Whether you're an NRI planning your own golden years back home or looking for a safe, comfortable community for your parents while you're abroad, finding the right senior living space in India feels overwhelming.
We get it - you're juggling WhatsApp calls with property managers, comparing amenities across time zones, and wondering if these communities truly understand NRI needs. At Belong, we've helped thousands of NRIs navigate these decisions, and we know what questions keep you up at night.
This comprehensive guide covers the top 8 senior living communities that explicitly welcome NRIs, plus everything about documentation, payment from abroad, tax implications, and the real costs nobody talks about.
We'll also show you how to evaluate these communities remotely and make the smartest financial decision using our tools and community insights.
Why NRIs Are Choosing Senior Living Communities Over Traditional Options
The senior housing market in India is experiencing explosive growth - expected to reach $12.5 billion by 2030, with over 5,000 units planned for development by 2025 according to JLL India. But here's what's driving NRIs specifically:
Traditional joint family setups aren't always practical when children live abroad. Managing a standalone property from Dubai or California becomes a logistical nightmare - from dealing with maintenance issues to ensuring round-the-clock medical support for aging parents.
Senior living communities solve these pain points with 24/7 medical facilities, professionally managed services, and built-in social networks that prevent isolation.
Plus, many now offer NRI-specific services like virtual property tours, online payment systems, and dedicated relationship managers who understand international time zones.
👉 Insider tip: Join our WhatsApp community where NRIs share real experiences about these communities - which ones actually deliver on promises and which fall short.
The 8 Best Senior Living Communities for NRIs (2025 Updated)
1. Antara Senior Living (Dehradun, Noida, Chennai)
Backed by Max India, Antara offers India's first Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) model. Their Dehradun facility sprawls across 14 acres in the Himalayan foothills, featuring temperature-controlled pools and a mini hospital.
Why NRIs choose it: Doorstep biometric KYC for property purchase from abroad, accepts payments through NRE/NRO accounts, and provides quarterly video updates for NRI children. Units range from ₹65 lakhs to ₹2.2 crores.
Medical facilities: In-house medical center with ICU, tie-ups with Max Healthcare, emergency response under 3 minutes.
2. Columbia Pacific Communities (Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Puducherry)
Operating under the Serene brand, Columbia Pacific manages India's largest network of senior communities with over 2,500 residents. Their Bangalore properties near Devanahalli benefit from proximity to the airport - just 20 minutes away.
NRI advantages: Dedicated NRI desk, Power of Attorney assistance, virtual reality property tours, and resale assistance program. Properties from ₹47 lakhs (1 BHK) to ₹1 crore (3 BHK).
Standout feature: CCRC model ensures transition from independent living to assisted care without relocating.
3. Ashiana Senior Living (Pune, Jaipur, Chennai, Kolkata, Gurgaon)
With 40+ years in real estate, Ashiana pioneered affordable senior living in India. Their properties combine ownership models with service packages, making them attractive for NRI investors.
Investment perspective: Properties appreciate 8-12% annually in their locations. Rental yield averages 6-7%. Full property management services for NRI owners. Starting from ₹38 lakhs.
Community life: Over 50 activities monthly, from yoga to pottery. Resident-run committees ensure quality control.
4. Brigade Orchards Parkside (Bangalore)
Part of Brigade Group's integrated township near Devanahalli Airport, this community offers both sale and lease options specifically structured for NRIs.
Financial flexibility: 20-year lease options starting at ₹25 lakhs, with guaranteed buyback. Sale prices from ₹70 lakhs. Accepts cryptocurrency payments for NRIs (through authorized channels).
Healthcare: Manipal Hospital on-site clinic, telemedicine facilities for consultations with doctors abroad.
5. Paranjape Athashri (Pune)
India's first senior living community with Vedic architecture principles, Athashri attracts culturally-conscious NRIs. Located in Baner, it's 10 minutes from major hospitals.
Cultural connect: Daily temple services, Ayurvedic spa, organic farming plots for residents. Prices from ₹65 lakhs to ₹1.5 crores.
NRI services: Escrow account facility for secure transactions, live streaming of property registration process.
👉 Money-saving tip: Use our NRI FD Comparison Tool to maximize returns on funds before property purchase. Many NRIs park money in GIFT City FDs earning 5%+ while finalizing their senior living decision.
