NRI Property Buying Guide
Everything you need to know about buying property in India as an NRI
Quick Facts for NRI Property Buyers
Can buy residential & commercial
NRIs can freely buy residential and commercial properties in India
Cannot buy agricultural land
Agricultural land, plantation, and farmhouse purchases are restricted
No limit on number of properties
You can own any number of residential or commercial properties
Payment via NRE/NRO account
Payments must be made through proper banking channels
Verify current rules with your bank or a qualified professional; regulations change.
Step-by-Step Property Buying Process
Research & Shortlist Properties
Shortlist plots or properties that meet your requirements. Compare location, type, price and approval status before going further.
Virtual Site Visit
Schedule a video call for a virtual tour. Our team will show you the property, surroundings, and answer all your questions in real-time.
Document Verification
Get all property documents verified by a legal expert. Check title deed, encumbrance certificate, mutation records, and approvals.
Power of Attorney (If Required)
If you cannot be present in India, execute a Power of Attorney in favor of a trusted person to handle the transaction on your behalf.
Token/Booking Amount
Pay a token amount to book the property. This is typically 1-5% of the property value and should be paid through NRE/NRO account.
Sale Agreement
Sign the sale agreement mentioning all terms, payment schedule, and possession date. Get it notarized for legal validity.
Final Payment & Registration
Complete the payment and register the sale deed at the Sub-Registrar's office. Pay stamp duty (typically 5-7% of property value).
Mutation & Possession
Apply for mutation in your name at the local municipal office. Take possession of the property with all original documents.
Verify current rules with your bank or a qualified professional; regulations change.
Essential Documents Checklist
Ensure these documents are verified before making any property purchase:
Original sale deed of the property
Proof of ownership
EC for last 13-30 years
Latest tax payment receipts
For constructed properties
For constructed properties
Permission to occupy
No objection certificate
For projects in Punjab/Haryana
CLU for commercial/residential
Fard/Inteqal records
If buying through POA
FEMA Guidelines for NRI Property Purchase
Payment Methods
- -Funds from NRE (Non-Resident External) Account
- -Funds from NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) Account
- -Funds from FCNR (Foreign Currency Non-Resident) Account
- -Inward remittance through normal banking channels
Important Restrictions
- -Payment cannot be made in foreign currency within India
- -Traveler's cheques or foreign currency notes are not accepted
- -Third-party payments are not allowed
- -All transactions must be properly documented
Repatriation of Sale Proceeds
- -NRIs can repatriate up to USD 1 million per financial year
- -Original purchase must have been made through proper banking channels
- -CA certificate and tax clearance required
- -Maximum 2 residential properties' sale proceeds can be repatriated
Verify current rules with your bank or a qualified professional; regulations change.
Power of Attorney (POA) Guide
If you cannot be physically present in India for property registration, you can execute a Power of Attorney.
General POA
Gives broad powers to the attorney to act on your behalf for multiple transactions.
Special POA
Limited to a specific transaction or property. Recommended for single property purchases.
POA Attestation Process
- 1Draft the POA document with all necessary details
- 2Get it notarized by a Notary Public in your country of residence
- 3Get it attested by the Indian Embassy/Consulate
- 4Send the original POA to India via secure courier
- 5Get it adjudicated (stamped) in India before use
Verify current rules with your bank or a qualified professional; regulations change.
Need Help with Your Property Purchase?
We coordinate plot verification, POA paperwork and construction for NRIs building in Punjab. Ask us how the process works for your situation.