NRI property: your questions answered

Yes. NRIs and OCI cardholders can buy flats, houses, villas, offices, shops and non-agricultural plots without special permission, and there is no limit on the number of properties. See buying property in India as an NRI.

No. NRIs and OCIs cannot buy agricultural land, plantation property or farmhouses unless they inherit them or get specific permission. They can hold such property if inherited.

OCI cardholders are treated like NRIs for property: residential and commercial property is allowed, agricultural land is not. Foreign citizens without OCI face stricter rules and should take legal advice before committing.

By inward remittance through banking channels or from NRE, FCNR(B) or NRO funds, or with an Indian home loan. Foreign currency notes and travellers' cheques are not allowed. Keep every bank advice; you need them to repatriate the money when you sell.

For new projects, check the RERA registration number on the state RERA website before paying a booking amount, and the agent's RERA registration. For resale homes and plots, have a lawyer check the title chain, encumbrance certificate and approved plan.

Often not. A trusted person in India can sign and register for you under a specific power of attorney, attested at an Indian mission or notarised and apostilled where that is accepted. See power of attorney from abroad.

Stamp duty and registration charges are set by each state and differ by city, property value and sometimes the buyer's gender. Check the state's current rates before you budget.

Yes. When the seller is a non-resident, the buyer must deduct tax at source from the payment, needs a TAN to do so, and must deposit it and issue a TDS certificate. The rate is based on the seller's capital gains tax rate plus surcharge and cess, not the 1% that applies to resident sellers. This is general information; speak to a chartered accountant (CA) about your situation.

No. The ₹50 lakh threshold and 1% rate apply only when the seller is resident. When the seller is an NRI, TDS applies whatever the price. This is general information; speak to a chartered accountant (CA) about your situation.

Yes, to a resident Indian or to another NRI or OCI. Agricultural land, plantation property and farmhouses can be sold only to residents. See selling property: TDS and repatriation.

Proceeds go to your NRO account. If you bought with foreign exchange, NRE or FCNR(B) funds or a loan repaid from those, you can usually repatriate up to that amount, for up to two residential properties. Otherwise the NRO route allows up to USD 1 million a financial year after tax.

KLICK NRI does not give investment advice. Many NRIs buy a home in India to live in later or for family; check the developer, RERA status, rental demand and your ability to manage the property from abroad, and take independent advice.

Yes, any property, including agricultural land, from a resident or non-resident. Sale proceeds of inherited property can usually be sent abroad through the NRO route of up to USD 1 million a financial year, with documents proving the inheritance.

An NRI can generally gift residential or commercial property to a resident or to another NRI or OCI. Agricultural land, plantation property and farmhouses can be gifted only to residents. Stamp duty applies.

Yes. Rent is taxable in India, the tenant usually deducts tax at source, and the rent goes into your NRO account. A local agent or family member often manages the property.

There is no limit on the number of residential or commercial properties. A limit applies later on repatriating sale proceeds: up to two residential properties under the foreign-exchange route.

Yes. Each owner pays their share from permitted sources; the NRI's share must come from abroad or from NRE, FCNR(B) or NRO funds. Record the ownership shares in the sale deed.

RERA is the real estate regulator in each state. Most new projects and agents must be registered, and registration gives you a route to complain about delays. Always check the RERA number before paying.

Generally no. NRIs and OCIs have general permission to buy residential and commercial property, as long as payment comes through permitted banking channels.

Yes. Pay the developer through banking channels, check the project's RERA registration and approvals, and if you take a home loan the lender pays in stages as construction progresses.