Why Wealthy Indians Are Investing in International Real Estate
Despite the robust growth in India's real estate market, wealthy Indians are increasingly turning to international locations to diversify their investments. Discover the key reasons and challenges behind this trend.
International Real EstateLuxury PropertyHighnetworth IndividualsReal Estate InvestmentProperty ManagementReal Estate NewsJun 05, 2025
A recent Capgemini study titled World Wealth Report shows India had 378,810 millionaires at the end of 2024 with a total wealth of $1.5 trillion. Akash Puri, Director, International, India Sotheby’s International Realty, in an interview with Financial Express Online, discussed the key reasons behind the recent surge in interest by wealthy Indians in buying foreign properties. Puri goes on to discuss the possible returns from owning homes abroad, as well as some of the significant challenges that wealthy Indians may experience when transferring funds abroad and dealing with paperwork.
India’s luxury real estate market may be riding a record-breaking wave, but for many Indian High and Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals, the international allure remains irresistible. The 2025 India Luxury Residential Outlook Survey by India Sotheby’s International Realty reveals a telling shift: the proportion of affluent Indians expressing interest in global property has doubled, from 10–11% to 22% in just a year.
What’s driving this surge? First, capital appreciation remains a magnet. Prime global cities like London and New York continue to deliver consistent long-term returns, bolstered by robust legal frameworks, economic stability, and deep liquidity. Secondly, these markets offer a natural hedge against currency volatility, essential for Indian investors to safeguard rupee-denominated wealth in uncertain macroeconomic climates.
Then there’s rental yield. In prime central pockets of London and New York, properties enjoy occupancy from diplomats, C-suite expats, and global professionals, translating into reliable yields between 3.5% and 4.5%. For investors, that’s not just passive income; it’s smart portfolio insulation.
Yet the real X-factor goes beyond returns. A pied-à-terre in Belgravia or the Upper East Side signals global stature. It opens doors to international mobility, best-in-class education, and long-term residency pathways. For Indian HNIs, these aren’t just homes. They’re legacy assets with a passport.
Which global cities are seeing the highest levels of real estate investment from Indian buyers, and what factors, such as lifestyle, education, rental yield, or currency diversification, are driving this trend? London and New York continue to be the prime recipients of Indian cross-border capital. London offers more than just bricks and mortar; it offers resilience. Despite economic headwinds, prime boroughs remain buoyant, aided by an uptick in Indian student visas (up 35% in 2024) that’s fuelling demand for rental homes in neighbourhoods like Kensington, Chelsea, and Mayfair.
Across the Atlantic, Manhattan’s luxury market is regaining swagger. Sales of properties above $5 million are up 49%, riding a post-pandemic return-to-office wave and the renewed appetite of global elites. Meanwhile, Dubai stands apart for a different reason: tax. Its zero-income tax regime, streamlined regulations, and open-door approach to residency continue to attract Indian investors keen on efficient wealth deployment.
These cities also offer a holistic lifestyle proposition: elite healthcare, premier schools, and cultural cachet. It’s real estate as a three-dimensional asset—financial, functional, and aspirational.
From a returns perspective, what kind of rental yields and long-term capital appreciation can Indian investors realistically expect from prime property investments in cities like New York, London, or Singapore? Let’s talk numbers. In central London—think Mayfair, Belgravia, Chelsea—gross rental yields typically range between 3% and 4%. These aren’t speculative hotspots; they’re long-haul performers.
New York tells a similar story. Manhattan’s prime zones yield around 3.5–4.5%, with luxury property prices hitting record highs—up 14.6% year-on-year to $104.86 per square foot in the top 10% tier. For Indian investors seeking both preservation and appreciation, these cities represent a rare combination of yield, stability, and prestige.
What are some of the primary challenges that Indian investors face when purchasing property abroad? How significant is the impact of the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme limit on investments in premium international markets like London, New York, or Singapore? Despite a growing appetite, Indian investors must navigate regulatory headwinds. Chief among them: the Reserve Bank of India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which caps overseas remittances at $250,000 per individual per financial year. For a family of four, that’s $1 million—enough to enter prime international markets, but barely, considering top-tier properties in London or New York often command $2–5 million price tags.
To complicate matters, funds remitted under LRS must be used within six months, limiting flexibility. Add to that the complexity of foreign tax systems, currency risk, and legal formalities, and it’s clear that international real estate is not for the unprepared.
Beyond the purchase, what challenges do Indian investors typically encounter in terms of property management, taxation, and regulatory compliance in international real estate markets? Ownership is only the beginning. In mature markets like the UK and US, property management, tenant turnover, and high service charges can eat into yields. Overseas landlords must also reckon with country-specific taxes: New York enforces federal and state levies on non-residents, including the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA), while the UK applies up to 15% Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on foreign buyers.
Inheritance laws throw up even more roadblocks. Some jurisdictions—France, for example—mandate forced heirship rules that supersede wills. Others, like Thailand, prohibit foreign land ownership. Estate taxes can exceed 50%, and navigating probate can be an administrative minefield. The message? International real estate is rewarding—but only for those willing to understand the rules of the game.
Are there any financing options available for Indian investors looking to purchase property overseas, or are most transactions expected to be made via self-funding under the LRS route? Resident Indian investors can’t rely on traditional financing overseas. With RBI restrictions in place, most global property purchases must be self-funded under the LRS route.
What are some key due diligence steps an Indian HNI should take before investing in overseas real estate? Due diligence isn’t optional—it’s the cornerstone of cross-border investing. That means verifying title deeds, uncovering encumbrances, assessing resale potential, and hiring local experts to navigate zoning, tax laws, and compliance.
Beyond legal checks, buyers should also assess developer credentials, past project delivery, and tenant demand. Conducting a structural survey is crucial, not just for insurance or resale, but for identifying risks that glossy brochures won’t mention.
Investing globally is no longer a vanity play. For Indian HNIs, it’s a strategic move—if done right, it can secure yield, legacy, and lifestyle in one shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are wealthy Indians investing in foreign real estate?
Wealthy Indians are investing in foreign real estate to diversify their investments, hedge against currency volatility, and gain access to global lifestyle benefits such as education and healthcare.
Which cities are popular for Indian real estate investments abroad?
Popular cities for Indian real estate investments include London, New York, and Dubai, due to their robust real estate markets, economic stability, and lifestyle amenities.
What are the typical rental yields for properties in prime locations like London and New York?
In central London, rental yields typically range between 3% and 4%, while in prime Manhattan, yields are around 3.5% to 4.5%.
What are the main challenges Indian investors face when buying property abroad?
Main challenges include regulatory restrictions like the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), complex foreign tax systems, and navigating local legal formalities.
What due diligence steps should Indian HNIs take before investing in overseas real estate?
Indian HNIs should verify title deeds, assess resale potential, hire local experts for legal and tax compliance, and conduct structural surveys to identify potential risks.
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