
After spending 20 years in Dubai, most NRIs face the same dilemma when planning their return to India: "Should I buy a home now or rent first?"
We've heard this question hundreds of times from our Belong community members in the UAE. Some bought luxury apartments in Bangalore years before returning, only to find the neighborhood changed completely.
Others rented for two years, explored different cities, and then made an informed purchase. Both approaches have merit, but which one is right for you?
At Belong, we've helped thousands of NRIs navigate this exact decision.
We've seen the financial stress of hasty property purchases and the peace of mind that comes from making informed choices.
This guide will walk you through every factor you need to consider - from tax implications and rental yields to hidden costs and RNOR benefits - so you can make the right decision for your retirement.
What Are You Really Optimizing For?
Let's start with the most important question: what matters most to you in retirement?
If you're optimizing for flexibility, renting wins hands down. You can try living in Pune for a year, then move to Coimbatore if the weather suits you better. No property to maintain, no EMIs to worry about, and you're free to travel for months without stress.
If you're optimizing for emotional security - that feeling of "having your own place" - then ownership matters more. For many NRIs, owning property in India represents permanence, belonging, and leaving something for the next generation.
If you're optimizing for financial returns, the answer becomes more nuanced. Property appreciation in India has been strong - Hyderabad saw a 45% increase in property values between 2021 and 2024, while rental yields average 4.84% across India.
But rental inflation runs at 7-9% annually in major cities, which means renting gets more expensive every year.
👉 Tip: Before making any property decision, spend at least 3 months living in your target city. Neighborhoods change faster than you remember, and what looked perfect on your last vacation might not work for daily retirement living.
The truth is, most retirees need a balanced approach. You need some stability (you don't want to move every year at age 65), but you also need flexibility (what if your health needs change? What if your children relocate?).
The Financial Math: Renting vs Owning by the Numbers
Let's break down the actual costs with a real example. Imagine you're returning to Pune, one of the most popular retirement destinations for NRIs.
Scenario 1: Buying a 2BHK apartment
- Property cost: ₹80 lakhs (outer Pune areas like Hinjewadi or Baner)
- Registration & stamp duty: ₹5.6 lakhs (6% in Maharashtra)
- Interior work & furnishing: ₹8 lakhs
- Property tax: ₹15,000 annually
- Society maintenance: ₹5,000 per month (₹60,000 annually)
- Home loan interest (if 50% financed): ₹3.5 lakhs annually for initial years (source)
Total upfront investment: ₹93.6 lakhs Annual running costs: ₹3.35 lakhs (without loan) or ₹5.85 lakhs (with loan)
Scenario 2: Renting a similar 2BHK
- Monthly rent: ₹25,000 (₹3 lakhs annually)
- Security deposit: ₹75,000 (refundable)
- Maintenance: Usually included
Total upfront investment: ₹75,000 Annual costs: ₹3 lakhs
Now, if you invest that ₹93.6 lakhs instead of buying property, what returns can you expect? If you invest in GIFT City USD Fixed Deposits through Belong, you get 5% annually in USD with zero tax, protecting you from rupee depreciation. That's ₹4.68 lakhs annually - which more than covers your rent.
Here's a comparison table of actual costs across popular retirement cities:
City | Average 2BHK Property Cost | Average Monthly Rent | Gross Rental Yield | Annual Rental Inflation |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bangalore | ₹60 lakhs - ₹1.52 cr | ₹30,000 - ₹45,000 | 3.9% - 4.3% | 12% - 14% |
Pune | ₹50 lakhs - ₹95 lakhs | ₹25,000 - ₹35,000 | 4.4% - 4.9% | 10% - 12% |
Coimbatore | ₹50 lakhs - ₹70 lakhs | ₹18,000 - ₹25,000 | 4.3% - 5.1% | 8% - 10% |
Chennai | ₹50 lakhs - ₹1 cr | ₹22,000 - ₹35,000 | 3.7% - 4.2% | 10% - 12% |
Chandigarh | ₹65 lakhs - ₹90 lakhs | ₹20,000 - ₹30,000 | 3.7% - 4.4% | 8% - 10% |
Source: Global Property Guide, OpenPlot, Equentis Wealth Advisory, Werent
Notice something? Rental yields are lower than what you'd earn from safe USD deposits in GIFT City. And with rental inflation at 8-12%, your rent in Year 5 will be significantly higher - but so will property values.
