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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.
Westcon of the Solitaire Group Pays ₹129 Crore to Purchase Almost 10 Acres in Wagholi, Pune
Westcon Spaces Pvt. Ltd., a division of Solitaire Group, has paid more than ₹129 crore for nearly 10 acres (roughly 4 hectares) of land in Wagholi. The acquisition was completed through four separate transactions on February 6, 2025. A 4-acre plot was bought for ₹40 crore, and the largest parcel, which was about 5 acres, was bought for ₹50 crore. For ₹28 crore and ₹11 crore, respectively, two smaller parcels of 0.5 acres were purchased. The premium nature of the location was demonstrated by the several crores in stamp duty payments for all four transactions.
Why Wagholi?
Situated in Pune's quickly expanding northeastern corridor, Wagholi has become a popular residential and business area. Both developers and homebuyers find it appealing due to its close proximity to the Kharadi IT hub, enhanced infrastructure, and improved connectivity.
Significant urban development is taking place in the area, and a number of real estate companies are making large investments to capitalise on the potential for future growth.
This purchase is indicative of a larger pattern of aggressive land banking by leading developers in India's largest cities. More than 2,000 acres were covered by land deals in the top eight urban markets in 2024, up 47% year over year, according to CBRE India. Pune continues to be one of the busiest real estate markets due to migration inflows, infrastructure improvements, and IT-led jobs.
Strategic Move for Solitaire Group
Solitaire Group made a calculated decision to expand the scope of its Pune project portfolio by purchasing the Wagholi land. The large plot of land can accommodate large-scale mixed-use, residential, or commercial projects that would help the organisation achieve its expansion objectives and increase its exposure in high-potential locations.
With this acquisition, the developer is well-positioned to meet the rising demand for quality housing and integrated living spaces in one of Pune’s fastest-evolving neighbourhoods.
Source:Hindustan Times
Maharashtra Makes Tentative Layout Approval Mandatory Before Land Measurement
Pune: The Maharashtra government has made tentative layout approval mandatory prior to any land measurement, which is a major policy change intended to increase transparency and regulation in land transactions.
Implemented by the state's Land Records Department under the direction of Dr. Suhas Diwase, Settlement Commissioner and Director of Land Records, the decision aims to stop unlawful land division, stop unapproved construction, and shield purchasers from deceptive transactions.
The New Process
Any developer or individual requesting land measurement under the updated system must first provide the appropriate authority with a draft layout plan. The proposed division of land, roads, and open spaces will be shown in this plan.
The Land Records Department will complete the required measurement work after receiving the preliminary layout.
After that, the information will be sent to the local planning authority for review and approval.
The revised and approved layout will be entered into the official land records following approval.
This step ensures that no land measurement happens without proper planning permissions, reducing disputes and ensuring that layouts comply with development regulations.
Legal and Planning Framework
It also supports government objectives such as reserving 20% of plots (in layouts over 4 hectares) for low- and very low-income groups, thereby promoting affordable housing.
Benefits of the Rule
Transparency: Buyers can be assured that the land they are purchasing is measured and approved in accordance with legal norms.
Prevention of Fraud: Reduces the chances of illegal plotting or sale of unapproved land.
Clear Demarcation: Accurate measurements prevent future boundary disputes.
Urban Planning Compliance: Ensures layouts meet infrastructure, open space, and road requirements.
Source: Punekar News
Selling a plot of land can be highly profitable—if done right. Whether you're an investor or an individual owner, these tips will help you get the best value from your land sale:
- Know Your Buyer
Understand who your ideal buyer is—developers, end users, or investors. Tailoring your marketing strategy to match their expectations which will make a huge difference in closing the deal.
- Improve the Visual Appeal
A clean, well-maintained plot creates a positive first impression. Clear debris, trim overgrowth, and, if possible, landscape the area. Even minor improvements can boost perceived value.
- Ensure Accessibility and Utility Readiness
Buyers prefer land with proper road access and available utilities. If your plot lacks these, mention possibilities for easy connections or adjust pricing accordingly.
