How PIO, OCI, and NRIs Can Safely Invest In Indian Real Estate In 2022

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who want to participate in the Indian real estate market should be aware of the rules that govern the purchase, sale, and rental income generated by a property.

By 2022, India’s real estate market is expected to be worth $ 180 billion. It is anticipated to grow to a $ 650 billion business by 2025. This also means that the real estate sector’s contribution to GDP will increase from 7% to 13%. This industry is also being boosted by the Indian government’s commitment to providing housing for everybody by 2022. Despite difficulties like regulatory overhauls and liquidity constraints, Indian real estate is an essential investment destination for most NRIs due to all of these aspects.

According to the Indian government, an NRI is an Indian person who has been absent from India for more than 180 days in a year. The overall number of NRIs in the country is projected to be 2.84 crores. A bit less than ten percent of individuals — 2.36 lakh – are dollar millionaires. A wealthy NRI’s average net worth is about $ 3.83 million.

The United States is home to 1,33,564 millionaires, accounting for 56.5 percent of all NRI millionaires globally. The UAE, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Japan account for 12.7 percent of NRI millionaires, while the remainder, who make up a considerable fraction of the total, are distributed throughout nations like the UAE, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Japan. The total wealth of this NRI is estimated to reach $ 1.4 trillion by 2019. To put this in context, India’s GDP was roughly $ 2.72 trillion in 2018. NRIs who intend to transact in India must first create an NRE account.

India’s real estate sector is now divided into four subcategories: residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality. For NRIs, real estate has traditionally been a popular investment option. NRI-driven property transactions have traditionally accounted for between 8% to 10% of yearly property purchases in India. The entire amount of NRI investments in the first eight months of FY 2018-19 alone topped $ 10 billion.

Also Read: What Is The Minimum Amount For NRI Real Estate Investments In India?

Key aspects of NRI, OCI, and PIO investments in India

Let us look at some of the key aspects that have aided NRI, OCI, PIO real estate investments in India.

• RERA

NRIs have been encouraged to invest in India thanks to the Real Estate Regulation and Development Act of 2016 (RERA). RERA has provided regulatory certainty and a stable pricing environment.

• Finished on time

Developers are fully accountable for finishing a project on schedule thanks to RERA. NRIs will have a less stressful experience as a result of this. Developers will be required to keep authorities informed on the project’s progress.

Also Read: The Scope Of NRI Real Estate Investments In India In 2022

• Mismanagement of finances is no longer an issue

The funds received from potential purchasers must be put in an escrow account to avoid fraud.

• Transparency

Developers will need to keep customers up to date on every step of the project. As a result, there is more transparency for NRIs interested in purchasing the project. In the carpeting area, there is a lot of clarity.

The extremely built-up area used to be promoted to buyers before the implementation of RERA. This would contain certain unneeded items, resulting in purchasers receiving a lesser space than anticipated. With the introduction of RERA, potential buyers are now being pitched carpet area, which allows them to get a better idea of the size of the house.

• Consequences of delays

If NRIs experience delays, builders will be held liable for the interest payable until the project is completed.

• Existence of a strong regulator

NRIs can register complaints about any incident of fraud or delay perpetrated by the developer thanks to the establishment of a regulator.

Also Read: Golden Rules For NRI Investments In India During Market Dip

• The currency conversion rate that is favorable

The currency depreciated by 14 percent from Rs 65 at the beginning of October 2017 to Rs 74 at the end of 2018.

Not only has this allowed NRIs to spend more, but it has also made residential property in India more affordable for them. The rupee has lost value versus the dollar, the pound, and the UAE dirham. According to leading property experts, this has resulted in a 15% rise in NRI inquiries and purchases.

• Emotional ties to one’s hometown

Over 75% of NRIs choose to invest in their home countries. NRIs aren’t limited to metropolitan areas. Kochi, Coimbatore, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Trivandrum, Chandigarh, and Pune have all become major tourist destinations. Even smaller towns like Vadodara, Nashik, Noida, and Ghaziabad are becoming popular investment locations for NRIs.

