As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India offers NRIs a remarkable opportunity to invest in its thriving real estate market. The country’s residential market is on an upward trajectory with metropolitan cities experiencing annual growth rates in the range of 8-10%, presenting an incredible chance to enjoy high returns on investment while benefiting from tax exemptions on rental income and deductions on home loans under the Income Tax Act. At Savills India, we specialise in unlocking premium real estate avenues and offering expert guidance tailored for NRIs, ensuring maximised returns while seamlessly navigating the process.
Savills: Your end-to-end NRI real estate advisory and service consultant.
The NRI Realty Advisory team at Savills is focused on facilitating end-to-end transaction management services for the NRI community.
At Savills, we understand the full spectrum of services including property appraisal, asset management, monetisation services (leasing, buying and selling), facilitation of legal assistance, and tax advisory services. This allows us to help NRIs navigate the complex landscape of Indian real estate and offer 360° assistance on property matters.
Pioneers in the Indian Residential Real Estate Market
Residential property is a core asset class for Savills in India. As market leaders in the residential brokerage space globally, we are recognised as experts in the field of marketing, selling and advisory. We offer bespoke services and advice to developers, individual buyers, sellers and investment seekers.
The prominent property classes both in India & International geographies that we deal in –
- Ready-to-move-in properties
- Off-plan & new developments
- Independent bungalows
- Resale developer homes
- Farmhouses and vacation homes
- Preleased assets
- International properties
- Serviced apartments
- Properties on rent
Founded in the UK in 1855, Savills has been one of the world’s leading property agents for over 160 years. With a global network of over 40,000+ associates, we understand the expectations of the global Indian audience and offer outstanding property and specialist services along with expert advice to clients, helping them with their property decisions and ambitions.
The Savills international residential network is led through our headquarters in London and extends across the globe. Through an extensive team spread across various geographies, we work for private, institutional and corporate clients seeking to acquire, manage, lease, develop and realise the value of prime residential assets in the world’s key locations. Worldwide, residential services account for approximately 34% of global revenue.
Each of our NRI clients is assigned a highly experienced single point of contact who helps facilitate every aspect of the property transaction process in India. This ensures that clients receive personalised advice and services supported by the extensive reach, experience and expertise of our comprehensive network at Savills India.
Our team understands the landscape of the Indian real estate market and local trends which are likely to impact an NRI’s real estate plans. Consequently, our commitment is to constitute a dedicated team of experts that understands your unique requirements, helping you meet your stated real estate objectives. The breadth and depth of our transaction and advisory services ensures that your needs are met in a time-bound manner.
Monitisation Strategy & Transaction Management
Selling real estate in India while residing overseas presents unique logistical and regulatory challenges. At Savills India, we understand these complexities and offer bespoke solutions tailored to the needs of Non-Resident Indian (NRI) property owners.
With a deep-rooted presence across key Indian markets and a legacy of global excellence, Savills ensures a seamless, transparent, and efficient sale process delivering value, trust, and peace of mind.
- End-to-End Transaction Management
From property valuation and documentation to legal coordination and closure, our team manages the entire sales process on your behalf, ensuring minimal disruption and complete compliance.
- Local Expertise, Global Perspective
With extensive market intelligence and on-ground advisory across major cities, we position your asset strategically to maximise its market potential.
- Premium Buyer Network
Gain access to an exclusive network of qualified buyers including HNIs, institutional investors, and global clients actively seeking premium Indian real estate.
- Transparent Communication
Receive regular updates, market insights, and clear reporting, offering full visibility and control at every stage of the transaction.
Right from the process of appraisal of real estate assets to determining a property’s fair market value, our team of evaluators helps you realise the best value, keeping market conditions and future trends in mind.
From luxurious residential options to strategic investment opportunities, we leverage our extensive network and deep local expertise to identify the perfect fit for each client. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or lease, our network of experts across the country helps expedite the process of property search.
All property transactions for NRIs in India are governed by the Foreign Exchange Management Act. FEMA has certain guidelines regarding the type of properties that NRIs can own in India. To avoid legal complications, Savills India helps facilitate legal assistance.
When it comes to property transactions, meticulous documentation plays a crucial role. Our experts provide insights and can help connect you with relevant service providers to streamline this process, ensuring that all documentation is accurately handled, and all legal requirements are met.
One of the most critical aspects of real estate transactions is financial planning. Right from making NRI clients aware of banking pre-requisites to remittance-related restrictions and regulations, our network of specialists facilitates alliances with financial institutions for the same.
It’s imperative for NRIs dealing with real estate to be informed about the tax implications of owning property in India. We connect you with tax advisors who will help you understand all tax-related obligations and benefits.
Buying in India - Simplifying Your Investment Journey
Navigating property acquisition in India as a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) requires a clear understanding of regulatory frameworks, meticulous documentation, and trusted advisory support.
A checklist to help you guide your journey
NRIs and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) are permitted to acquire residential or commercial properties in India. However, the purchase of agricultural land, plantation property, and farmhouses is restricted.
Establish an NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) bank account. Transactions must comply with FEMA regulations, with funds routed through these accounts or via approved inward remittance channels.
- Valid Indian passport or OCI/PIO card
- Permanent Account Number (PAN) card (mandatory)
- Proof of address (Indian and/or overseas)
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Power of Attorney (in case of remote purchase)
Ensure the property has a clear title, RERA registration (where applicable), and all requisite builder and municipal approvals. Legal verification is strongly advised prior to finalising the transaction.
Home loans are available to NRIs in Indian Rupees (INR) from authorised financial
institutions. It is important to consider tax implications including TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) and capital gains tax on future resale.
Complete payment of applicable stamp duty and register the property with the appropriate local authorities. Ensure possession certificates and sale deeds are duly executed and collected.
Savills provides comprehensive property management services—from leasing and tenant management to maintenance oversight—ensuring peace of mind for NRIs managing assets remotely.
Selling in India - Facilitating Seamless Property Transactions
Selling property in India as an NRI requires compliance with legal frameworks, tax regulations, and procedural diligence. Our expertise ensures a smooth and secure experience.
Eligibility & Ownership Verification
Ensure legal ownership with all documents in place, including the sale deed, title papers, possession letter, and occupancy/completion certificate.
If you are not physically present in India, appoint a reliable PoA holder to execute the sale on your behalf. The PoA must be notarised and consularised or apostilled, as required.
PAN Card & KYC Compliance
A valid PAN card is mandatory for property transactions. KYC documents, including address and ID proof (Indian or overseas), are required.
Understand the tax implications—short-term or long-term capital gains tax applies based on the holding period. Savills can connect you with tax advisors for guidance and optimisation.
TDS Deduction & Repatriation
Buyers are required to deduct TDS (up to 20% or more depending on the gains). NRIs can repatriate sale proceeds (up to USD 1 million/year) post-tax compliance, via NRO accounts and submission of Form 15CA/15CB.
Legal & Financial Advisory
Engage with legal and financial advisors to ensure all statutory dues are cleared and the transaction is transparent. Savills can assist with document verification, negotiations, and closing formalities.
End-to-End Transaction Support
From identifying buyers to handling documentation, compliance, and transfer of funds—Savills ensures a seamless and secure selling process tailored for NRIs.