01
Can an NRI buy property in India?
Yes. NRIs can generally purchase residential and commercial properties in India, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
NRI Property Guide
Practical answers before you take the next step.
General information for NRIs dealing with property and assets in India. Specific matters should always be assessed on their facts and applicable law.
Practical guidance
NRI Sarthi / Guide02
What documents should I verify before buying a property?
Title documents, previous sale deeds, encumbrance records, approvals, property tax records, possession status and other relevant documents should be verified before purchasing a property.
03
How can I verify that the seller actually owns the property?
A proper title search and verification of registered ownership documents and relevant government records should be carried out before entering into the transaction.
04
Can someone purchase property on my behalf in India?
Yes. An NRI can authorize a trusted person through an appropriately executed Power of Attorney, subject to applicable legal requirements.
05
Can an NRI sell property in India without travelling to India?
In many cases, yes. A properly executed Power of Attorney can enable an authorized representative to handle the transaction on the NRI's behalf, subject to applicable legal requirements.
06
What taxes apply when an NRI sells property in India?
At the time of sale, TDS is deducted from the sale consideration as applicable under the prevailing income-tax laws. The actual tax liability is subsequently determined based on the capital gains provisions, after considering factors such as the purchase cost, holding period, eligible deductions and applicable tax rates. The NRI should thereafter file an Income Tax Return to determine the final tax liability and claim any eligible refund or adjust any additional tax payable.
07
Can the TDS deducted on the sale of my property be reduced?
Yes. Where applicable conditions are met, an NRI seller can apply to the Income Tax Department for a Lower/Nil Deduction Certificate based on the estimated actual tax liability. We assist NRIs with the application, documentation and coordination process for obtaining the certificate, which may help reduce the TDS deducted at the time of sale.
08
How can I safely receive the sale proceeds?
Sale proceeds should be received through permitted banking channels and handled in accordance with applicable FEMA, banking and income-tax requirements. The appropriate account and repatriation route may depend on the nature and source of the funds.
09
Who will manage my property if I live abroad?
NRI Sarthi can assist with property management, including tenant coordination, rent follow-up, maintenance, repairs, property inspections and other day-to-day requirements.
10
Can you help if my tenant is not paying rent or refuses to vacate?
Yes. We can coordinate with the tenant and, where required, assist in initiating appropriate legal proceedings through the relevant professionals.
11
What happens to property after the death of the owner?
The property may require succession, mutation, transmission or other legal formalities, depending on the circumstances and applicable succession laws.
12
Can you assist with inherited property held jointly by family members?
Yes. We can assist with documentation, succession-related formalities, mutation, partition and coordination among the concerned parties.
13
Can old physical shares and unclaimed dividends still be recovered?
Yes, subject to verification of ownership and completion of the applicable claim and documentation process.
14
Can you help recover shares transferred to IEPF?
Yes. We assist with the documentation and claim process for recovery of eligible shares and dividends transferred to IEPF.
15
Can you help with disputed or complicated ownership cases?
Yes. We assist in coordinating ownership, transmission, succession and other asset-related issues, including cases involving deceased holders, missing documents or multiple claimants.
16
Can NRI Sarthi handle the entire transaction on my behalf?
We provide end-to-end coordination and assistance, from document verification and transaction support to legal, taxation and property-management coordination, depending on the requirements of the case.
17
Do I need to travel to India personally?
Not necessarily. In appropriate cases, a valid Power of Attorney and proper documentation can allow an authorized representative to handle the required formalities in India.
18
Can you help with the documentation and coordination even if I live outside India?
Yes. We coordinate with lawyers, chartered accountants, RTAs, companies, banks, government authorities, buyers, sellers, tenants and other relevant parties, helping NRIs manage their Indian property and assets remotely.
This guide is intended as general information and is not a substitute for advice on the facts and circumstances of a specific matter.