NRIs can also anticipate generating a favorable rental income by investing here since rental yields in non-Metros might be greater than in metros.

NRIs also want to return to their hometowns when their children reach adulthood so that they may learn about Indian customs and beliefs. After living abroad for a few years, some NRIs miss the Indian way of life as well as their relatives and friends, prompting them to return.

• Plans for retirement

According to a poll, approximately two-thirds of respondents stated that after retirement, they would like to live in India. Senior living is another significant aspect that has emerged to appeal to this group. According to the same poll, over 90% of NRIs are willing to invest in senior housing.

• Uncertainty about residency rules

Visa requirements are tightening in nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. It has become painfully difficult for highly qualified individuals, particularly in the technology industry, to settle due to tight screening, unparalleled inspection, and zero tolerance for minor errors.

Also Read: NRIs Investing In Indian Real Estate: A Smart Move In 2022?

Is Investment by NRIs, PIO, and OCI legal in India

The Indian real estate sector has undergone a paradigm shift following the implementation of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016 (RERA), the Benami Properties Act 2016, and relaxations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) Act 1999 (which governs NRI investment in India). Foreign investors, as well as domestic buyers, are exhibiting interest in Indian real estate.

The present real estate market makes it easy, transparent and encouraging for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India. Given that NRIs want to achieve a greater Return on Investment (ROI), the current real estate climate not only promises healthy profits but also lower tax burdens.”

Foreign investment has been sparked by government measures ranging from considering non-repatriable NRI assets as domestic investments to removing the high wealth tax charged on NRI investments. Furthermore, the cost inflation index, which decreases the tax incidence on capital gains derived from the sale of immovable property, has attracted foreign investors.

However, there are several regulatory requirements that an NRI investor must meet before making a property acquisition in India.

Are NRI, PIO, and OCI eligible for a home loan

Home loans for the purchase of a residential property can be obtained from any lending institution that has been approved by the National Housing Bank (NHB). A few Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) also give house loans to non-residents if the following conditions are met:

• The loan amount and payback period are the same as for Indian residents. – Loan amount will not be credited to the borrower’s Non-Resident External (NRE), Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR), or Non-resident Non-Repatriable (NRNR) account.
• Borrowers can pay payments, interest, and other fees using remittances from outside India via standard banking channels or cash in their NRE/FCNR/NRNR/NRO/non-resident special rupee (NRSR) account in India. From an NRE, NRO, or FCNR account, post-dated checks or Electronic Clearance Service (ECS) can be issued.
• If a rental property was purchased with the help of a house loan, the rent can be utilized to pay down the debt. Payments can be made with checks drawn on any relative’s local account.

Overall, NRIs must carefully consider the legal issues to avoid future difficulties. As a non-resident, you may be subject to a variety of rules and laws that you are unaware of. To avoid future problems, it is important to employ a reputable specialist in the field and seek his guidance. If you are looking for an ideal investment partner, here is Assetmonk for you. We offer our investors investment opportunities around India with an IRR of 14-21%. Visit Team Assetmonk to start your investments today.

How PIO, OCI, and NRIs Can Safely Invest In Indian Real Estate In 2022 FAQ’S:

Can a person with OCI buy property in India?

An NRI or OCI cardholder can invest in any residential or commercial property, according to Reserve Bank of India regulation. They are not allowed to invest in farmland, plantation land, or agriculture property, however.

Can PIO card holders buy property in India?

Any immovable property (other than agricultural land, plantation property, or farm home) in India can be purchased by a PIO. A PIO can sell any immovable property in India (other than agricultural land, farmhouses, and plantation properties) to an Indian citizen.

Can a PIO sell property in India?

A PIO can sell any immovable property in India (other than agricultural land, farmhouses, and plantation properties) to an Indian citizen.