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Can an NRI Buy Residential Plots in India?Can NRIs Buy Plots in India? 2026 Rules, Restrictions & New Tax Ease Explained
For many NRIs, owning a piece of land back home is more than an investment—it’s an emotional anchor. A future home, a retirement plan, or simply a long-term asset that grows in value over time. But before taking that step, it’s essential to understand what the law actually allows.
Surprisingly, the rules for NRIs are more straightforward than most people think—especially after the latest Budget 2026 announcement that has simplified one of the most troublesome tax requirements.
Let’s break everything down in simple terms.
So, Can NRIs Buy Plots in India?
Yes, absolutely.
NRIs are free to buy:
Residential plots
Commercial plots
Apartments and other built homes
There’s no need to approach the RBI for approval, and there’s no cap on the number of properties you can own.
Where the law draws a hard line is with:
Agricultural land
Plantation estates
Farmhouses
These cannot be bought directly, no matter where the NRI is living. They can only be inherited or received as a gift.
A Big Change in 2026: No More TAN Requirement
If an NRI sells property in India, the resident buyer is required to deduct TDS.
Until now, this process involved the buyer getting a Tax Deduction Account Number (TAN)—a step that confused most people and often delayed the deal.
Starting October 1, 2026, this requirement disappears.
Buyers can simply use their PAN to deposit the TDS.
No extra numbers, no extra paperwork.
This small change will make NRI transactions much smoother and quicker.
How NRIs Are Expected to Pay
All payments for property—whether a plot or a ready home—must come in Indian Rupees.
NRIs generally use these accounts:
NRE
NRO
FCNR
Funds can also be transferred from abroad directly through banking channels.
Cash is not allowed, and foreign currency must not be handed over physically.
Loans from Indian banks are permitted too, as long as the funds flow through regulated accounts.
Using a Power of Attorney (POA)
Most NRIs can’t fly back to India for every signature or document.
The law understands this.
A Power of Attorney can handle:
Registration
Agreement signing
Possession formalities
Signing the POA at an Indian Consulate or before a recognized notary abroad is enough. The document just needs to be stamped or adjudicated once it reaches India.
What Happens When an NRI Sells a Plot?
Repatriation is allowed, but with limits.
You can send up to USD 1 million per financial year out of India, provided:
Taxes are cleared
The original purchase payment can be proven
Documents like the sale deed are in order
A chartered accountant will typically handle the compliance for repatriation.
Things NRIs Should Watch Out for Before Buying
- Check if the plot is truly “residential”
Some plots are marketed as residential but may still be listed as agricultural on government records.
Always verify land conversion documents.
- Check RERA registration
Most plotted developments are legally required to get RERA approval.
This will also protect you against delayed handovers or disputed layouts.
- Verify the seller's title
Land ownership is a sensitive issue in India. One has to check:
Title chains
Certificates of Encumbrance
Demarcation and layout approvals
- Citizenship restrictions
If the NRI is a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, Nepal, or Bhutan, they must obtain prior RBI approval before buying anything.
Why Many NRIs Prefer Plots Over Built Property
Compared to apartments, plot investments offer:
More freedom to build later
Higher appreciation in fast-growing cities
Lower maintenance costs
Better long-term resale value
For NRIs planning eventual relocation or retirement in India, a plot can be a sensible first step.
Final Thoughts
Buying a residential plot in India as an NRI is not complicated. The legal framework is friendly, and with the 2026 tax update eliminating the TAN requirement, selling to or buying from an NRI will become even simpler.
PMRDA, District Administration Push for Land Acquisition for Nashik Phata–Khed Elevated Corridor
In order to alleviate traffic congestion along the Pune–Nashik highway, the district administration and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) have stepped up their efforts to finish the land acquisition for the upcoming Nashik Phata–Khed elevated corridor.
Project Overview
The 30-km elevated corridor between Nashik Phata and Rajgurunagar (Khed) will be developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The project, estimated at ₹7,827 crore, is expected to significantly reduce travel time and traffic snarls on this vital route, especially near industrial hubs like Chakan.
Land Requirement & Acquisition
Authorities have identified around 14 hectares of land needed for the project, primarily for entry and exit points. Out of this, 9.74 hectares belonging to around 150 landowners within PMRDA limits—covering villages such as Nanekarwadi, Waki Khurd, Waki Budruk, Chimbali, Kuruli, Medankarwadi, and parts of Chakan have been earmarked.
In areas under the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), particularly in Bhosari and Moshi, land acquisition is being facilitated through Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and Floor Space Index (FSI) transfers.
Financial Support
To cover remaining acquisition costs, a proposal seeking ₹262 crore in state aid has already been submitted. Authorities have assured that landowners will receive due compensation for the acquired land.
Challenges Ahead
Concerns have been voiced by a few Chakan landowners who demand payment for their holdings and assert that previous acquisitions for highway construction were never formally transferred. If these disagreements are not settled right away, the process may be delayed.
Road Ahead
The district administration has set a goal to finish the land acquisition by October 2025. Following the conclusion of the bidding process, construction is anticipated to start. Once the corridor is up and running, it should improve connectivity to the Chakan MIDC belt and beyond while also providing relief to thousands of daily commuters.
