Real Estate in India

"We had the services of a relocation firm who lined up a lot of places to look at. We didn't plan it, but we lucked out as unlike a lot of the usual expat colonies in Pune, once our driver has gone for the day we aren't confined at home or relying on autorickshaws. It is a short stroll to some very good restaurants, and a couple of blocks to the local supermarket and plenty of other stores whilst still being a quiet neighborhood," explained one person living in Pune, India.

"One way to find a place to live in India is to use online resources such as real estate websites and rental listings. Additionally, you could consider utilizing local networks and contacting real estate agents directly. You can also look to newspapers and magazines in your area or utilize social media, such as Twitter and Facebook, to get an idea of what areas are popular and suitable for your needs. To narrow your search, consider what type of housing you are looking for (e.g., flat, house, apartment, villa, etc.) and the area that you want to live in. Additionally, have an idea of what you’re looking for in terms of price and amenities, such as access to markets, hospitals, and other services. Finally, don't forget to chat with locals who can often give valuable advice and can provide resources that would be harder to find online," said one expat in India.

"We actually paid someone before we came to set up our home. But, in my husband's business that is something that we do. Locate and set up housing for foreigners in India. So, we base it on location to malls, stores, and other places we find expats like to frequent. We also, consider the place of employment along with cost," remarked one member in Ahmedabad, India.

"We had a residence provided for us, however there are *lots* of real estate agents in town," explained one expat living in Mussoorie, India.

"We live in an apartment that is part of an older house. Many expats in the area seem to do something similar, renting from locals or residing in guesthouses, long term," said one expat in Mussoorie.

"We live in a flat. Which works perfect for us. A few other expats live in flats as well but for the most part they live in bungalows. But one thing we all have in common is we all live in gated secured communities," remarked one member in Ahmedabad, India.

"Expat homes or apartments in India often have a modern design and come equipped with the latest amenities. They typically come with impressive views and generous terraces, balconies, or gardens. Expat residences are also often air conditioned and come with high-speed Wi-Fi, which is a great advantage. Expat homes and apartments usually offer luxury living with desirable amenities such as gourmet kitchen spaces, swimming pools, gym facilities, and concierge services. Furthermore, these dwellings usually provide extensive security measures to ensure the safety of their tenants," explained one expat living in India.

"Property rental here is expensive, we pay nearly $2,000 a month for our 3 bed, 3 bath apartment. Undoubtedly, expats pay more than locals and rental amounts are increasing quite quickly due to an influx of expats. Agents tell us that suitable properties are increasingly hard to find," said one expat in Pune.

"Buying a home in India can be a great investment, as properties tend to appreciate quite quickly. However, it is important to consider several factors before making the decision, including your budget, the length of time you plan to stay in India, and the type of neighborhood you would like to live in. It may be more cost-efficient to rent a home in India if you are only looking for a temporary residence with low overhead costs. However, if you intend to make India your permanent residence, investing in a home may be the better option. Ultimately, the best decision will depend on your particular situation and needs," explained one expat living in India.

"Before purchasing property in India, it is important to understand the legal regulations related to the purchase of real estate in the country. Investigate the title deed, registration documents and any other legal encumbrances to ensure there are no problems with the property. Conduct due diligence and ensure that you have all the necessary papers from the seller. It is also essential to be aware of the local laws and regulations in the area, as well as applicable taxes. Additionally, it may be worth investing in legal and tax advice for when making a purchase," said one expat in India.

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in India. However, there are certain restrictions and regulations that must be followed. Foreigners are only allowed to purchase residential or commercial property in India, and they must obtain prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India before doing so. Additionally, the property must be purchased in foreign exchange that has been remitted to India through normal banking channels. Furthermore, the property must be registered with the local authorities and the foreign exchange must be repatriated outside India after the sale of the property," explained one person living in India.

"In India, rental properties typically come with standard appliances like a refrigerator, stove, and microwave. Washing machines are also often included, while air conditioners and water heaters may be provided depending on the property. Additionally, amenities like ironing boards and cable/internet connections may be available in some units," remarked one foreigner who made the move to India.

"Expats typically search for homes in India by using online real estate portals, such as MagicBricks, 99acres, and Housing.com, to browse listings of available properties. They can also contact local real estate agents to help them find a suitable home. Additionally, expats can search for homes in India by attending open houses and visiting neighborhoods to get a better feel for the area," explained one person living in India.