchase property in India. Here’s how you can fund your investment:
Through Indian Bank Accounts:
- NRE (Non-Resident External) Account:
- Used for foreign income
- Funds can be freely repatriated (sent back abroad)
- Ideal for buying and selling real estate while keeping the proceeds mobile
- NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) Account:
- Used for income earned in India (rent, dividends, etc.)
- Repatriation is restricted to up to $1 million per financial year
- Often used to manage rental earnings from Indian properties
- FCNR (Foreign Currency Non-Resident) Account:
- A term deposit account in foreign currency
- Can be used indirectly by transferring to NRE/NRO for property-related transactions
- Inward Remittance:
- Funds sent directly from your foreign bank account to an Indian bank through authorized banking channels
All payments must comply with RBI and FEMA norms and be properly documented.
Taking a Home Loan in India as an NRI:
Several Indian banks and NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies) offer home loans specifically for NRIs, with features such as:
- Competitive interest rates
- Flexible repayment tenures (up to 20 years)
- Online application and document submission
- Loan eligibility based on income earned abroad
Loan EMIs can be repaid via your NRO/NRE account or using rental income earned from the property.
At Property Navigators, we have partnered with reputed banks to help you secure pre-approved loan offers, understand your EMI structure, and manage the entire loan process remotely.
🔗 Ask us about NRI-friendly financing options and bank tie-ups
4. Documentation Required
Proper documentation is vital for a smooth and legally sound transaction. Here’s a comprehensive list of documents you’ll need:
- Valid passport and visa as proof of identity and nationality
- OCI/PIO card if applicable
- PAN card (mandatory for all property transactions and taxation purposes)
- Proof of address, both foreign and Indian (attested by Indian Embassy if overseas)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Power of Attorney (PoA) if you’re authorizing someone in India to act on your behalf
We assist NRIs in compiling and verifying all required documents, ensuring compliance with banking and legal protocols.
Appoint a Power of Attorney (PoA)
A Power of Attorney (PoA) is typically required only when purchasing a resale property, especially if you’re unable to be physically present in India during key stages like:
- Signing the sale agreement
- Registering the property with the sub-registrar
- Applying for a home loan
- Taking possession or handling post-sale formalities
However, when buying a new property directly from a builder, there’s usually no need for a PoA, as buyers are generally not required to be present for the sale deed execution—builders often handle this process smoothly with pre-authorized arrangements.
6. Legal Due Diligence & Property Verification
Buying a property remotely comes with risks—but with the right legal checks, you can avoid disputes and ensure peace of mind.
Here’s what our legal due diligence includes:
- Title verification to confirm rightful ownership
- RERA registration check to ensure the project is compliant
- Approvals & NOCs from relevant civic authorities
- Encumbrance certificate to ensure no legal dues or mortgages
- Verification of builder credentials, especially in under-construction properties
At Property Navigators, our legal team handles all this for you, ensuring every deal is clean and transparent.
7. Registration & Taxation
Once the sale is finalized, the property must be registered with the local sub-registrar office. You will be required to pay:
- Stamp Duty (rates vary by state)
- Registration Charges (typically 1% of the property value)
- TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) at 1% for properties above ₹50 lakh
Additionally, NRIs must pay income tax on any rental income earned and capital gains tax upon resale. Property Navigators provides access to legal and tax advisors who guide you through every step of compliance and optimization.
8. High Return on Investments
One of the biggest reasons NRIs are buying property in India is the strong return potential. Cities like Ahmedabad have seen significant appreciation due to infrastructure development, smart city initiatives, and a booming IT and business ecosystem.
Particularly, the rise of GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) has turned the spotlight on surrounding areas, with property prices seeing impressive upward trends. Localities such as Motera, Chandkheda, Tragad, and the SG Highway corridor are becoming investment hotspots, thanks to their proximity to commercial zones and improved connectivity.
🔗 Discover high-ROI property investments in GIFT City
9. Exit Strategy and Repatriation of Funds
When the time comes to sell your property, NRIs can repatriate the proceeds under certain RBI guidelines, provided the original purchase was made through NRE/FCNR accounts or foreign remittance.
Key considerations include:
- Repatriation is allowed for up to two properties per financial year
- TDS at 20%-30% applies at the time of sale; however, refunds or exemptions may be applicable
- Capital Gains Tax:
- Short-term (held <2 years): taxed as per slab
- Long-term (held >2 years): taxed at 20% with indexation benefits
Our team helps you structure your exit strategy, calculate tax liabilities, and manage RBI documentation to repatriate your earnings smoothly.
10. Property Management & Rental Services
Once you’ve purchased a property in India, maintaining it from abroad can be challenging. That’s why Property Navigators offers dedicated Property Management Services for NRIs, including:
- Tenant sourcing and screening
- Rental agreement drafting and renewals
- Rent collection and maintenance coordination
- Regular updates and property status reporting
We act as your on-ground representative to ensure your property is well-maintained, rented out profitably, and legally compliant.
Final Thoughts
Investing in property from abroad doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right advisors, verified listings, and legal support, NRIs can confidently own and grow assets in India’s booming real estate market.
At Property Navigators, we are committed to making your cross-border property journey secure, simple, and profitable. From discovery to documentation to post-sale services—we’re your trusted partner on the ground in India.
