An estimated 30 million non-resident Indians (NRIs) spreadover 140 countries have an estimated combined wealth of USD 1.2 trillion. Expatriates constituted the highest remitters of foreign exchange consecutively for the years 2010 and 2011. Over 6-8 lakh resident Indians leave the country in search of greener pastures and an estimated one lakh NRIs return home every year.

Among the various investment options contemplated back home, real estate plays a key role as the rate of appreciation and periodical returns on investment are more in India . Moreover, a number of NRIs, particularly in West Asia, who cannot continue to stay there due to domicile restrictions will have to return home one day or the other. This is one major reason why they always look at various investment options including real estate back home for permanent settlement.

There are three kinds of investors in real estate – low, middle and high income groups. Within…