Complete NRI Guide to Investing in Fractional Ownership Real Estate in India

With increasing disposable incomes and a strong desire to stay financially connected to their homeland, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) have long considered Indian real estate a safe and profitable investment option. Traditionally, this meant purchasing full ownership of residential or commercial properties. However, challenges such as high capital requirements, regulatory complexities, and property management issues often deterred or delayed these investments.

Today, the emergence of fractional ownership real estate in India is transforming the investment landscape for NRIs. By allowing individuals to co-own premium properties – ranging from commercial spaces to holiday homes—fractional investment platforms like BrickPlatter are making Indian real estate accessible, manageable, and rewarding for global investors. Through an SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) model, NRIs can earn rental income and capital appreciation from Grade-A properties without needing to buy an entire asset.

This comprehensive guide explores how NRIs can benefit from India’s fast-growing fractional real estate model, the legal and financial frameworks involved, and why this modern investment path is gaining popularity among global Indians.

1. What is Fractional Ownership in Indian Real Estate?

Fractional ownership allows multiple investors to jointly own a high-value property. Each investor holds a share in the property through a company or SPV, and they earn rental income and capital appreciation proportional to their investment. This model is ideal for premium commercial and residential properties that might otherwise be unaffordable for single investors.

For NRIs, this is a chance to invest in Grade-A assets in top Indian cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Gurugram, Pune, Goa, and more—starting from just ₹10 lakhs.

2. NRIs Should Consider Fractional Ownership

  • Lower Entry Barrier: Instead of investing crores, NRIs can enter the Indian real estate market with fractional investments starting as low as ₹10 lakhs.
  • Hassle-Free Management: Platforms like BrickPlatter manage tenant sourcing, legal compliance, maintenance, and tax documentation.
  • Diversification: NRIs can diversify their real estate portfolio across cities and asset types (commercial, residential, resorts, hotels).
  • Regular Income: Rental income from pre-leased properties offers a stable cash flow, which is directly transferred to the NRI’s account.
  • Asset Appreciation: NRIs benefit from capital appreciation at the time of property exit or resale.
  • Safe & Regulated: Investment is routed via SPVs, ensuring clarity in ownership and legal protection.

3. Legal Eligibility & Documentation for NRI Investors

NRIs are legally permitted to invest in real estate in India under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). However, certain rules and documentation are required:

  • Valid Indian Passport & PAN Card
  • NRE/NRO Account: Rental income is credited into these accounts.
  • KYC Verification: Includes proof of address, identity, and overseas residence.
  • Declaration for Repatriation (if needed): To transfer gains abroad post-tax.

Platforms like BrickPlatter assist NRIs with end-to-end documentation and compliance to simplify the process.

4. How the SPV Model Works for NRIs

In fractional ownership, the property is owned by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), typically a private limited company. Each NRI investor becomes a shareholder in this SPV, proportionate to their investment amount.

Benefits of SPV structure:

  • Legal protection and dispute resolution framework
  • Transparent shareholding and dividend structure
  • Easy resale of shares or ownership exit
  • Simplified taxation and audit trail

BrickPlatter ensures that every SPV is professionally managed, legally compliant, and audited for investor confidence.

5. Taxation for NRIs in Fractional Property Investment

  • Rental Income: Taxed in India as per Indian income tax laws. TDS (usually 30%) is deducted before payouts to NRIs. This can be claimed in your home country under DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement).
  • Capital Gains: Upon exit/sale of your stake, capital gains tax is applicable depending on holding duration.
    • Short-term (holding < 2 years): Taxed as per income slab
    • Long-term (holding ≥ 2 years): Taxed at 20% with indexation benefit

Note: BrickPlatter provides TDS certificates, audited statements, and tax filing support for NRIs.

6. Types of Properties NRIs Can Invest In

  • Pre-Leased Commercial Offices: With long-term tenants like banks, tech companies, or MNCs.
  • Retail Showrooms: In high footfall areas for strong rental returns.
  • Holiday Homes & Resorts: Investment in leisure properties for capital gain.
  • Premium Residential Units: High-demand gated society apartments or luxury villas.

By investing through BrickPlatter, NRIs get access to curated, investment-grade properties with ready tenant profiles and verified legal status.

7. How to Get Started with BrickPlatter as an NRI

  1. Sign Up on the BrickPlatter plaform and complete NRI KYC.
  2. Explore Listed Properties with detailed ROI, location, lease terms, and tenant history.
  3. Consult Investment Advisors for custom recommendations and clarifications.
  4. Reserve Your Fraction in the preferred property.
  5. Execute Agreement and become a shareholder in the SPV.
  6. Track Your Returns via the dashboard and receive regular rental income.
  7. Plan Exit after capital gain or asset appreciation cycle ends.

8. Things to Keep in Mind While Investing

  • Choose platforms that provide full transparency and documentation.
  • Review the financials of the property: lease period, tenant, returns, maintenance costs.
  • Consider long-term vs short-term horizon depending on your goals.
  • Check if the platform has assisted resale or exit options.
  • Get tax planning advice before repatriating income or selling stake.

Conclusion

The real estate market in India is poised for significant growth, especially in commercial and holiday segments. For NRIs looking to invest without the traditional barriers of large capital, tedious paperwork, and on-ground maintenance, fractional ownership via platforms like BrickPlatter is a smart, secure, and scalable solution.

Not only does this model open the door to high-quality Indian real estate, but it also ensures passive income, portfolio diversification, and legally sound ownership through SPVs. As India continues to attract global attention in the proptech space, NRIs are in a prime position to leverage these innovative opportunities.

With BrickPlatter, you’re not just investing in real estate—you’re building a future in India with trusted partners and powerful property portfolios. Whether you’re based in Dubai, Singapore, London, or New York, your Indian real estate journey can begin today, smartly and seamlessly.

Ready to invest from abroad? Explore curated pre-leased properties starting from ₹10 lakhs at BrickPlatter.com.

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