Property prices in India have risen dramatically in the last five years. However, due to the devaluation of the Indian rupee versus the US dollar, there has only been a modest boost for foreign Indians. For foreign investors, this has made investing in India’s real estate business more accessible and rewarding.
Every other investment question at the Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre (OFIC) is about purchasing residential property in India. With the approval of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill by the Union Cabinet, the industry should become more transparent and better defend consumer interests shortly.
If you are an Indian who lives outside of India, following a few simple guidelines can help you negotiate the Indian real estate market.
NRI Real Estate Investment In India In 2022
According to a survey by a leading real estate platform, India is likely to attract $2.5 billion in cross-border real estate investments in 2022, with the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the Netherlands expected to be the top destinations.
In the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany, investment managers, institutions, and private equity investors are likely to be the primary cross-border capital deployers in 2022.
A variety of fundamental developments in the country’s real estate industry have driven it to unprecedented heights in recent years, attracting international attention. Rapid improvement in the country’s financial situation, combined with legislative efforts to support real estate sector development, would make the business more appealing to international investors. The country’s commercial real estate market has attracted significant international investor interest, particularly in the Office and Warehouse divisions.
More than half of all big cross-border transactions are expected to be in the office sector in 2022, while residential is expected to be the second most invested sector. Capital will most likely come from a variety of places, including the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Japan.
In 2022, investment managers and private equity funds, mainly from the United States and Canada, are expected to remain key players in the industrials sector, with a focus on the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, as well as Spain, Poland, and Australia.
The world’s greenest cities for real estate are London, Shanghai, New York, Paris, and Washington DC, and India’s greenest city for real estate in Delhi, followed by Chennai, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.
Tips for NRIs to start their investment in India
Determine the property’s nature first. An overseas Indian cannot acquire agricultural land, plantations, or farmland in India, according to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) standards. Before purchasing land, go over all of the legal documentation. There have been instances of residential developments being erected on the agricultural property without official clearance. In such circumstances, regardless of who buys the land, the investment will be declared unlawful.
As a result, be sure you’ve seen the original title deed and that it’s entirely in the seller’s name. A loan may have been taken out against the property if the seller is unable to present the original and instead shares a duplicate. Start a comprehensive investigation to avoid the deal being called into question afterward.
Additionally, verify that the property has obtained all legal clearances, such as environmental and municipal clearances, as well as the power to transfer the whole plot to the society and the undivided piece of land to each apartment owner upon completion of the project. Insist on this documentation even for projects that are still in the planning stages to guarantee that your investment is secure.
It would be prudent to hire an Indian lawyer to verify the statements made and confirm that the builder has obtained all essential licenses. This will verify that all legal elements have been addressed.
If you (the NRI or abroad Indian) purchased or inherited a property (of any sort) while a resident of India, you can sell or develop it without the authorization of the Reserve Bank of India. You must, however, be an Indian citizen in order to sell it.
After conducting due diligence and negotiating, you will reach an agreement on a price for the property. Following that, a sale agreement must be drafted on Rs 50 stamp paper, including the final amount, advance payment, time limit for paying the due amount, and installment information.
You must register the sale deed with the sub-registrar or Sub-District Magistrate after it is done. The selling agreement must include the international buyer’s foreign address. He can designate a representative in India to act on his behalf (with a power of attorney). The buyer’s power of attorney should be notarized at the Indian embassy in his or her home country.
The property can be registered in the NRI’s name, and the power of attorney holder can sign on his behalf by submitting a copy of the paperwork to the right authorities.
The purchase price should be paid with cash obtained in India through standard banking methods or monies kept in a nonresident bank account, if applicable. Non-resident ordinary (NRO) and non-resident external (NRE) accounts in rupees, as well as foreign currency non-resident (FCNR) accounts, are all options.
In addition to the registration fee and stamp duty, the transaction is subject to a service tax. It is dependent on the type of property you are purchasing. If you purchase a property being built by a builder, you will be charged a service tax of 12.36 percent on 25% of the total price for apartments up to 2,000 square feet and 30% for larger flats.
Stamp duty must be paid on the purchase of a built-up property or a single residential unit. The amount of stamp duty that must be paid varies by state and is different for properties in rural regions. In Delhi, stamp duty is paid in three slabs: 4% if the new owner is a woman, 5% if the property is jointly owned by a man and a woman, and 6% if the property is to be owned by a male. All real estate transactions are subject to a 1% registration charge.
Why do NRIs invest in India?
Attachment to your homeland on an emotional level
This is the primary motivation for most NRIs to invest in Indian real estate. Though many NRIs leave the nation in search of higher education or a better life at some point in their lives, their origins may be traced back to India. Their hearts and souls are still in their native land. The fantasies of going home one day after saving up all of their wages. This is why a large number of NRIs invest in real estate in India so that they may return once they retire and spend their post-retirement years happily, near to their families. Furthermore, just like Indians, NRIs take satisfaction in having long-term assets such as gold and real estate in their homeland.
Property in India is available at attractive costs
NRI real estate investment is fueled by the rupee’s continued weakness versus the US dollar, as well as the reduced and lucrative pricing of Indian property. According to reports, NRI investments in Indian real estate come primarily from the United States, Canada, Gulf countries, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia. Due to the near impossibility of non-citizens owning property in such nations, as well as competitive pricing, investing in one or more immovable assets provides a strong sense of security. Furthermore, the RBI’s simplification of laws with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) to encourage foreign investment has stifled an already burgeoning industry. Except for a few neighboring nations, the legislation permits Indians living overseas to own residential and commercial property, but not agricultural land. Agricultural land, on the other hand, might be inherited or donated to an NRI.
The government offers enticing tax perks for NRI real estate investment. Because there is no limit on the number of properties an NRI my own, they can easily profit from their property investment by renting, leasing, selling, and so on. They can invest in several properties and profit from rental revenue, leasing income, and short- and long-term capital gains. Their rental income is taxed at the income tax slab rate that applies to them. NRIs, like residents, can claim deductions such as the 30% standard deduction, municipal tax deductions, and, in the event of a house loan, interest paid on the loan can be deducted.
Beautiful climatic conditions, rich flora and wildlife, an endless number of places to explore, and delightful South Indian culinary culture characterize south Indian metropolises, such as Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. These living circumstances attract thousands of students and professionals throughout the year, making the city a desirable place to reside. As one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas, the need for homes is growing as well. If you’re an NRI wanting to invest in real estate, whether residential or commercial, these locations are the best bet since they provide guaranteed profits. Whether you want to live in your new home for the rest of your life or rent it out and profit, you are in a win-win position. Assetmonk is a WealthTech platform in Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad that offers real estate investment options. Our goods are divided into three categories: Growth, Growth Plus, and Yield Products, with IRRs ranging from 14 to 21%. Come invest with Team Assetmonk to receive the greatest real estate offers.
