NRI Guide to Buying a Villa in Bengaluru
Many Adarsh buyers live abroad and plan to return, or want a family home in Bengaluru. The rules for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) are clear. Here is how it works.
Can you buy?
Yes. Under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) rules set by the Reserve Bank of India, NRIs and OCI cardholders can buy residential and commercial property in India without special permission. The exceptions are agricultural land, plantation property and farmhouses. A villa in a residential project like Adarsh Sanctuary qualifies. Check current rules at rbi.org.in.
How to pay
- Inward remittance to India through normal banking channels, or
- Funds from your NRE, NRO or FCNR(B) account.
You cannot pay in foreign currency notes or traveller’s cheques. Keep bank records of every payment. You will need them for repatriation later.
Home loans for NRIs
Indian banks lend to NRIs for property in India. Expect them to ask for your overseas employment proof, salary slips, bank statements, passport and visa. EMIs are paid from your NRE or NRO account. The RBI loan-to-value caps still apply. Our home loan guide explains them.
Power of attorney
You do not need to fly in for every step. You can give a trusted person in India a specific power of attorney to sign documents and attend registration. Execute it at an Indian embassy or consulate, or have it notarised and apostilled as required, then adjudicate it in Karnataka. Keep it specific to this property.
TDS and tax
As a buyer from a resident developer, you deduct 1% TDS on purchases of ₹50 lakh or more, like any buyer. See our stamp duty guide. Rental income from the villa, if you let it, is taxable in India.
Repatriation
If you later sell, RBI rules allow repatriation of sale proceeds within limits, provided you bought with eligible funds. This is where your payment records matter. Speak to your bank before you sell.
Due diligence from abroad
- Verify the RERA registration online. See our RERA guide.
- Hire an independent property lawyer in Bengaluru.
- Ask for a live video walkthrough of the exact villa.
- Use our document checklist.
This is general information. Confirm details with your bank, lawyer and tax adviser.
Buying from abroad? Message us on WhatsApp. We run video site visits across time zones.