Source: Times of India
K Raheja Corp Subsidiary Acquires 7.43 Acres in Mahalunge, Pune for ₹195 Crore
Mumbai-based real estate major K Raheja Corp, through its subsidiary KRC Queens Pvt Ltd, has acquired 7.43 acres of land in Mahalunge near Hinjewadi, on the outskirts of Pune, for ₹195 crore, according to property registration documents accessed by CRE Matrix.
Mahalunge Real Estate Developers Pvt Ltd sold the land parcel, which was designated for a residential township project. On July 21, 2025, the deal was registered after ₹13.67 crore in stamp duty was paid.
As per the agreement, the plot is part of a notified integrated township project and offers a development potential of 1.51 lakh sq. metres (16.28 lakh sq. ft.), translating to a saleable area of approximately 17 lakh sq. ft.
Mahalunge, which is close to the busy Hinjewadi IT district, has become one of Pune's most popular real estate areas because of its better infrastructure and close proximity to job hubs.
This purchase complements K Raheja Corp's most recent expansion efforts. . Earlier in January 2025, the developer entered into an agreement to purchase 5.75 acres of land in Mumbai’s Kandivali area for ₹466 crore.
The newly acquired land in Mahalunge is expected to be developed into a premium residential township, leveraging the area’s connectivity and demand from professionals working in nearby IT and commercial hubs.
Property Division Now Possible for Just ₹100: A Major Relief for Families and Farmers
In India, family property disputes have long been a source of stress, frequently lasting years because of ambiguous ownership and expensive registration fees. Because formal land division was costly, time-consuming, and legally complex, many families have avoided it until now. Instead, verbal agreements were common, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and in many cases, prolonged court battles.
In a major reform, the government has now simplified the rules for legal land division, allowing families to complete the process officially at a cost of just ₹100.
The New Simplified Process
According to recent reports, the process has been made much more transparent and affordable:
- Family Register Update – Every family member must be listed in the Parivarik Register maintained by the local Circle Officer. Missing names will not be eligible for a share.
- Application Submission – Applicants need to provide ID proof, land ownership documents, and family relationship certificates, such as a ration card or family ID.
- ₹100 Stamp Paper – After approval, families can purchase a ₹100 stamp paper on which the division details, such as boundaries, shares, and names of each member, are recorded.
- Legal Ownership Issued – Once verified and registered, each member receives official ownership documents, enabling them to sell, mortgage, or apply for government benefits.
Benefits of the Reform
For farmers: Having clear land ownership makes it easier for them to access government programs and obtain agricultural loans.
For women, stronger property rights are ensured by the legal recognition of their share.
For Families: Makes land distribution clear and legally binding, preventing future conflicts.
A Step Towards Transparency
Experts note that this initiative will reduce land-related litigation and bring clarity to property ownership. This action is anticipated to greatly reduce the burden of the millions of cases involving inheritance and division that are still pending in Indian courts. Additionally, it supports the government's overarching objective of establishing an effective, transparent, and fraud-free land record system that benefits both urban and rural households.
Conclusion
All societal segments can now afford property division thanks to the government's simplification of the procedure and reduction of the cost to just ₹100. This reform ensures economic strength for farmers, legal empowerment for women, and peace of mind for families by simplifying and lowering the cost of what was once a complex legal process.
Sources:
SCMM News
The Times of India
Hindustan Times
Residents Request Halt to PMRDA’s Auction of Amenity Plots, Seek Civic Use
Residents have urged the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to halt its proposed auction of amenity plots, emphasising that the land should instead be utilised for civic purposes.
The availability of essential community infrastructure, such as parks, schools, health facilities, water systems, and public safety facilities, may be impacted by the sale of these plots, the locals stressed. Amenity plots are designed to satisfy public needs in accordance with regional planning regulations.
PMRDA has planned the auction of 35 amenity plots across various areas in the region, with a combined estimated base value of approximately ₹91 crore. Earnest money deposits for the plots vary according to their size and location.
Officials from PMRDA stated that the auction is being conducted in line with the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR). Additionally, they mentioned that some plots are set aside for public buildings like cultural centres and libraries. Similar amenity plot auctions have been held in the area before by PMRDA.
In spite of this, locals insist that these plots are essential for community growth and shouldn't be viewed as extra resources for making money. They have called for these lands to be preserved for civic purposes, citing the need for public infrastructure to support local population growth and development.
Source:TOI
Hiranandani Group & Krisala Group Join Forces for 105 Acre Landmark Township in Pune
Global professional services firm Colliers India has successfully facilitated a major joint development deal in Pune between two leading real estate developers — Hiranandani Group and Krisala Group.
The land parcel, spanning 105 acres in North Hinjewadi, Pune, is owned by Hiranandani Group. Colliers India suggested that a joint development model would maximise results for both parties when the company was first being considered for sale. The team created a well-balanced joint development agreement for a mixed-use project that would benefit both developers by minimizing up-front expenses and optimising potential returns.
The project is especially appealing because of the land's advantageous location. Professionals and locals alike can easily access North Hinjewadi thanks to the expanding infrastructure connectivity between Mumbai and Pune. Pune has a lot of potential for residential and commercial development because of the city's growing urban demand and the fast growth of its IT hubs.
In order to meet the needs of the present market and changing lifestyle trends, the future mixed-use township is designed to have high-end residential apartments, shops, and contemporary conveniences. It is anticipated that the partnership between Hiranandani Group and Krisala Group will establish a standard for excellent, punctual, and carefully thought-out developments in the area.
Source: The Reality Today