The Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are recognised under the Foreign Exchange Regulatory Act, 1973 and defined as someone who is "An Indian citizen who holds a valid documents like Indian passport and who stays abroad for employment or for carrying on business or vocation outside India or stays abroad under circumstances indicating an intention for an uncertain duration of stay abroad is a NRI."
Documents required for Resident Indians as well as for NRIs for getting Home Loans are different in some respect. Home loans for NRIs are available for construction of new house / flats, purchase of old house / flat addition / alteration to an existing house and repairs / renovation etc. NRIs can avail of loans by mortgaging an existing residential property. However, for availing home loans, NRIs have to fulfill certain conditions according to provisions of the Income Tax Act. They should have stayed in India for a period of 182 days or more within an assessment year or they should have stayed in India for at least a total of one year or more.
The FDI Policy that permits FDI up to 100 percent from foreign/NRI investor under the automatic route has boosted NRI confidence. Banks have attractive NRI housing schemes to accommodate the housing needs of NRIs. From the stables of HFCs, NRI housing NRIs finance plans with suitable repayment options are available.
Last but not the least, NRIs should take due care while selecting their home loan provider companies or HFCs. Considering the geographical distances involved, it is significant that loan seekers associate with a proactive and responsive HFC.
The eligibility criteria of NRIs differ from Resident Indians based on a few parameters. The parameters include:
Age: The loan applicant has to be 21 years of age.
Qualification: The NRI loan seeker has to be a graduate.
Income: The loan applicant has to have a minimum monthly income of $ 2,000 (although, this criterion may differ across HFCs). The eligibility is also determined by the stability and continuity of your employment or business.
Payment options: The NRI also has to route his EMI (Equated Monthly Installments) cheques through his NRE/NRO account. He cannot make payments from another source say, his savings account in India.
Number of dependants: The eligibility of the applicant is also determined by the number of dependents, assets and liabilities.
An NRI applicant is eligible to get a home loan ranging from a minimum of ` 5 lakh to a maximum of ` 2 crore, based on the repayment capacity and the cost of the property, which although is variable by the priorities of the home loan provider. Also Home Loan Tenure for NRIs is different from Resident Indians. An applicant will be eligible for a maximum of 80 percent of the cost of the property or the cost of construction as applicable and 70 percent of the cost of land in case of purchase of land, based on the repayment capacity of the borrower.
However, a NRI can enhance his loan eligibility by applying for home loans with a co-applicant who has a separate source of income. Also, the rate of interest for home loans to NRIs is higher than those offered to Resident Indians. The difference is to the extent of 0.25 percent-0.50 percent. Some HFCs also have an internally earmarked 'negative criterion' for NRI home loans. As such, the NRIs who hail from locations that are marked as being 'negative' in the books of HFCs, find it difficult to get a home loan.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has clarified that Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), purchasing immovable property in India should pay for the acquisition by funds received in India through normal banking channels by way of inward remittance from outside the country.
The repayment option for NRIs as they can pay through the funds held in any non-resident account maintained in accordance with the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, and the regulations made by the RBI from time to time. As most of the home loan provider companies consider the economical stability of the applicant, home loans for NRIs are quite feasible, because they are well in economic resource.
The repayment option for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) is done in EMIs, and includes interest and principal amount calculated on monthly rests. The borrower can pay EMIs by issuing post-dated cheques from your Non Resident External (NRE)/Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) or Non Resident (Special) Rupee Account (NRSR) in India; or any other 43account approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
In the case of part-disbursement of the loan, the monthly interest is payable only on the disbursed amount. EMI is payable every month, by the end of the month from the date of each disbursement up to the date of commencement of EMI. Pre-EMI is calculated at the same rate at which EMI is calculated.
The home loan tenure for Non-resident Indians differs from the Resident Indians on a few points, which may of course vary from one HFC to another. For most HFC the home loan tenure exceeds maximum from 25 to 30 years. However, for NRIs the maximum tenure is from 7 years up to 15 years. Howeever, you cannot opt for a term that extends beyond your attaining retirement age or 60 years of age (whichever is earlier).
Tax benefits
NRIs cannot claim tax benefits on home loans in India as they have to pay tax in the nation where they work and earn. Moreover, you need to file tax returns to become eligible for home loans. However, if they pay tax in India for income earned in India, they can claim tax rebate for the home loan.
Still, monthly payments do not make sense for every borrower. Borrowers who need to repay an existing forward mortgage or have another large expense may need a large upfront payment. The important thing is that, while pursuing a loan, seniors gather all the reverse mortgage information they can and select the payment option that best meets their needs.
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