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AV REALTORProperty advisory

NRI guide · Singapore

Buying property in Mohali and the Tricity from Singapore

From Singapore, the time difference is small and calls are easy. We walk you through the actual project on live video, keep everything in writing and coordinate the paperwork with your lawyer and family in Punjab.
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How it works in Singapore

  1. 01

    A call at your time

    Tell us what you are looking for. We plan the call around your time zone, on WhatsApp or video.

  2. 02

    A verified shortlist

    Only projects whose RERA registration we have checked, with prices confirmed with the developer or seller.

  3. 03

    Live video walkthroughs

    We show you the actual tower, floor and unit on video, not just the sample flat, and send a written summary.

  4. 04

    Paperwork with your lawyer

    We coordinate the agreement, payments and registration with your lawyer, CA and family in India.

  5. 05

    After the purchase

    Possession, snag lists, leasing and, later, resale support.

Time difference

Where you areIndia Standard Time (IST)
Singapore2 h 30 min ahead of IST

Your late morning to evening overlaps with the Indian working day. Tell us a time that suits you and we'll confirm it.

Paying in Singapore

Under the FEMA rules published by the RBI, NRIs and OCI cardholders generally pay through normal banking channels: an inward remittance from Singapore (SGD), or a debit to an NRE, NRO or FCNR(B) account in India. Foreign currency cash and traveller's cheques are not allowed. Keep every bank record: your bank and CA will need them if you sell later and want to send the money abroad. Agricultural land, plantation property and farmhouses cannot be bought by NRIs or OCIs.

Signing documents in Singapore

If you can't travel for a step such as registration, you can give a power of attorney (PoA) to someone you trust in India. A PoA signed in Singapore is usually notarised and then apostilled (the country is a member of the Apostille Convention), or attested at an Indian mission. Once it reaches India, it generally has to be stamped within three months under the stamp law, and your lawyer will tell you the exact wording and stamp duty for Punjab.

The High Commission of India in Singapore handles consular attestation. Find your nearest Indian mission(opens in a new tab)

Tax: questions for your accountant

  • How the tax treaty between India and your country applies to rental income or a future sale.
  • What tax is deducted at source (TDS) when you buy, and the different rules if you sell as an NRI.
  • What you need to report about Indian property, income or bank accounts in Singapore.

General information only

We are not lawyers or tax advisers. FEMA, tax and document requirements change and depend on your situation: please confirm them with a qualified lawyer, CA and your bank before you pay or sign anything.

Common questions

Can OCI cardholders buy property in Mohali or New Chandigarh?

Under the FEMA rules published by the RBI, NRIs and OCI cardholders can generally buy residential and commercial property in India, but not agricultural land, plantation property or farmhouses. Your CA and bank should confirm how the rules apply to you.

How do I pay for the property?

Payments generally go through normal banking channels: an inward remittance from abroad (for example from Singapore), or a debit to your NRE, NRO or FCNR(B) account in India. Cash in foreign currency and traveller's cheques are not allowed. Keep every bank record, as you will need them later, including if you ever sell and want to send the money abroad.

Do I have to travel to India to buy?

Not for every step. We do live video walkthroughs of the actual tower and unit, share written summaries, and coordinate with your lawyer and family. Many buyers visit once, for example for the final unit selection or registration, and use a power of attorney for the rest. Your lawyer will advise what needs you in person.

Sources

Visiting home soon?

Tell us your travel dates and we'll line up accompanied visits to verified options in one or two days.

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