👉 Tip: Use our NRI FD Comparison Tool to see current rates across NRE, NRO, FCNR, and GIFT City deposits. Many NRIs don't realize that GIFT City USD FDs offer better risk-adjusted returns than rental properties.
Tax Implications You Can't Ignore
This is where many NRIs make expensive mistakes. Your residential status dramatically changes your tax obligations on property.
If You're an RNOR (Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident)
When you first return to India, you typically qualify for RNOR status if you've been an NRI for 9 out of the last 10 years. This status lasts up to 3 years and gives you significant tax benefits:
- Your foreign income (including rental income from Dubai property) remains tax-free in India
- Interest on your NRE accounts continues to be tax-exempt
- Your GIFT City investment returns are tax-free
- Only income earned in India is taxable
According to the Income Tax Act 1961, RNOR status provides a crucial tax buffer during your transition period.
Also Read -Taxation on Rental Income in India for NRIs
Property Ownership Tax Implications
If you own property in India:
- Rental income is taxable under "Income from House Property"
- You can claim standard deduction of 30% on rental income
- Interest on home loan (up to ₹2 lakhs) is deductible under Section 24(b)
- Property tax paid is fully deductible
- If you own more than 2 properties, deemed rent applies on the third property onwards
When you sell property as an NRI:
- Buyer must deduct TDS at 20% (plus surcharge and cess) on the sale value
- Long-term capital gains are taxable at 20% with indexation benefit
- You can claim exemptions under Section 54 by reinvesting in another property within 2 years
If you rent in India:
- You can claim HRA exemption if you have salary income (though most retirees don't)
- No property tax obligations
- No TDS complications when you move between cities
👉 Tip: According to Union Budget 2025, you can now claim two properties as self-occupied (previously just one), saving tax on notional rent. This is a significant benefit if you own property in multiple cities.
The tax difference can be substantial. Let's say you earn ₹3 lakhs annual rent on a property in Pune:
Without deductions:
- Taxable rental income: ₹3 lakhs
- Tax at 30% slab: ₹90,000
With deductions (standard 30% + ₹15,000 property tax + ₹2 lakh loan interest):
- Gross rental income: ₹3 lakhs
- Less: Standard deduction (30%): ₹90,000
- Less: Property tax: ₹15,000
- Less: Home loan interest: ₹2 lakhs
- Net taxable income: ₹-95,000 (set off against other income)
This is why many NRIs keep home loans running even if they can repay - the tax benefit is substantial.
The RNOR Advantage: Why Timing Matters
Here's a strategy many smart NRIs use: Rent during your RNOR period, buy after.
Why? During your RNOR period (up to 3 years), your global income is tax-free. This means:
- Your foreign pension/retirement accounts can be accessed without Indian tax
- Your overseas property rental income stays tax-free
- Capital gains from selling foreign assets are not taxed in India
- You can repatriate funds without complex tax implications
This is the perfect time to maximize your liquid wealth before Indian tax residency fully kicks in. Instead of locking money into Indian property immediately:
- Keep funds in USD (protected from rupee depreciation)
- Invest in GIFT City USD Fixed Deposits earning 5% tax-free
- Rent in different cities to find your ideal retirement location
- Use the RNOR period to liquidate overseas assets efficiently
As per recent Income Tax Bill 2025, if you earn more than ₹15 lakh in India, you'll continue to be classified as RNOR rather than full resident - giving you more time with these tax benefits.
Once you become a full resident (after RNOR expires), your global income becomes taxable in India. At that point, many NRIs find it makes sense to:
- Repatriate most foreign funds
- Convert to INR-based investments
- Consider property purchase with clearer long-term plans
👉 Tip: Use our Residential Status Calculator to understand when your RNOR status will expire and plan your property decisions accordingly.
