NRI guide to buying property in Delhi
Non-resident Indians can buy residential property in Delhi freely. Here's how the process, payments and taxes work.
NRIs and OCI cardholders can buy residential and commercial property in India without RBI permission. (Agricultural land, plantations and farmhouses are restricted.)
Paying for the property
Payments must come through normal banking channels — inward remittance or NRE/NRO/FCNR accounts in India. Cash and foreign currency notes are not allowed.
Home loans
Indian banks lend to NRIs for residential property. Expect to provide overseas income proof, passport and visa copies, and an Indian co-applicant in some cases.
Power of attorney
If you can't be in Delhi for registration, you can appoint someone with a specific power of attorney, executed at the Indian embassy or consulate (or notarised and apostilled) and then adjudicated in India.
Taxes
- TDS: when an NRI buys, the usual 1% TDS applies if the price is ₹50 lakh or more. When an NRI sells, the buyer must deduct TDS at higher rates on capital gains.
- Rental income is taxable in India.
Repatriation
Sale proceeds can be repatriated within limits, subject to documentation and taxes.
How we help
We arrange video walk-throughs, share documents digitally and coordinate the power of attorney and registration. Contact us.
Step-by-step for NRI buyers
- Shortlist remotely using video walk-throughs and floor plans.
- Review documents shared digitally: the title chain, plan and tax receipts.
- Agree the price and pay a token by bank transfer from an NRE/NRO account.
- Arrange finance if needed, through an Indian bank's NRI home loan.
- Execute a power of attorney if you can't travel for registration.
- Register the sale deed at the Sub-Registrar's office.
- Complete mutation and set up property tax payments.
Managing the property afterwards
Many NRI buyers lease the property until they return. A local property manager can handle tenants, maintenance and tax payments.
Documents NRIs usually need
- Passport and visa or OCI card
- PAN card
- Overseas address proof
- Bank statements showing the source of funds
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy jointly with a resident relative? Yes. Joint ownership is common and can simplify management.
Is there extra stamp duty for NRIs? No. Stamp duty depends on the buyer's gender and joint-ownership status, not residency.
This article is general information, not tax or legal advice. Confirm your specific case with a chartered accountant.
