The Indian real estate sector is quite tricky. You need to have sound knowledge about it before investing in the right property. While the real estate sector in India appears as a sound investment tool to its residents, the Non-Resident Indian community is also intrigued by Indian real estate. There are a number of reasons for the growing interests of the NRIs in this sector particularly. Safeguarding retirement plans, the yield on investments, and better returns are just some reasons why NRIs prefer to invest in real estate in India. It is true that NRI property investment in Indian real estate has grown to a great extent. Here’s why.

No maximum cap on properties owned

As far as NRI property investment is concerned, there is no restriction on the number of properties an NRI can invest in India. According to Reserve Bank of India or RBI, an NRI is permitted to buy any commercial or residential property in India. Furthermore, an investor does not need to get any permission from the RBI for the same. However, you should know, there is a restriction on foreign investment when it comes to plantation property, agricultural land or a farmhouse. These types of properties are allowed only when they are gifted to or inherited by the NRI.

NRI investment in real estate

Financial Transactions and Funding
For any NRI investment in real estate, it is of paramount importance for the transactions to be carried out in Indian currency through Indian banks alone. All the transactions should only be done through Indian banking channels. This further calls you to use your NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary Rupee) or NRE (Non-Resident Rupee) account. Apart from this, you can even issue post-dated cheques or ECS (Electronic Clearing Service) from your NRO, FCNR (Foreign Currency Non-Resident) or NRE account.

Besides, an NRI can also get funding or financial help for the purchase, only if the paperwork is clear. If you are planning to purchase a property, and it is jointly held or inherited, ensure you get a no-due certificate. You can also get help from various home loan schemes available for NRIs. However, remember that you have to pay a minimum of 20% of the property value. An NRI can get loans from banks and housing finance companies that are registered with the National Housing Bank. As the loan is sanctioned in Indian currency, it is importance for an NRI to repay the loan amount in the same currency.

As far as documents are concerned, it is vital for the NRIs to have valid passport copies, a copy of currency, appointment letter, salary certificate, designation held and more. Now that you have all the information, ensure you invest rightly and wisely in the Indian real estate sector. Go through the NRI corner on your bank’s website for more details.

Warren Buffet once said, “Never depend on single income. Invest to create a second source”. Investing in a property is definitely a great option for it offers lucrative returns. When it comes to property investment, making the same in immovable property is definitely a great decision. Lowered interest rates, expansion of the economy and not to forget, increased disposable incomes only make an investment in an immovable property attractive. NRI property investment is all about taking the right decision and ensuring it is a wise one. Here are some tips that work great for an NRI investor who is planning to invest in the real estate market of India.

Know the purpose

As an NRI it is important to understand the risks before investing in the Indian real estate. You should have a purpose in mind as to what you plan to do with the property. If you are looking for great returns, then buying or investing in real estate units in a developed area, offers long-term returns and is a better solution than renting it out. Apart from this, NRIs can even purchase equity shares of listed real estate companies or developers.

Legal title and document checks

NRI investment in real estate should be made with complete care and precision. It is of paramount importance to check the legality of the property; after all, you definitely do not want to invite any legal hassles. Do not forget to get a confirmation from the current owner of the property, dig out the history, and know if there were any legal disputes and so on. Ensure the property you are investing in, is clear in every way.

Reputation of the developer

You are bound to seek help from a real estate developer or a company to find the right property for investment. Before you seek expert help, ensure the developer has a clean record. Ensure there were no past delays in project implementation from their side. A good bet for NRI property investment is to opt for reputed developers like Godrej Properties, Hiranandani Constructions, T Bhimjyani Realty, Piramal Realty etc.

Location

Location does play a major role when it comes to investing and choosing a property. You definitely do not want to invest in a property that does not yield much profit. Always go for a property that has rich and better infrastructure and necessary amenities nearby. This further helps in getting long term returns.

Tax implications

As an NRI, ensure you think through the tax implications that include TDS, taxes, rental taxes, and so on. Seek help from a tax attorney for any information. To avoid short-term capital gain tax, it is important to stay invested for at least three years.

