Questions owners ask
Short answers to what owners abroad ask us most. Your own facts can change the answer, so ask us before you act.
Owning and buying
Can an NRI or OCI holder buy property in India?
Yes, homes, flats, plots and commercial property. You cannot buy agricultural land, plantation property or a farmhouse. You can inherit those.
Do I need to fly to India to buy or sell?
No. You can sign a special power of attorney abroad for one property and one task. It is then stamped and registered in India, and your attorney signs at the registration office for you.
How do I sign a power of attorney abroad?
Sign it before a notary and get an apostille in that country, or sign it at the Indian consulate. After it reaches India it must be stamped within three months. A PoA for selling or buying property must also be registered.
Selling and tax
Why does the buyer deduct so much tax when I sell?
When the seller is an NRI, the buyer must deduct TDS on the full sale price, not on your profit. For property held more than two years the rate is 12.5% plus surcharge and cess. On a large sale this can be far more than the tax you actually owe.
How can I reduce that TDS?
Apply for a lower or nil deduction certificate on Form 128 (called Form 13 before April 2026). The tax officer then fixes TDS on your real gain. Apply early. A certificate cannot undo tax that was already deducted.
My tenant pays me rent. Does my tenant have to deduct tax?
Yes. A tenant paying rent to an NRI must deduct TDS and give you a TDS certificate. Many tenants do not know this. We check it for you each year.
Sending money abroad
How much of the sale money can I send abroad?
Usually up to USD 1 million each financial year (April to March) from your NRO account, after tax. If you first bought the property with money from abroad, different rules let you send back more, for up to two homes.
What papers does the bank ask for?
A certificate from a chartered accountant (Form 146, earlier 15CB), your online declaration (Form 145, earlier 15CA), the sale deed, proof of tax paid and the bank’s own forms.
Working with us
How do you charge?
A fixed fee per task, quoted in writing before work starts. Ongoing care of a property is a monthly plan. Government fees and stamp duty are shown separately at actual cost. Advocates and chartered accountants bill you directly for their own work.
How will I know what is happening?
You get an update on WhatsApp or email at each stage, with photos from site visits and copies of every receipt. Calls are booked at a time that suits your time zone.
Where should my tenant pay rent?
We recommend rent goes straight into your own NRO account. That keeps your money and your tax records in one clean place.