Question 1

Do I need to be physically present in India to buy a property?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily — but it needs to be set up correctly. An NRI can authorise a trusted representative to act on their behalf through a Power of Attorney — a notarised legal document that allows someone to sign documents, appear at the registration office, and complete the transaction in your name without you being physically present. The POA must be drafted carefully, notarised in your country of residence, and authenticated through the Indian consulate or with an Apostille stamp depending on where you live. We guide you through the exact process for your specific country and ensure the document is accepted without delays.

Question 2

Can NRIs buy any type of property in Dakshina Kannada?

Accepted Answer

NRIs can freely purchase residential plots and houses in India — no special permission required. However, agricultural land is a different matter. Buying agricultural land directly as an NRI is not permitted without prior RBI approval, which is rarely granted. This matters in Dakshina Kannada because some plots — particularly in areas like Puttur, Sullia and Bantwal — may still carry an agricultural land classification even if they look residential. We verify land conversion status as part of every engagement, so you never unknowingly enter a purchase that can't be legally completed.

Question 3

I have inherited property in Dakshina Kannada. Can I sell it and send the money abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes — but there's a defined legal process you must follow. NRIs can sell inherited residential property in India, and the sale proceeds can be repatriated — transferred to your overseas bank account — subject to RBI limits and proper documentation. A Chartered Accountant certificate confirming taxes have been paid is required. Agricultural land proceeds have additional restrictions. This is a case-by-case process and we can guide you through it or connect you with the right professionals depending on your situation.

Question 4

I don't have time to visit multiple properties during my India trip. What can you do?

Accepted Answer

We work around your schedule — not the market's. Tell us your travel dates in advance and we'll have a focused shortlist ready before you land. Properties already physically inspected, basic documents pre-checked, sellers confirmed as serious. Your visit becomes a decision trip, not a search trip. For clients with very tight timelines who need a ready-to-occupy option, we can identify move-in ready properties on request.

Question 5

Can I trust a local broker to represent my interests as an NRI buyer?

Accepted Answer

A broker's job is to close a deal — not to protect you. Local brokers in the DK market are typically paid by commission on the sale value, which means they're financially motivated to close at the highest price possible. They have no obligation to flag document problems, boundary disputes, or pricing irregularities on your behalf. NRI Realty Guide works exclusively for the buyer on a transparent fee basis — with no commission relationship with any seller or developer. Our only incentive is your satisfaction.

Question 6

How do I know NRI Realty Guide is working for me and not the seller?

Accepted Answer

Simple — you pay us directly and we earn nothing from the seller. Our fee is fixed and transparent regardless of which property you buy or at what price. We have no financial reason to push you toward any particular property, rush your decision, or overlook problems. In fact, telling you to walk away from a bad property is exactly what we're here to do — and we do it without hesitation.

Question 7

What documents should I expect to be checked before buying a plot in Dakshina Kannada?

Accepted Answer

A thorough check in the DK region includes at minimum: the title deed confirming ownership history, the Encumbrance Certificate confirming no loans or legal claims exist on the property, the RTC or Record of Rights confirming land classification and ownership, tax paid receipts, survey sketch, and an independent legal opinion from a qualified property lawyer. For plots near conversion zones, a DC Conversion Order confirming the land has been officially reclassified for residential use is also essential. We coordinate all of these checks as part of our due diligence process.

Question 8

Can I pay for a property through a relative's account or in cash to make it faster?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the most common and costly mistakes NRIs make under time pressure — and brokers rarely warn you about it because it doesn't affect them. FEMA regulations require all NRI property payments to flow through designated NRI bank accounts — specifically an NRE or NRO account held in your name in an Indian bank. Payments made through a relative's account, in cash, or through informal channels are FEMA violations and can result in penalties, ownership disputes, and in serious cases the transaction being declared invalid. We structure every payment correctly before a single rupee moves.

Question 9

Do I need to buy all four services or can I start with just one?

Accepted Answer

Each of our four services — Verify, Navigate, Build and Care — is available independently. You can engage us at any single stage of your property journey without committing to anything else. That said, most clients naturally begin with Verify as a low-commitment first step and continue from there once they've seen how we work. If you're unsure where to start, our free discovery call will give you a clear answer in 30 minutes.

Question 10

How much does NRI Realty Guide charge?

Accepted Answer

We charge a transparent flat fee — not a commission. This means our fee is the same regardless of which property you buy or at what price, removing any incentive for us to push you toward more expensive options. Fees are scoped individually based on property type, location and complexity and discussed openly on your free discovery call. As a guide, our services start from ₹15,000 for a standalone Verify engagement. No hidden charges. No obligation after the discovery call.

Question 11

I already own property in Dakshina Kannada. Can you help manage it even if I didn't buy through you?

Accepted Answer

Yes — on a selective basis. We prioritise our Care service for clients who completed a purchase with us, but we do accept a limited number of external property owners through referral. If you have existing land or a house in Udupi, Mangalore or Manipal and need a trusted local representative, reach out and we'll discuss whether it's a good fit.

Question 12

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

The simplest first step is a free 30-minute discovery call with Bharath. No commitment, no sales pressure — just an honest conversation about your situation and whether we're the right fit. Send a WhatsApp message directly — Bharath reads and replies to every message personally, usually within 24 hours. If you already know which service you need, mention it in your first message and we'll get straight to the point.

Frequently asked questions