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Buying Property In India From US In 2022



Purchasing a home is certainly one of the most cherished Indian fantasies. So it doesn't matter where you reside in the globe; having a house in India is a necessary. And, over time, Indian regulations have made this a rather simple task. The Reserve Bank of India regulates these transactions, which are governed by the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

Can A US Citizen Purchase Real Estate In India?

Yes, non-agricultural land may be purchased in India without any limitations for US citizens. If he/she meets the following criteria, he/she is qualified to purchase property.

  1. He or she has ever possessed an Indian passport;
  2. He or one of his or her parents or ancestors was an Indian citizen;
  3.  He or she is married to an Indian citizen or a permanent resident of India. For the sake of clarity, NRIs will refer to both for the rest of this essay.

What Kind Of Property An American Citizen Purchase In India?

Citizens of the United States are allowed to acquire immovable property in India under the legislation. Yes, this permit is only accessible for the purchase of residential or commercial real estate. In India, it does not apply to the purchase or sale of agricultural land, plantation property, or a farmhouse.

The Reserve Bank of India must approve the purchase or sale of such properties (RBI). Before investing in India, a foreign individual who is a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, China, Iran, Nepal, or Bhutan must get RBI authorization.

How Citizens Of The United States Invest In Real Estate?

An NRI is allowed to undertake particular real estate investments under the FEMA and RBI laws. The following property investments are permissible for US citizens.

  • Other than agricultural land, farm houses, and plantation properties, any immovable property in India can be purchased by an NRI.
  • He may receive any of the aforementioned immovable properties as a gift from an Indian resident, an Indian citizen residing outside of India, or a person of Indian ancestry.
  • By inheritance, you can obtain any property.
  • By selling immovable property, he might relocate it to any Indian resident.
  • He has the authority to grant any agricultural property, farm home, or plantation land to any Indian citizen.
  • He can also donate his home or commercial property to anyone, whether they live in India or overseas, or are of Indian ancestry.

Points To Be Taken Care Of By US Citizens:

While investing in Indian real estate appears to be an easy option, there are a number of disadvantages. As a result, one should use caution while making a transaction to avoid losing money. Here are a few things to think about:

  • Property Name: The property's name should be free of ambiguity, and the seller should have the necessary authority to sell it, especially if it was inherited or is a joint property.
  • NDC: Always double-check that the property does not have any outstanding electricity/water bills or other authority dues. At the time of purchase, ask the vendor get a no-dues certificate. Yes, if the property has been mortgaged as security in any form of loan, it is necessary to obtain a bank release letter from the involved bank.
  • Permissions: In terms of building, the property for sale should have all necessary authorizations and permits from the government.

Without a question, India's real estate growth prospects captivate investors from all over the world, and US citizens are eager to take advantage of the opportunity to buy property in India. On the other hand, there are distinct procedures and regulations that a US citizen must follow in order to own property in India.

What Steps Should Be Considered By US Citizens While Purchasing A Property In India?

An American citizen should take the following procedures to purchase property:

  • Eligibility Verification:

        If you are a US citizen looking to invest in real estate in India, you will need to get a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) certificate as proof of eligibility. If you don't have your PIO certificate, you may always fabricate your mother's or father's birth certificate to meet the qualifying requirements. These documents, on the other hand, should be sent to the Indian embassy in the nation in question.

  • The Exchange Control Regulations (ECR):

       Unlike in the past, the limits on US citizens investing in Indian properties have been eased. With cash obtained through traditional banking, a US resident can easily purchase a home. To make a property acquisition, an American citizen can use a Foreign Currency Non-Resident FCNR account, a Non-Resident External (NRE) account, or a Non Resident Ordinary (NRO) account. An NRE account is required for payments, whereas an NRO account is required for deposits and money transfers.

  • Repatriation:

      After deducting the applicable income tax and capital gains at the time of sale procedures from the account, cash from the NRE account can be transferred to a foreign account.

  • Renting a Home:

         If a US resident wants to rent out a home, he or she can do so by leasing the immovable property. The rental income or profit earned as a return from the property, on the other hand, will be eligible for repartition for tax payment and payment of a certificate issued by a chartered accountant.

  • Selling a Home:

         If a US citizen owns property in India and wishes to sell it, he or she may do so to another US citizen or to any Indian resident who is not subject to any legal restrictions. The purchase or sale of a farm home or other agricultural property, however, is prohibited, but the donation of agricultural land, a farm house, or plantation land to an Indian resident is authorized.

  • The Power of Attorney:

          It is preferable for a US person to grant power of attorney to a trustworthy Indian resident. If the US citizen is unable to finish the legal processes in India, the trusted person can do so on his or her behalf.