Also Read - Residential Status Under Section 6 Of Income Tax Act
Best Cities for Retired NRIs: Cost & Lifestyle Comparison
Where you choose to retire dramatically impacts whether renting or owning makes sense. Here's a detailed breakdown of the most popular retirement cities for NRIs:
1. Pune, Maharashtra
Why NRIs love it: Pleasant climate 9 months a year, proximity to Mumbai, excellent healthcare (Ruby Hall, Jehangir Hospital, Columbia Asia), vibrant expat community, cultural activities.
Monthly living costs for a retired couple:
- Rent (2BHK): ₹25,000 - ₹35,000
- Groceries & food: ₹15,000 - ₹20,000
- Utilities: ₹3,000 - ₹5,000
- Healthcare: ₹5,000 - ₹10,000
- Help (cook, cleaner): ₹8,000 - ₹12,000
- Total: ₹56,000 - ₹82,000/month
Property cost: ₹70 lakhs - ₹1.2 cr depending on area Rental yield: 4.5% - 5.0%
Best for renting: If you want to be close to Mumbai but aren't sure about Pune's summer heat (Apr-June can hit 40°C). Many NRIs rent in Pune and escape to hill stations in summer.
2. Bangalore (Bengaluru), Karnataka
Why NRIs love it: Pleasant weather year-round, cosmopolitan culture, best healthcare in India (Manipal, Apollo, Fortis), international airport, tech-savvy infrastructure.
Monthly living costs:
- Rent (2BHK): ₹30,000 - ₹45,000
- Other expenses: ₹45,000 - ₹60,000
- Total: ₹75,000 - ₹1,05,000/month
Property cost: ₹90 lakhs - ₹1.5 cr Rental yield: 3.8% - 4.2%
Best for renting: Traffic is brutal and unpredictable. Many NRIs who bought in Electronic City or Whitefield now regret the 90-minute daily commute to central Bangalore. Rent centrally first, understand traffic patterns, then decide.
3. Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Why NRIs love it: Affordable, clean air, less crowded, good healthcare, strong industrial base, proximity to hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal.
Monthly living costs:
- Rent (2BHK): ₹18,000 - ₹25,000
- Other expenses: ₹32,000 - ₹45,000
- Total: ₹50,000 - ₹70,000/month
Property cost: ₹50 lakhs - ₹75 lakhs Rental yield: 4.8% - 5.5% (best in this list)
According to recent property data, Coimbatore saw 16.7% year-on-year property appreciation in 2024-25.
Best for buying: If you're certain about staying here long-term. Property is affordable, rental yields are decent, and it's a stable market without the speculation seen in metros.
4. Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Why NRIs love it: Excellent healthcare, international airport, cultural activities, beach lifestyle, established expat community.
Monthly living costs:
- Rent (2BHK): ₹22,000 - ₹35,000
- Other expenses: ₹40,000 - ₹55,000
- Total: ₹62,000 - ₹90,000/month
Property cost: ₹75 lakhs - ₹1 cr Rental yield: 3.6% - 4.0%
Best for renting: Summer heat (Apr-June) is intense. Many NRIs find they need AC running 24/7 for 4 months, which they didn't anticipate. Rent for one full year to experience all seasons before buying.
5. Chandigarh
Why NRIs love it: India's cleanest city, well-planned, excellent connectivity (close to Delhi, Shimla, Amritsar), low crime, good healthcare.
Monthly living costs:
- Rent (2BHK): ₹20,000 - ₹30,000
- Other expenses: ₹35,000 - ₹50,000
- Total: ₹55,000 - ₹80,000/month
Property cost: ₹65 lakhs - ₹95 lakhs Rental yield: 4.2% - 4.8%
Best for buying: If you have children in NCR (Delhi-Gurgaon-Noida). Chandigarh offers cleaner air and better quality of life while staying connected to the Delhi region.
According to retirement planning experts, you should budget for 6-8% annual inflation in your retirement expenses and add a health insurance buffer of ₹5-10 lakhs per person.
Also Read - How Much Money Does an NRI in the UAE Need to Retire Comfortably in India?
