NRIWallah team
Updated October 2026
The Indian property market for NRIs
Property in India is a common asset for NRIs, both as an investment and as a home to return to. RERA has made project information easier to check, and many large developers are listed, but a city average says little about any one building. The tracker above gives price per square foot, typical yields and the share of buyers who are NRIs in each city, as a starting point for comparison.
Why NRIs buy
- A home in the family’s city. Many NRIs want a place in their hometown or their parents’ city.
- Exchange-rate timing. A strong pound, dollar or dirham buys more rupees, though the rate can move either way before you finish paying.
- Rental income. Rent in rupees alongside possible price growth.
- A return plan. A ready home for when you move back.
What to check before you pay
- RERA registration. Confirm the project and the promoter on the state portal before any payment.
- Title. Have a lawyer check the chain of ownership, encumbrances and approvals.
- Payment route. Pay only through NRE, NRO or FCNR accounts or inward remittance. Our NRI banking guide explains which account to use.
- Power of attorney. If you cannot attend the registration, a power of attorney attested at the Indian consulate lets a trusted person act for you.
- Joint ownership. Holding with a resident spouse is common and can make management easier.
Costs and tax beyond the price
Budget for stamp duty and registration, which vary by state, and for legal fees. If you let the property, plan for a property manager if you live abroad. Finance costs depend on the lender, and the mortgage comparator shows what NRIs can borrow in India and abroad. When you eventually sell, the proceeds go to your NRO account and leave India under the annual limit explained by the repatriation calculator .