With US$76 billion in international remittances from its nationals abroad, India is one of the top five countries in the world. Following the coronavirus epidemic, non-resident citizens have accelerated the pace of investment, and most investors saw real estate as a viable long-term alternative.
Even though the Coronavirus outbreak has had a significant impact on global business confidence, a decline in the value of the rupee and an uncertain global environment have led the expatriate investment community to return home. However, in terms of long-term wealth development, the real estate industry has emerged as the most popular investment segment among Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Furthermore, the underperformance of other investment products, such as Fixed Deposits (FD), Gold, and the unpredictable equities market, has worked in favor of the real estate industry in the year 2020.
Real estate has long gotten regarded as one of the most attractive investment vehicles for non-resident Indians. Because of the updated real-estate market restrictions, anybody with an Indian passport may now invest in Indian real estate, making the procedure extremely simple. According to a survey, NRIs spent US$13.3 billion in the Indian real estate industry in FY 21, up from US$13.1 billion previously estimated. The depreciation of the rupee and the regulatory environment that has resulted from the execution of reforms have prompted a substantial number of NRIs to engage in the Indian real estate industry.
Investing in real estate may provide NRIs with a good return on investment while requiring a lesser initial financial outlay. Assetmonk, for example, gives seamless techniques to help you for your next investment in this industry, with a high-quality approach from selecting the ideal property through purchasing and moving in. NRIs would find a wealth of options in Indian real estate. The attempt of the Indian government to regulate the real estate sector, provide more transparency and accountability through RERA has resulted in a resurgence of NRI interest in the Indian real estate market. Thus, India is a popular real estate investment location for NRIs.
Also, read Checklist for NRIs Looking to Invest in Indian Real Estate.
But what good would come out from investing in Indian real estate?
It is normal to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of every action before determining whether to proceed. Naturally, NRIs considering investing in Indian Real Estate must understand the benefits of doing so.
Here are some of the arguments to assist you in comprehending the advantages of investing in India.
- Low Property prices: NRI investors should take advantage of the current slowdown in the real estate market. Historically, the pace of price inflation in India has always been higher than in the developed markets of the west. It is why, when compared to other real estate markets throughout the world, India may provide more value for money to investors, with higher returns in less time. Those wishing to invest in cheap housing may be interested to learn that, according to the Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry (MCHI), the overall supply of affordable flats in Mumbai increased by 300 percent over the previous year. Approximately 10,000 units have gotten launched in this category as of September 2017. Total project launches in the top eight cities in India have increased by 27% overall.
- Tax advantage: NRIs can invest in real estate in India and save taxes in the same way that an average Indian citizen does. NRIs can claim a tax deduction on house loan principal repayment and interest component. Also, if a property gets sold after two years from the date of acquisition, the profit on the capital gain is free from income tax. Also, when an NRI sells a property in India, TDS (tax deducted at source) is calculated at 20.6 percent on long-term capital gains and 30.9 percent on short-term capital gains. However, the final taxes rate for NRIs and permanent Indians is the same. If an NRI falls into a reduced tax bracket, he can ask for a TDS refund by completing their income tax return.
- Rental Income: This is particularly advantageous for NRIs, as most investors invest in real estate and lease it out for rent. As a result, not only does the property become a part of the capital, but the money paid by the renter also serves as a source of consistent cash flow. These leases might be for extended periods in the case of CRE properties, guaranteeing a long-term income. Although the renter must subtract 30% TDS (tax deducted at source), the remaining income gets repatriated under the Foreign Exchange Management Act provisions. Under the statute, the earnings from the sale of immovable property in India also get repatriated.
Also, read Here How NRI Investors Can Make Most From Their Rental Earnings In India.
- Retirement Benefit: Reverse mortgages are more prevalent in the United States. However, India is currently preparing for this system. NRIs who want to retire in India might invest and benefit from reverse mortgages. The money borrowed from a bank this sort of mortgage gets not included in NRIs taxable income. In this manner, elderly NRIs may reap the benefits of owning property in India. Simultaneously, they can borrow money from banks as part of the property’s reverse mortgage.
Where can I invest in Indian real estate?
Now we know the benefits of investing in Indian real estate. Let us now see where we can invest!
The following are the properties accessible for NRIs to invest in India.
- Commercial Real Estate: Commercial Real Estate refers to properties purchased only for professional purposes. Industrial, retail, office, and multifamily are the four pillars of the CRE industry. When it comes to investment pooling, this is one of the fastest-growing industries. As commercialization and urbanization have spread throughout the country, particularly in metropolitan areas, the investment potential of CRE has skyrocketed. NRIs also select this real estate property for investment, where individuals are mostly trying to boost their commercial activities.
Also, read 5 Reasons Why NRIs are Aiming at Indian Commercial Real Estate Properties.
- Residential Real Estate: Residential real estate is the purchase of an asset or property for personal use. These are popular among NRI investors who want to increase their wealth and generate assets that they may use when returning to India from their jobs abroad. These homes are also grown for rent, with the owner earning a consistent income from deposits provided by tenants. Large-scale NRI investors shun such real estate investments since they have lower profit margins and greater maintenance costs than CRE.
- Agricultural Land: NRIs are exempt from acquiring agricultural lands in India under the Foreign Exchange Management Act of 1999. If an NRI seeks to buy agricultural land in India, they must go through a different request procedure with the RBI, and the acquisition is still dubious.
- Farmhouse or Plantation Property: NRIs are ineligible to purchase Farmhouse or Plantation property, as they are with agricultural properties. There are, however, certain exceptions to this rule. When the individual acquires the property as an inheritance, it can get requested as a property investment.
The Indian real estate industry, particularly among NRIs, is an appealing venue for a safe and secure investment with high returns. However, while making such major financial decisions, it is necessary to follow specific measures to guarantee that you get the most out of your investments, prevent falling victim to any fraudulent operations, and secure your assets from the comfort of living overseas.
Assetmonk is a high-quality investment platform that connects investors with high-yielding real estate investments. This investing platform acts as a conduit for NRI real estate investments. It simplifies real estate investing procedures by providing high-quality real estate asset possibilities around the country at reasonable prices. It saves NRIs time from the typically time-consuming and futile search for a property in India.