Consider these tips to make your investment in the Indian real estate count!

Everyone is quite aware of who an NRI is. As far as property purchase is concerned, a Non-Resident Indians or NRI can purchase a property or house back in India. An NRI can purchase any type of property in India. An NRI can buy or receive an immovable property as a gift without the permission from the Reserve Bank of India or RBI. As far as purchasing an immovable property is concerned, the funds can be easily forwarded out of India, subject to foreign exchange.

NRI property investment requires a lot of planning and thinking. The real estate market has always proved to be lucrative as far as investment is concerned. It offers opportunities for investors to explore the real estate market that offers high returns. Both residents of India and Non-Resident Indian can invest in the immovable property.

Purchase and Inheritance of the Immovable Property

Generally, both the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and Non-Resident Indian (NRI), are allowed to receive by way of gift or buy any immovable property in India. Besides, it is not necessary to seek permission from the Reserve Bank of India or RBI for the same. However, it is vital to seek permission from the RBI if an NRI wishes to purchase an agricultural land, farm house or any plantation property. Furthermore, both the PIO and NRI are allowed to inherit the any of the immovable property including an agricultural land and so on. Besides, you should also know that there is no restriction on the number of properties an NRI or PIO can invest or purchase.

As far as the payment is concerned, it is important to have been received in India through traditional banking channels through inward payment from any place outside India. Or the funds that are held in Non-Residential External (NRE) account, Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) account or Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) account maintained in India.

Transfer of Immovable Property

As far as NRI investment in real estate is concerned, an NRI can transfer any of the immovable property by way of gift or sale to the residents of India or NRIs. However, if an NRI owns an agricultural land or farm house, then the same should be transferred to people of Indian origin alone.

To conclude, NRIs can acquire immovable property in India through inheritance from an individual who is a resident of India. Furthermore, the same can be transferred only with prior permission from the RBI. Go through the NRI corner if you have any queries.

Under the guidelines of Reserve Bank of India or RBI, a Non-Resident Indian or NRI can purchase certain types of properties. However, form some type of realty, an NRI will require special permissions. A Non-Resident Indian who is interested in investing in the Indian real estate should be aware of the legal provisions that pertain to both purchasing and owning of immovable property under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). NRI investment in real estate should be made keeping in mind a number of aspects.

Types of Properties an NRI or Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) Can Invest In:

A general permission is given to the NRIs through a circular an NRI has a special by the Reserve Bank of India or RBI to purchase any commercial or residential property in India. For the same, an NRI need not send any communication or intimation or seek any special permission from the RBI. As far as existing general permissions are concerned, an NRI can purchase any number of commercial and residential properties back in India. Apart from this, an NRI is also allowed to own any number of commercial and residential properties under the Income tax laws. In case, an NRI is not able to make it to India, the documents for the purchase can be submitted by a person, who has a valid power of attorney. Under the Reserve Bank of India’s general permission, an NRI property investment cannot be made on plantation property or agricultural land in India. An NRI will have to seek special from, NRI if he/she wants to buy a plantation or farmhouse.

Continuance of Property Ownership, After an Individual Becomes an NRI

You are bound to wonder if the situation where a person who already owns properties in India and subsequently becomes an NRI. Well, in such a situation the person can continue holding the properties in his/her name in India. Besides, an NRI can even continue owing plantation property, farmhouse or agricultural land, that he/she earlier owned. Apart from this, the individual can even let out the property. However, the rent received from such properties can be sent only after appropriate Indian taxes have been paid.

Joint Ownership

Not many know, but an NRI can buy a property in India as a single owner or jointly, with other NRI. You should know, a resident Indian cannot become a joint holder who is not allowed to invest in the Indian property.

Similarly, an NRI is also allowed to gift or sell an immovable property to any person of Indian origin. Besides, a resident Indian can also transfer or gift the property, other than farmhouse, agricultural land or plantation property to a Non-Resident Indian.

Go through the NRI corner for more details.