👉 Tip: Tourist season (November-March) inflates rents in cities like Goa, Kasauli, and Rishikesh by 25-35%. If you're considering these cities, negotiate longer-term leases to secure stable pricing.
The Hidden Costs of Property Ownership
Here's what most NRIs don't factor in when comparing rent vs buy:
1. Opportunity Cost
That ₹80 lakhs you put into property could have been invested elsewhere. If you invest in GIFT City USD FDs at 5% tax-free, you earn ₹4 lakhs annually. If property appreciates at 6% annually, that's ₹4.8 lakhs. The difference? Your property is illiquid - you can't access that ₹4.8 lakh without selling. Your FD interest hits your account quarterly.
2. Property Management Headaches
Even if you're living in the property, you deal with:
- Society politics and general body meetings
- Unexpected repair costs (water pump fails, plumbing issues, elevator problems)
- Property tax filings
- Dealing with contractors for maintenance
- Security deposits and maintenance disputes with the society
If you're renting the property out while traveling, add:
- Finding reliable tenants
- Rent collection issues
- Tenant disputes and legal hassles
- Wear and tear repairs
- Property management fees (10-15% of annual rent if you hire a service)
A recent Reddit discussion among NRIs highlighted that "maintaining property from abroad is a nightmare" - even for those who've hired property management services.
3. Liquidity Constraints
Selling property in India takes 3-6 months minimum. If you need funds urgently for medical care or family emergency, your property can't help. Compare this to GIFT City FDs or mutual funds which can be liquidated within days.
4. Regulatory Compliance
As an NRI property owner:
- You must file Form 15CA and 15CB for any foreign remittances from property sale proceeds
- TDS compliance for rental income
- Annual property tax filings
- FEMA compliance for repatriation limits
- Capital gains tax calculations with proper documentation
Use our Compliance Compass to check whether you're following all necessary rules across banking, investments, and taxation.
5. Actual vs Advertised Carpet Area
Under RERA, builders now quote carpet area instead of super built-up area. But many NRIs who bought pre-RERA properties discovered they paid for 1200 sq ft but got 850 sq ft of usable space. Make sure you understand exactly what you're buying.
👉 Tip: Before buying any property, hire an independent property lawyer (not one recommended by the builder). Budget ₹15,000-25,000 for proper due diligence. This can save you from costly mistakes like encumbered titles or disputed land.
When Renting Makes More Sense
You should seriously consider renting if:
1. You're not 100% sure about the city
After 20 years in Dubai, you might think you want to return to your hometown. But cities change. The peaceful suburb you remember might now be a traffic nightmare. Rent for at least one year to be sure.
2. Your health situation is uncertain
If you have chronic conditions or family history of serious illness, you might need to relocate near specialty hospitals. Renting gives you that flexibility. Selling a property under medical distress is both financially and emotionally costly.
3. Your children are still abroad
Many retirees discover they can't stay away from grandchildren for long. If your kids are in Dubai, USA, or Singapore, you might end up spending 4-6 months abroad annually. Why own an empty property in India when you could rent short-term?
4. You have other strong investments
If you already have a well-diversified portfolio (mutual funds, GIFT City deposits, equity), you don't need property for returns. According to our investment comparison tool, GIFT City AIFs offer better risk-adjusted returns than rental property for many NRIs.
5. You value liquidity over ownership
Property ties up a huge portion of retirement corpus. If you prefer keeping wealth liquid for medical emergencies, travel, helping children with down payments, or other needs - renting makes sense.
6. You're in your RNOR period
As discussed earlier, your first 3 years back in India offer unique tax benefits. Use this time to stay flexible and liquid.
Case Study: Rajesh, 58, returned to Bangalore from Dubai in 2022. He initially rented in Indiranagar (₹40,000/month) while keeping his USD savings in GIFT City FDs. After two years, he realized he was spending 4 months annually in Dubai with his daughter. He's now glad he didn't buy - his rental cost of ₹9.6 lakhs over 2 years is far less than the ₹8+ lakhs he would have paid in stamp duty, registration, and furnishing alone.
