Mumbai is no longer just a city; it is a global investment fortress. For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), the pull of Maximum City has never been stronger. With new Metro lines cutting travel times by half and property registrations hitting decadal highs, the 2025 market is prime for those looking to secure a piece of Buying Property In Mumbai.
But geographical distance shouldn’t mean a lack of clarity. Buying Property In Mumbai from London, Dubai, or New York involves a specific set of rules, tax layers, and a heavy dose of legal due diligence.
At Sayba Group, we have spent over 21 years helping global Indians navigate Buying Property In Mumbai. We’ve delivered homes to 5,000+ families across Kurla, Bandra, and Jogeshwari. Here is your hyper-precise roadmap for Buying Property In Mumbai in 2025.
The Regulatory Green Light: What Can You Buy?
The Clear-Cut Rules:
- Allowed : You can freely purchase any number of residential or commercial properties for Buying Property In Mumbai.
- Prohibited : You cannot buy agricultural land, plantation property, or farmhouses.
- Inheritance : You can hold agricultural land only if you inherited it.
- Gifts : You can receive residential or commercial property as a gift from a resident Indian relative for Buying Property In Mumbai.
The Bottom Line : If it’s a flat or an office space, you are good to go. If it’s a plot of farmland, the answer is a hard “No” for Buying Property In Mumbai.
The Money Trail: How to Pay Legally
The biggest trap for NRIs is the payment mode. The government keeps a tight leash on foreign exchange for Buying Property In Mumbai.
The Banking Must-Dos:
No cash allowed : all payments must be routed through formal banking channels using Indian rupees for Buying Property In Mumbai.
- Account Types : Use your NRE (Non-Resident External), NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary), or FCNR (Foreign Currency Non-Resident) accounts.
- Repatriation : Funds in your NRE or FCNR accounts are fully repatriable, meaning you can send the money back abroad freely. NRO accounts have a limit of USD 1 million per financial year.
Can you take a loan? Yes. Most banks fund up to 75% to 80% of the property value for NRIs.
- Tenure: Typically capped at 20 years.
- Local Co-applicant: Most lenders require a resident Indian as a co-applicant to smooth out the process.
The 2025 Tax Play: GST and TDS
Taxation is where most buyers lose money. In 2025, the stage of the project determines your tax bill for Buying Property In Mumbai.
1. The GST Advantage
- Under Construction: 5% GST for premium units or 1% for affordable housing (capped at ₹45 Lakh). [ latest blog on Understanding the GST in 2025-26 ].
- Ready to Move (The Sayba Edge): 0% GST. This is why smart NRIs are shifting to Sayba Group’s OC-received projects. Buying a ready home in Kurla or Bandra saves you that 5% tax upfront, money better spent on high-end interiors. saybagroup.com
2. Stamp Duty & Registration.
In Mumbai, the budget should be 6% (5% stamp duty + 1% Metro Cess). The Savings Tip: Have the property registered in the name of a woman to receive a concession of 1% on stamp duty.
3. TDS (Tax Deducted at Source)
- In case you purchase property from a resident Indian, you will have to pay 1% TDS in case the property is above 50 lakh.
- In case of a subsequent sale: The buyer will subtract TDS on long-term gains (held more than 24 months) at 12.5% or on short-term gains at your slab rate.
Managing from Afar: Power of Attorney (POA)
You don’t have to fly to Mumbai for every signature. A Power of Attorney is your legal lifeline.
- Who to choose? Send a relative or friend in Mumbai to represent you.
- The Procedure : Prepare a POA, have it notarised in your home country, and have it attested by the Indian Embassy/Consulate.
- Registration : After the document is received in India, it should be adjudged and stamped within three months in order to be legally binding.
Read our latest blog on How to Verify Property Documents Before Buying a Flat in India to make sure your property investment is safe.
Strategic Tips for Mumbai NRI Buyers
Finding the BKC Factor proximity to the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) is the final ROI driver. The rent is exploding in places such as Kurla East and West, with a monthly yield of 25,000-60,000. NRIs love these “lock-and-leave” properties because the demand is perennial.
Verify RERA Every Time. Never book a project without checking its MahaRERA number. It’s your shield against project delays and fraud.
Conclusion
Buying Property In Mumbai as an NRI is a powerful move for wealth preservation and emotional grounding. While the rules are strict, the rewards are immense if you partner with the right developer.
We prioritise transparency. Our Ongoing Project and Completed Project are registered by RERA and are based on 18 years of trust. You need a 2BHK that is luxurious and in the vicinity of the Metro, or you need a property with a high rental value for Buying Property In Mumbai. We will ensure that you have an easy time entering the Mumbai market.
Ready to explore? Call our NRI desk today, walk through our virtual tours, and contact us to discover your ideal Buying Property In Mumbai.
FAQs
Q1: Can NRIs freely buy residential property in Mumbai?
A1: Yes, NRIs can freely purchase any number of residential properties for Buying Property In Mumbai.
Q2: Can NRIs buy agricultural land or farmhouses in Mumbai?
A2: No, NRIs cannot buy agricultural land or farmhouses. They can inherit agricultural land for Buying Property In Mumbai.
Q3: What are the payment options for NRIs buying property in Mumbai?
A3: Payments must be routed via NRE, NRO, or FCNR accounts for Buying Property In Mumbai.
Q4: Is GST applicable for NRIs when buying property in Mumbai?
A4: Yes, 5% GST for Under Construction units, 0% GST for Ready-to-Move OC-received projects for Buying Property In Mumbai.
Q5: Can NRIs use Power of Attorney for property transactions in Mumbai?
A5: Yes, NRIs can assign a POA to a relative or friend in Mumbai for Buying Property In Mumbai.