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What NRIs Should Do When Visiting India to Manage Property

For many NRIs, visiting India is not just about meeting loved ones and celebrating festivals — it’s also an opportunity to organize property matters that usually get postponed while living abroad. A short, well-planned visit can help you legally secure your property, avoid disputes, and prevent unexpected surprises later.

Here is a simple checklist to help you get the most out of your visit when it comes to property management.

I. Legal Verification & Documentation

The first priority should be ensuring the property’s legal status is clear and documented properly. This will protect you from long-term disputes, fraud, and delayed transactions.

Identity & Status Documents

Keep these ready and updated:

  • Indian Passport or OCI/PIO Card
  • PAN Card (mandatory for any property purchase, sale, rent, or registration)
  • Proof of overseas address (e.g., utility bill, driver’s licence)
  • Aadhar Card 
  • Passport-size photographs
  • NRE/NRO bank account details to manage any financial transactions in India

Property-Related Documents

Before making decisions or signing agreements, verify the documents with a trusted local lawyer:

  • Title Deed / Sale Deed — confirms ownership is clear and marketable
  • Encumbrance Certificate (EC) — shows there are no mortgages, loans, or legal claims
  • Approved building plans & commencement certificate
  • Occupancy Certificate (OC) for completed constructions
  • Latest property tax, electricity, and water bill receipts
  • No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from housing society or relevant authorities

Tip: Make digital copies of all documents and store them securely in a cloud folder.

II. Developer / Project Checks

For under-construction or recently completed projects, due diligence is extremely important.

RERA Verification

Check if the project is registered on the official RERA portal of the respective state. RERA provides:

  • Project approvals
  • Construction timeline
  • Completion status
  • Complaints (if any)

Developer Reputation

Research the developer’s:

  • Previous projects
  • Delivery records
  • Financial stability
  • Customer reviews

Necessary Approvals

Before proceeding, ensure the builder has:

  • Environmental clearance
  • Fire NOC
  • Local authority approvals

This reduces risk and protects your investment.

III. Power of Attorney (PoA) If You’re Managing Property Remotely

If you cannot be physically present for registration, tenant management, or bank procedures, a Power of Attorney becomes essential.

Who Should You Appoint?

  • Choose someone you trust completely, ideally a close family member.

Use Special Power of Attorney (SPA)

  • SPA is safer because it limits the authority to a specific task (like sale, registration, or signing rental papers).
  • Avoid General PoA (GPA) as it grants wide control and can be misused.

Proper Execution Process

  • The PoA must be drafted and signed abroad in the presence of witnesses
  • It must be notarized and then attested by the Indian Embassy/Consulate
  • If the country follows the Hague Convention, it can be apostilled
  • Send it to India and have it adjudicated and registered at the local Sub-Registrar office within 90 days

Precautions

  • Clearly mention powers, responsibilities and expiry date
  • Ensure all payments go directly to your NRE/NRO bank account
  • Revoke the PoA formally once its purpose is fulfilled

Final Thoughts

A trip to India is the best time to fix property-related issues that are difficult to manage from overseas. Even a few well-planned hours can:

✔ Prevent disputes
✔ Protect ownership
✔ Avoid legal delays
✔ Save significant time and money later

If you prepare the right documents and take expert advice, you can return abroad knowing your property is legally and financially secure.

Need Support While You’re Away?

Once you return overseas, staying on top of property matters can still be challenging. That’s where Guardia can step in.

Whether it’s:

View Our Services

Our team ensures your property back home stays protected, monitored, and well-maintained — even when you’re miles away.

If you need guidance or want to discuss how we can help manage your property while you’re abroad, we’re just a message away.

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