Also Read - Should NRIs Buy Property in India Before Retirement?
When Buying is the Right Choice
Property ownership makes sense if:
1. You're absolutely certain about the city
If you've lived in this city before, have family nearby, and know you're staying 10+ years, ownership provides stability and potential appreciation benefits.
2. You want a specific lifestyle you can't rent
Many retired NRIs want a particular setup - ground floor apartment for parents, specific vastu compliance, space for hobbies like gardening or a home office. Such properties are hard to find in rentals.
3. You're young retirees (50-60) with 20+ year horizon
If you're retiring early and healthy, property can be a good inflation hedge. Over 20 years, property typically outpaces inflation and provides both appreciation and rental yield potential.
4. You have passive income covering all costs
If your pension/investments cover all property-related costs (EMI, maintenance, taxes) without dipping into capital, ownership makes sense. You're essentially getting an asset funded by passive income.
5. You want to leave a legacy
For many NRIs, owning property in India is about leaving something tangible for children. It's emotional, not financial - and that's okay if you acknowledge it.
6. You've exhausted your RNOR benefits
Once you're a full tax resident, INR-denominated assets start making more sense. At this stage (usually 3-4 years after return), buying property aligns better with your tax situation.
7. You find a genuine distress sale
Occasionally, you find a property 20-30% below market value (divorce settlement, estate sale, builder desperate to close project). If you have liquid funds and the property checks all boxes, this could be a good buy.
Case Study: Priya and Suresh, both 62, retired to Pune in 2023. They had visited Pune annually for 10 years, had children settled in Mumbai, and knew exactly which neighborhood they wanted (Koregaon Park).
They bought a 3BHK for ₹1.1 Cr, furnished it exactly how they wanted, and now host their grandchildren every vacation. For them, ownership made perfect sense - they optimized for lifestyle and family proximity over financial returns.
The Hybrid Approach: Rent First, Buy Later
Here's the strategy we recommend most often to Belong community members:
Year 1-2: Rent and Explore
- Rent in your preferred city
- Try different neighborhoods
- Understand actual cost of living
- Build local connections
- Identify reliable contractors, doctors, services
- Experience all seasons
Year 2-3: Evaluate and Decide
- Are you happy in this city?
- Does the climate suit you year-round?
- Is healthcare accessible and affordable?
- Do you feel socially connected?
- Can you manage without car/driver?
- Are your adult children likely to relocate here?
Year 3+: Buy if Appropriate
By now, you have clarity. You know exactly which neighborhood works, which builders are reliable, and what property features matter to your daily life. You're no longer buying based on memories of India from 2005 - you're buying based on current reality.
This approach has several advantages:
- Better negotiation power: You're not desperate, so you can walk away from overpriced properties
- Market knowledge: You understand true market rates vs builder marketing
- Area expertise: You know which societies have management issues, water problems, or traffic noise
- Tax efficiency: You've used your RNOR period optimally before making a large INR commitment
- Financial clarity: You now know your actual retirement expenses, not estimates
👉 Tip: While renting, maintain your property hunt discipline. Visit 2-3 properties monthly. This keeps you informed about market rates and ensures you don't miss genuine opportunities. Use property alerts on sites like 99acres, MagicBricks, and Housing.com.
Real Estate Rules and Regulations for NRIs
Before making any property decision, understand the legal framework:
What NRIs Can Buy
According to RBI and FEMA guidelines:
- Residential properties (apartments, villas, plots)
- Commercial properties (office spaces, shops)
- Agricultural land
- Farmhouses
- Plantation properties
Exception: You can inherit agricultural land from relatives.
Payment Methods
- From NRE/NRO accounts in INR
- From FCNR accounts (currency conversion at bank rates)
- Through inward remittances from abroad
- Home loans from Indian banks (many banks offer up to 80% LTV for NRIs)
Repatriation Rules
When you sell property:
- You can repatriate up to USD 1 million per financial year
- Maximum of two residential properties can be sold with repatriation
- Must submit Form 15CA/15CB along with property sale documents
- TDS must be cleared before repatriation
As per Section 195, buyers must deduct 20% TDS (plus surcharge and cess) on property purchase from NRIs.
