Legal Checklist for NRIs Buying Property in Pune
- Swaraj D
- Oct 27
- 4 min read
“Paperwork might not sound exciting — but in real estate, it’s the difference between sweet dreams and sleepless nights.”
Every NRI who’s ever thought of buying a home in India knows one truth — the excitement fades the moment someone says, “Sir, kuch legal documents lagte hain.”
Suddenly, your dream of a 2BHK in Baner feels like an exam you didn’t study for. There are RBI rules, FEMA clauses, registration forms, and that one cousin who says, “Arey, builder sab dekh lega.”
Spoiler alert — he won’t.
So before you jump into Pune’s promising property market, let’s make sure you know the fine print — simply, clearly, and without the headache.
The Basics Every NRI Buyer Should Know
When it comes to buying property in India, the law doesn’t treat NRIs like outsiders — but it does expect you to play by a few clear rules.
Here’s your simple checklist:
1. Who Can Buy?If you hold an Indian passport or an OCI/PIO card, you can freely buy residential and commercial property in India.However, agricultural land, farmhouses, and plantation property are not allowed unless inherited.
2. Number of Properties?There’s no limit. You can buy as many residential or commercial units as you wish — provided payments are made through proper banking channels.
3. Source of PaymentPayments must come via your NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) account, or by inward remittance from abroad.You can’t use foreign currency directly or traveler’s cheques.
4. Joint OwnershipYou can jointly buy property with another NRI or Indian resident, as long as both comply with FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) regulations.
5. Home LoansNRIs are eligible for home loans from Indian banks. The EMI can be paid from your NRE/NRO account or via rental income from the same property.
Understanding FEMA and RBI Rules — Without the Legal Jargon
The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) is basically India’s way of keeping property transactions clean and traceable.
It ensures foreign investments enter through transparent channels and that tax reporting remains simple for both sides — India and your country of residence.
Here’s what matters:
All property payments must come through authorized Indian banks.
Title deeds must clearly reflect the buyer’s NRI or OCI status.
Sale or transfer of property proceeds must go back through NRE/NRO accounts to maintain legality.
And the RBI? Think of it as the traffic cop of financial flows — it allows NRIs to invest, but expects them to follow the right lane.
Why Pune’s RERA Compliance Makes Life Easier
If you’ve ever heard horror stories about project delays or unapproved layouts — RERA is your superhero.The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) ensures builders disclose everything — project completion timelines, legal titles, approvals, and even carpet area accuracy.
Before signing anything, just visit the MahaRERA portal and verify the project ID.If it’s not listed, walk away.No property — no matter how attractive the brochure — is worth sleepless nights.
The SHP Realty Advantage — Your Legal Wingman in Pune
Buying property from abroad is tricky.Half your challenge isn’t choosing the right project — it’s verifying it.
That’s where SHP Realty comes in.We help NRIs like you bridge the distance — verifying RERA registration, checking builder documents, and coordinating with legal experts for due diligence.
You can start shortlisting from our verified New Apartment Listings, where each property is cross-checked for legal safety, documentation, and title clarity.And for more updates on evolving NRI property laws, visit our Blog Section for weekly insights.
Because, let’s face it — ghar lena koi impulse buy nahi hai, poora background check zaroori hai.
Your Legal To-Do List — Step by Step
Here’s how to keep your purchase watertight:
Get a PAN Card — Mandatory for property registration and taxation.
Check Title Documents — Ensure the seller legally owns the property.
RERA Verification — Validate builder and project registration.
Draft Sale Agreement Carefully — Include payment terms, possession timelines, and penalty clauses.
Register the Property — Within four months of signing the sale deed.
Appoint a Power of Attorney (PoA) — Trusted local relative or representative to act on your behalf.
Taxation & Repatriation — Understand capital gains tax, TDS (1% for properties above ₹50 lakh), and the DTAA benefit for avoiding double taxation.
If it sounds like a lot, it’s because it is — but with the right partner, it’s manageable and smooth.
A Real-World Example
Meet Ankit, an NRI engineer from New York.He booked a pre-launch apartment in Wakad directly through a builder his friend recommended.A year later, he realized the project wasn’t RERA-registered and the land title was under dispute.
When he approached SHP Realty, we connected him with a verified legal consultant and helped him recover part of his booking amount — and then guided him toward a fully RERA-approved project in Kharadi.
Today, that same property is earning him steady rent from an IT professional couple — legally clean, emotionally fulfilling.
Final Thoughts — Safety Before Sentiment
Pune’s real estate market is thriving — but it rewards the informed.A few extra checks today can save months of legal stress tomorrow.
So before you sign that sale deed or transfer your booking amount, pause, verify, and confirm.
At SHP Realty, we don’t just find homes; we safeguard them — ensuring your property story begins with confidence, not confusion.Because real estate mein speed important hai, par safety zaroori hai.
FAQs for NRI Buyers
1. Can I buy property in Pune without visiting India?Yes. With Power of Attorney, verified documents, and digital verification, you can complete the entire process remotely.
2. Is stamp duty higher for NRIs?No. NRIs pay the same stamp duty and registration charges as Indian residents in Maharashtra.
3. Can I sell property later and repatriate funds abroad?Yes, through your NRE account, subject to FEMA and RBI limits — typically up to the original investment amount.
4. Do I need a lawyer to buy property?Highly recommended. Legal vetting prevents title disputes and ensures your sale deed aligns with local property laws.
5. Does SHP Realty assist with documentation?Yes — from RERA verification to coordination with legal and banking partners, we simplify every step for NRI clients.
At SHP Realty, we bring clarity to complexity — one property story at a time.#HigherFormOfRealty
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