- Highlight Development Potential
Mention if the plot is zoned for residential, commercial, or industrial use—or if rezoning is possible. Development potential adds investment appeal.
- Set the Right Price
Compare recent sales in your locality to price your land competitively. Avoid overpricing or undervaluing—both can push away serious buyers.
- Market Smartly
Use high-quality photos, drone shots if possible, and clear descriptions across real estate platforms and social media. Visibility and clarity attract more genuine interest.
- Take Expert Help
A real estate agent with land sale experience will advise you on pricing, negotiating, and documents. Their network will introduce you to the best buyers in record time.
Conclusion
Getting maximum value for your land is a matter of getting it in position, showing it off, and pricing it tactically. The effort you make will pay great dividends in acquiring the best value.
Buying a plot of land is a big decision—whether it’s for building your dream home or making a smart investment. But for many, the process can seem confusing. That’s why we’ve created this simple guide to take you through every step—from your first site visit to the final registration of your sale deed.
Step 1: Do Your Research
Start with choosing the right place in Pune. Look for Bhor, Kamshet, or Mulshi, which have good roads, schools, hospitals, and a scope for development. Also, decide on your budget, including hidden costs like stamp duty and registration charges.
Step 2: Site Visit
After shortlisting a couple of choices, visit the plot in person. Observe the area around the road connectivity and ensure that the actual boundaries are the same as on paper. Take photographs or videos so that you can decide later.
Step 3: Legal Checks
This is a very important step. Make sure the seller actually owns the land and that there are no legal problems, like loans or disputes. You should:
Ask for the Encumbrance Certificate (shows if the land has loans or claims)
Check the title documents to confirm legal ownership
Make sure the land use is approved (residential, commercial, etc.)
Step 4: Sign the Agreement to Sell
Once you’re sure everything is clear, the seller will prepare a document called the Agreement to Sell. This paper includes the price, payment schedule, and other terms. You usually pay a token amount (advance) at this stage.
Step 5: Register the Sale Deed
The Sale Deed, the final document that transfers ownership to you. It must be registered at the sub-registrar’s office. To do this, you’ll need:
The signed sale deed
Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN)
Passport-size photos
Property tax receipts
Encumbrance certificate
You also need to pay stamp duty and registration fees, which vary by state.
Step 6: After Registration
Once registered, update land records (mutation) with your name. After that, you officially own the plot and can begin construction or development.
Secure Your Investment with Genuine Plots
Your trusted partner in plot investments across Pune. From circle rate analysis to ROI calculation, buying, selling, loan guidance, and agri-certificate application, Genuine Plots supports you at every step.
Selling a plot of land can be highly profitable—if done right. Whether you're an investor or an individual owner, these tips will help you get the best value from your land sale:
- Know Your Buyer
Understand who your ideal buyer is—developers, end users, or investors. Tailoring your marketing strategy to match their expectations which will make a huge difference in closing the deal.
- Improve the Visual Appeal
A clean, well-maintained plot creates a positive first impression. Clear debris, trim overgrowth, and, if possible, landscape the area. Even minor improvements can boost perceived value.
- Ensure Accessibility and Utility Readiness
Buyers prefer land with proper road access and available utilities. If your plot lacks these, mention possibilities for easy connections or adjust pricing accordingly.
- Highlight Development Potential
Mention if the plot is zoned for residential, commercial, or industrial use—or if rezoning is possible. Development potential adds investment appeal.
- Set the Right Price
Compare recent sales in your locality to price your land competitively. Avoid overpricing or undervaluing—both can push away serious buyers.
- Market Smartly
Use high-quality photos, drone shots if possible, and clear descriptions across real estate platforms and social media. Visibility and clarity attract more genuine interest.
- Take Expert Help
A real estate agent with land sale experience will advise you on pricing, negotiating, and documents. Their network will introduce you to the best buyers in record time.
Conclusion
Getting maximum value for your land is a matter of getting it in position, showing it off, and pricing it tactically. The effort you make will pay great dividends in acquiring the best value.