RERA Protection
Since 2016, RERA (Real Estate Regulation and Development Act) has provided strong buyer protection:
- All projects must be RERA-registered
- Builders must deposit 70% of buyer funds in escrow account
- Carpet area (not super built-up) must be quoted
- Delayed delivery attracts interest penalties
- Buyers can file complaints with RERA authority
Always verify RERA registration before booking any under-construction property. Visit your state's RERA website and check project details.
Home Loans for NRIs
Major banks like HDFC, ICICI, SBI, and Axis offer NRI home loans with:
- LTV (Loan-to-Value) ratio: up to 75-80%
- Interest rates: 8.5% - 9.5% (depending on bank and profile)
- Tenure: up to 30 years (but usually ends at age 65-70)
- Processing fee: 0.5% - 1% of loan amount
Required documents:
- Valid passport, visa, work permit
- Proof of NRE/NRO account
- Overseas bank statements (6 months)
- Salary slips or income proof
- Property documents
Even if you can buy outright, consider taking at least 40-50% as loan for the tax benefit on interest (₹2 lakhs annually under Section 24b).
Property vs Other Investment Options
Let's compare property investment with other safe options available to returning NRIs:
Investment Option | Returns | Liquidity | Tax Treatment | Risk Level |
---|---|---|---|---|
Residential Property | 6-8% appreciation + 3-5% rental yield = 9-13% | Low (3-6 months to sell) | Rental income taxable, LTCG taxable at 20% with indexation | Medium (location risk, tenant risk, regulatory risk) |
GIFT City USD FDs | 5% p.a. in USD | Medium (premature withdrawal allowed with penalty) | Tax-free | Very Low (deposit insurance up to $250,000) |
6.5% - 7.5% p.a. | Medium | Tax-free | Low (deposit insurance up to ₹5 lakhs) | |
Mutual Funds (Equity) | 10-12% long-term | High (redeem in 3 days) | LTCG > ₹1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5% | Medium to High |
7-9% p.a. | High | Taxed at slab rate | Low to Medium | |
8-12% p.a. | Low (lock-in period) | Tax benefits under GIFT City regulations | Medium |
The advantage of property is that it's a forced savings mechanism - you can't impulsively withdraw. The disadvantage is exactly the same - you can't access funds when you need them.
For a balanced retirement portfolio, consider:
- 40-50%: Liquid investments (FDs, debt funds)
- 20-30%: Growth investments (equity MFs, AIFs)
- 20-30%: Real estate (if you're buying)
- 10%: Emergency fund
Our Alternative Investment Funds comparison tool can help you explore options beyond traditional FDs and property.
👉 Tip: Track the rupee-dollar exchange rate using our Rupee vs Dollar Tracker. If you're holding USD and rupee is strengthening, it might be a good time to convert and buy property. If rupee is weakening, keeping wealth in USD (via GIFT City) makes sense.
How to Make the Right Decision: A Framework
Use this decision framework:
Step 1: Assess Your Certainty Level
Rate these statements from 1-10 (1 = completely uncertain, 10 = absolutely certain):
- I'm certain I want to live in [city name] for the next 10+ years: ___/10
- I'm certain about the specific neighborhood: ___/10
- My health is stable and unlikely to need specialty care elsewhere: ___/10
- My children won't need me to relocate near them: ___/10
- I won't be traveling internationally for more than 2 months/year: ___/10
If your total score is below 35/50, strongly consider renting for 2-3 years.
Step 2: Calculate Your Break-Even Point
Property buying makes financial sense only after you cross the break-even point. Here's how to calculate:
Break-even years = (Upfront costs + (Annual ownership costs - Annual rental costs) × Years) / Annual property appreciation
Example:
- Upfront costs: ₹13.6 lakhs (stamp duty, registration, interiors for ₹80 lakh property)
- Annual ownership costs: ₹3.35 lakhs (tax, maintenance)
- Annual rental costs: ₹3 lakhs
- Difference: ₹35,000
- Annual property appreciation: 6% = ₹4.8 lakhs
Break-even = ₹13.6 lakhs / (₹4.8 lakhs - ₹35,000) = 3.1 years
If you're not certain about staying 5+ years, buying doesn't make financial sense.