6. Gracias Living (Gurgaon)
Positioned as ultra-luxury retirement homes, Gracias offers concierge medicine - a US-style healthcare model rarely found in India. Perfect for NRIs accustomed to Western healthcare standards.
Premium services: Personal health manager, medication management with US/UK prescription recognition, international cuisine options. Units from ₹1.2 crores.
Technology: Smart home automation, family app for remote monitoring, integration with international health records.
7. Manasum Senior Living (Bangalore)
Located within Godrej Royale Woods, Manasum offers India's first retirement community with sustainability certification. Popular among environmentally conscious NRIs.
Green features: Solar powered, rainwater harvesting, zero-waste management. Prices from ₹48 lakhs for 1 BHK.
NRI-friendly policies: Accepts joint ownership with NRI children, succession planning assistance, tie-ups with international moving companies.
8. PP Reddy Retirement Homes (Hyderabad)
Unique rent-only model (no purchase required) makes this attractive for NRIs uncertain about permanent relocation. Located 15 minutes from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.
Flexible options: Monthly rentals from ₹25,000, no lock-in period, fully furnished units. Perfect for NRIs testing retirement in India.
Healthcare focus: Exclusive tie-ups with Apollo, Owaisi, and Global hospitals. On-site nursing care included in rent.
Can NRIs Actually Buy Property in These Communities? Legal Framework Explained
Yes, NRIs can freely purchase units in senior living communities under FEMA regulations. According to RBI guidelines, NRIs can buy any number of residential properties without prior approval.
What's allowed:
- Outright purchase using NRE/NRO/FCNR accounts
- Joint ownership with other NRIs or Indian residents
- Inheritance and gifting between NRIs and residents
- Leasing for any period
What's not allowed:
- Purchase by citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, China, Iran, Nepal, Bhutan (requires RBI approval)
- Payment through foreign currency cash or traveler's cheques
Repatriation rules: You can repatriate sale proceeds up to $1 million per financial year after paying applicable taxes. Original purchase must be through banking channels, not cash.
Documentation Checklist for NRIs
Based on our experience helping NRIs, here's exactly what you'll need:
Identity & Status Documents:
- Valid passport (self-attested copies of all pages)
- Overseas address proof (utility bill, bank statement)
- PAN card (mandatory for property purchase)
- Valid visa/work permit pages
- OCI/PIO card if applicable
Financial Documents:
- Last 6 months' salary slips
- Bank statements from NRE/NRO accounts
- Income tax returns (last 2 years)
- Employment contract or business proof
For Property Transaction:
- Power of Attorney (if purchasing remotely) - attestation by Indian Embassy required
- Form 60 (if PAN not available)
- FEMA declaration for source of funds
👉 Time-saver: Most senior living communities now accept digital signatures through Aadhaar-based e-Sign. Check if your chosen property offers this.
Payment Methods From Abroad: Your Complete Options
Through NRE Account: Tax-free, fully repatriable, best for foreign earnings. Transfer via SWIFT, then pay via RTGS/NEFT.
Through NRO Account: For India-sourced income or local funds. Repatriation restricted to $1 million annually.
Direct Remittance: Wire transfer directly to builder's account. Requires FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) for future repatriation claims.
Home Loans: SBI, HDFC, ICICI offer NRI home loans up to 80% of property value. Interest rates currently 9.5-11% per annum. Tenure up to 20 years or age 70.
Step-by-step payment process:
- Transfer funds to NRE/NRO account (2-3 days)
- Obtain FIRC from your bank
- Make payment via RTGS (same day) or NEFT
- Keep all receipts for tax purposes
Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions
Beyond the property price, budget for:
One-time costs:
- Registration: 5-7% of property value
- Stamp duty: Varies by state (5-8%)
- Legal fees: ₹50,000-₹2,00,000
- POA attestation: ₹5,000-₹15,000
Recurring costs:
- Maintenance: ₹8,000-₹25,000 monthly
- Healthcare package: ₹5,000-₹15,000 monthly
- Meals (if not cooking): ₹8,000-₹12,000 monthly
- Property tax: ₹20,000-₹50,000 annually
- Utilities: ₹3,000-₹8,000 monthly
Optional services:
- Assisted living upgrade: ₹15,000-₹30,000 monthly
- Dementia care: ₹40,000-₹60,000 monthly
- Physiotherapy: ₹500-₹1,000 per session
- Guest accommodation: ₹1,500-₹3,000 daily
👉 Financial planning tip: Factor in 5-7% annual inflation for recurring costs. Our Residential Status Calculator helps you understand tax implications when you return to India.
