Indian Real Estate Market Among the Most Lucrative Sectors for NRIs

Indian real estate market is one of the most lucrative sectors for Non-Resident Indians to invest their foreign money. Moreover, this trend will continue for more 4-5 years as the consumption story of Indian real Estate market is not going to get over in near future leading to immense commercial growth prospects that in turn increase the demand for real estate. Although Indian Realty market is facing downfall, it is not correct to say that all cities are experiencing the same situation. It has been observed that some of the cities in India always have good chances of investment and these cities even in worst circumstances would be able to provide good investment returns. One more factor that attracts NRI’s to invest in India is the bigger geographical area. Unfortunately, NRI’s put their money into property prevailing in big cities and metros, but they should be informed appropriately about the outskirts of the big cities and even about the tier-2 cities that offer a great deal of real estate investment in present scenario.
Not only this, but the recent significant depreciation in the value of rupees in respect of dollar/pound/euro has given a profitable chance to the NRI’s to clandestine their foreign earned money into some good  investment plans. However, quite a few times NRI investors face some issues with liaison services in real estate industry, but once these intermediary services will improve more and more foreign investors would be lured to purchase property in India in lieu of high returns.
Foreign investment is also a good sign of growth for Indian Real Estate market as well. In this current state of affairs when the Indian Realty market is experiencing a huge downfall, the foreign investors seem to be the ray of hope. With more and more NRI’s investing in small and even big commercial properties in India, the Real estate market will soon see a huge intensification. It has been observed from past trends that around 70% of foreign investment has been done in residential sector, but according to the Indian developers there are various commercial investment opportunities also existing for the foreign investors who wish to set up a business in India.
However, it has been told by the real estate experts that present time when foreign currency is in appreciation, it is the encouraging time for NRI’s to make some good investment in realty market in India. Office plots, residential spaces and even apartments are easily available for NRI’s.
Indian property developers also have a notion that the downfall of realty market in India is the result of the global meltdown and depreciation of rupee. Their belief is not vague, but they also consider that ambiguities in western economies led to the build-up confidence of NRI’s into Indian market and they are keen on purchasing property here. Their investment is a huge support for Indian Realty market and soon with the rupee appreciation these investments will strengthen the economic situation as well.

NRIs want to buy home in India

NRIs are investing into residential real estate specifically in large Indian cities to build a back-up base in the country as many of them intend to set up businesses in these cities in the future. I think there is  not a single non-resident Indian (NRI) who is not keen to buy real estate in India. Having a own home in this country is one of the means available to them to stay connected to their motherland. As they make their fortunes abroad, such investments in their country help them to maintain their relationships back home.

What I found most interesting was that they had not even considered eventually relocating to India when they bought property here as they have simply done it for investment.

NRIs are investing into residential real estate specifically in large Indian cities to build a back-up base in the country. This particularly applies to NRIs with professional/entrepreneurial ambitions who intend to set up businesses in these cities in the future.

As during 2008-2009 global financial crises (GFC), India has presented itself as an example of financial stability. This GFC has caused NRIs to seriously think about buying homes in India.

As per the limits regarding how many commercial or residential properties they can own in India, there is no restriction to the NRIs. But when a NRI wants to sell and take the money back, he can do so with the sale proceeds of only two units. NRIs can invest into real estate by transferring funds to India through normal banking channels, or by invest through funds in a Non-resident external (NRE)/ Foreign currency non resident (FCNR)/ Non- resident ordinary rupee (NRO) accounts maintained in India. But payment via travellers’ cheque or foreign currency notes is not permitted.

Home loan can be availed from Indian institution approved by the National Housing Bank (NHB), and loan repayment can be done either through inward remittances, debit to a NRE/FCNR/NRO account, through the rental income which is earned in India. NRIs can also apply for home loans from the employer in India, provided specific terms and conditions listed by RBI are met.

NRIs are allowed to mortgage their residential property in India with an Indian financial institution without any approval from RBI. They can also mortgage it with a foreign financial institution with prior approval from RBI.Also they can rent out their residential property without the approval of the RBI in India and the rent received can be credited to NRO/NRE account.