Step 3: Evaluate Your Retirement Corpus
What percentage of your total retirement corpus would this property consume?
- If less than 30%: You have room to buy without sacrificing liquidity
- If 30-50%: Think carefully - ensure you have adequate liquid funds for emergencies
- If over 50%: Too risky - you're over-concentrated in illiquid real estate
Step 4: Consider Health Insurance Coverage
Do you have comprehensive health insurance covering treatment in your chosen city? If not, you might need flexibility to move to cities with better healthcare. Check your coverage using our Compliance Compass.
Step 5: Run the Numbers Both Ways
Create two 10-year projections:
Scenario A: Rent
- Year 1-10 rental costs with 8% annual inflation
- Returns on ₹80 lakhs invested in GIFT City FDs at 5%
- Net position after 10 years
Also Read - How Inflation in India Impacts Your Retirement Savings
Scenario B: Buy
- All ownership costs for 10 years
- Property value after 6% annual appreciation
- Net position after 10 years
Factor in your opportunity cost, liquidity needs, and personal preferences.
👉 Tip: Spend 30 minutes with a qualified financial advisor (not a property agent!).
At Belong, our SEBI-registered advisors can help you model both scenarios based on your specific situation. Download our app to speak with an advisor.
Conclusion: The Right Choice is Personal
After analyzing the financial math, tax implications, market trends, and real-world experiences, here's our honest advice:
For most retired NRIs returning to India, renting for the first 2-3 years is the wise choice.
This gives you time to:
- Adjust to life back in India (it's different from vacation visits)
- Experience all seasons in your chosen city
- Understand your actual expenses vs estimates
- Make use of RNOR tax benefits
- Find the perfect neighborhood through lived experience
- Avoid the stress of property hunting while settling in
But if you're absolutely certain about your city, have family established there, and are optimizing for emotional security over financial returns - buying makes sense too.
The worst decisions we've seen are rushed ones. NRIs who bought property from Dubai based on builder marketing, without visiting the site, often regret it. Those who spent 6-12 months living in different neighborhoods before buying? They're almost always satisfied.
Remember: this isn't about rent vs buy in general. It's about rent vs buy for your specific retirement, in your chosen city, given your health, family situation, and financial goals.
Take These Next Steps
Determine your residential status: Use our Residential Status Calculator to understand your tax classification
Compare investment returns: Check our NRI FD Rates Comparison Tool to see returns on GIFT City USD FDs vs traditional deposits
Join our community: Connect with fellow NRIs who've made this journey. Get real experiences, not marketing brochures: Join Belong's WhatsApp Community
Speak with an advisor: Get personalized guidance on your situation: Download Belong App
Check your compliance: Ensure you're following all rules during your transition: Use Compliance Compass
At Belong, we've helped thousands of NRIs make smarter financial decisions during their return to India. Whether you choose to rent or buy, we're here to guide you with unbiased advice, powerful tools, and a supportive community.
Your retirement should be about peace of mind, not property stress. Make your decision thoughtfully, and we'll be here to support you every step of the way.
Source: RERA (Real Estate Regulation and Development Act) RBI and FEMA guidelines NRI home loans -ICICI Business Today BajajFinserv Global Property Guide, OpenPlot, Equentis Wealth Advisory, Werent
Related Articles:
- Best Cities in India for Retirement Living
- NRI Fixed Deposits in GIFT City: Complete Guide
- Understanding Residential Status for Tax in India
- RNOR Tax Status Explained
- How to Invest in India from UAE
- NRI Property Rules and Regulations
- Return to India: NRI Account Conversion Guide
- Capital Gains Tax for NRIs on Property Sale
- Section 54 Tax Benefits on Property Transactions
- Best Investment Options for NRIs in 2025
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Property decisions should be made based on your individual circumstances after consulting with qualified advisors. While we strive for accuracy, tax laws and property regulations change frequently - always verify current rules with official sources.