Tax Implications Every NRI Must Understand
During ownership:
- No wealth tax in India currently
- Property tax paid to local municipality
- Rental income (if leasing out) taxed at 30% for NRIs
Capital gains on sale:
- Short-term (\<2 years): Taxed at applicable slab rates
- Long-term (>2 years): 20% with indexation benefit
- TDS of 20-30% deducted by buyer
DTAA benefits: If you're tax resident in UAE, USA, UK, or other DTAA countries, you can avoid double taxation using Form 15CA/15CB.
RNOR status advantage: If returning to India, you get RNOR status for 2 years. Foreign income remains tax-free during this period. Plan your finances accordingly.
Virtual Evaluation: How to Choose Without Visiting
Video tours aren't enough. Here's our framework for remote evaluation:
Check credentials:
- RERA registration number (verify on state RERA website)
- Builder's track record (minimum 10 years recommended)
- Occupancy certificate status
- Reviews on Google, Facebook (look for patterns, not individual complaints)
Connect with current residents:
- Join Facebook groups of specific communities
- Request video calls with 2-3 residents
- Ask about actual vs promised services
Financial health check:
- Escrow account for maintenance corpus
- Insurance coverage for property
- Clarity on what happens if builder exits
Red flags to avoid:
- No RERA registration
- Demands for cash payments
- Unwillingness to share resident references
- No clear exit/resale policy
- Maintenance charges not defined clearly
Cultural Fit: Questions NRIs Forget to Ask
- Are NRI customs understood? (Different meal times, Western toilets, international cuisine)
- Internet quality for video calls abroad?
- Guest policies for visiting children?
- Pet policies if you have one?
- Religious/spiritual activities alignment?
- Language — is English widely spoken by staff?
- Distance from airport for international visitors?
Making the Final Decision: Our 5-Step Framework
Step 1: Financial readiness Check your budget including all hidden costs. Consider parking funds in GIFT City FDs earning 5%+ while deciding.
Step 2: Legal verification Hire a lawyer familiar with NRI transactions. Cost: ₹25,000-₹50,000. Worth every rupee for peace of mind.
Step 3: Trial stay Many communities offer 15-30 day trial stays. Cost: ₹50,000-₹1,00,000. Deductible from purchase price if you buy.
Step 4: Exit strategy Understand resale terms, builder buyback options, and inheritance procedures before committing.
Step 5: Documentation Start paperwork 2 months before planned purchase. POA attestation alone can take 2-3 weeks.
Expert Insights From Our Team
Having guided numerous NRIs through senior living investments, here's what we've learned:
Timing matters: Property prices in senior living are increasing 10-15% annually. Waiting costs more than acting with proper research.
Location hierarchy: Airport proximity > Hospital proximity > City center access. NRIs prioritize differently than residents.
Service quality varies: Communities look similar in brochures but service quality differs vastly. References are crucial.
Consider rental first: If unsure about permanent relocation, communities with rental options provide flexibility.
Healthcare is paramount: On-site medical facilities matter more than amenities. Verify tie-ups with major hospitals.
The Bottom Line: Your Action Plan
Senior living communities in India have evolved beyond old-age homes into vibrant lifestyle destinations. For NRIs, they solve the fundamental challenge of ensuring quality care for parents or planning their own retirement without the hassles of property management.
Start by shortlisting 2-3 communities based on location and budget. Use our Compliance Compass to ensure you're following all NRI regulations. Connect with current residents through our WhatsApp community for unfiltered feedback.
Remember, this isn't just a property investment — it's about quality of life during golden years. Take time, ask tough questions, and make an informed decision.
Ready to explore your options? Join our exclusive NRI WhatsApp community where members share real experiences about senior living communities. For personalized guidance on structuring your investment tax-efficiently, download the Belong app where our advisors can help you navigate this important decision.
Disclaimer: Property prices and policies mentioned are as of January 2025 and subject to change. Always verify current details with respective communities. This article provides general information and should not be considered as personalized financial or legal advice.
