Dos and Donts for NRIs investing in Indian realty Buying Guide

NRI investor’s investment has always been a boon to Indian Real estate market. The right potential grades for financial development of businesses in India, political stability of the territory, high asset grades, and favourable foreign investment principles have all conceived a flawless atmosphere for investors to invest in India. NRIs as global citizens are doing a great job in building good image for their Motherland in their respective countries.

However, there are constraints on foreign investment when it comes to agricultural land, plantation property or a farmhouse until and unless it is inherited or gifted to them. Factors like Affordable housing and retirement plans to settle down highly motivate NRIs to invest in Indian real estate.

The implementation of GST, demonetisation and RERA has transformed the old cumbersome system into a simpler regime thereby adding ease and transparency to the entire process. Also, there are various benefits that draw attention such as

1.) Property prices are at the lowest

2.) Tax exemption

3.) Rental income

4.) Retirement benefits

If you are an NRI looking for an investment in real estate, you need to follow some strict do’s and don’ts to escape from possible traps,

Let’s sum up the Do’s and Don'ts that the NRIs must be aware of before investing in Indian real estate.

Do’s :

1.)Visit the site: Important investment decisions like property buying should not only be based on the photos, e-mails and phone conversations It is very important to make time for a site visit, if not possible appoint someone reliable to visit the property before making a final call.

2.) Hire a lawyer: As an NRI, it becomes even more important to hire a lawyer while dealing with property. No matter how much you research there might be still some aspects that you fail to notice, this is where a lawyer will help you with all the legal formalities of the property. Make sure you document every commitment made by the builder, while making most of the transactions through online transfers or cheques.

3.) Ask questions: As an investor, you have all the rights to ask questions, you should be proactive enough to gain clarity in all aspects related to the property. Ask questions related to everything including the date of handing over to any legal complications, etc. Get all the desired information and be crystal clear about your investment decisions.

4.) Avail home loans: If an NRI opts for a home loan, the loan term is usually 10 to 15 years and the loan amount is based on the NRI’s age, income, education, etc. Moreover, based on the country in which the person is settled, the documents for the loan may vary. The investor should have minimum 20% of the value of property to invest from his sources and the maximum 80% funding can be taken from different financial institutions. Having an NRE account i.e. Non- Resident External Account to buy a property will help you back the capital invested in the property while selling it.

5.) Check RERA Registration Number: Now all the housing projects have a RERA registration number and one can check this number online. Every under construction project has a RERA number starting with the State’s name initials and with the help of this number one can know the construction status of a project on the RERA website.

DON’Ts:

1.) Don’t fall for builders' marketing tricks: Be wise and evaluate the project and property solely on the basis of its location, legal legitimacy, amenities and facilities and the strength of the developer’s brand and not on the tag attached to the offer. Don’t fall prey to the offers given to NRIs by the builders. Instead, concentrate on the market standards and come to a right conclusion.

2.) Don’t fall for unknown builders: You need to be aware of the real estate market conditions, never trust an unknown developer blindly just by looking at the attractive prices and offers. Opt to invest with trusted and popular builders, ensuring a minimum guarantee on finishing the project on time. NRIs should also check if the project that they are investing in has all the necessary approvals and licenses.

3.) Don’t trust when it comes to property: Last but not the least, NRIs should give preference to their own research and instincts, rather than hearsay. Property investment is a huge risk and a proper study won't let you fall into traps that you can’t escape.

Now that you are aware of Do’s and Don'ts, you can check out properties on The Propertist.com

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