Buying property In Delhi with a dedicated expert

Delhi's property market is highly segmented by location, with purchase prices varying dramatically between ultra-premium central zones and more accessible peripheral areas.

• Lutyens' Delhi / Central Delhi (Jor Bagh, Golf Links, Chanakyapuri): The most exclusive addresses in India. Independent bungalows and luxury apartments command prices of ₹50,000 INR per sq. ft. or more, with some trophy assets significantly exceeding this level (source: DataInsightsMarket / NCR-Guide, 2024–2025). Characterised by wide tree-lined avenues, proximity to government institutions, and diplomatic enclaves.
• South Delhi (Vasant Vihar, Greater Kailash, Hauz Khas, Defence Colony): Premium residential colonies with a mix of independent houses and upscale apartments. Prices range from approximately ₹30,000 to ₹80,000 INR per sq. ft. depending on the specific micro-location and property type (source: NCR-Guide, 2025). Circle rates in Vasant Vihar were set at ₹2,80,000–₹3,20,000 INR per sq. metre for 2025–26 (source: Ghar.tv, 2025).
• Dwarka (South-West Delhi): A large planned township with good metro connectivity and proximity to the airport. Average flat prices are around ₹15,600 INR per sq. ft., with 2 BHK apartments typically priced between ₹1.52 crore and ₹2.25 crore INR (source: 99acres, 2025–2026). Popular with mid-segment buyers and investors.
• East Delhi (Laxmi Nagar, Preet Vihar): More affordable residential zones with strong local demand. Prices are generally lower than South or West Delhi, making them accessible for first-time buyers.
• North Delhi / Rohini: Planned residential sectors with a mix of DDA flats and builder floors. Prices are moderate, with good metro access supporting demand.
• New Delhi / Connaught Place area: Central business and commercial hub; residential options are limited but command premium prices due to location.

1. Property search and shortlisting: Identify suitable properties through real estate portals (99acres, MagicBricks, NoBroker), local brokers, or developer sales offices. Visit shortlisted properties in person or via virtual tours.
2. Due diligence and legal verification: Engage a qualified property lawyer to verify the title chain, check for encumbrances, confirm RERA registration (for new projects), and review all ownership documents before making any payment.
3. Price negotiation and offer: Submit a written offer to the seller. Negotiate the final purchase price, payment schedule, and possession date.
4. Token advance / booking amount: Pay a token advance (typically 1%–2% of the purchase price) to reserve the property and signal commitment. This is usually non-refundable if the buyer withdraws without cause.
5. Agreement to Sell (Sale Agreement): A formal preliminary contract is drafted and signed by both parties, specifying the agreed price, payment milestones, possession date, and penalty clauses. A further advance (commonly 10%–20% of the price) is paid at this stage.
6. Home loan sanction (if applicable): Submit the loan application to the chosen bank or housing finance company. The lender conducts its own property valuation and legal check before issuing a sanction letter.
7. Stamp duty payment: Pay stamp duty via the Delhi e-stamping portal (SHCIL or authorised collection centres) before executing the sale deed.
8. Execution of the Sale Deed: The final sale deed is drafted by a lawyer, reviewed by both parties, and signed in the presence of two witnesses.
9. Registration at the Sub-Registrar's office: Book an appointment online via the Delhi DORIS portal. Both buyer and seller (or their authorised representatives) appear at the Sub-Registrar's office, sign the sale deed, and pay the 1% registration fee. The process typically takes 1–2 days if all documents are in order (source: Landeed / Delhi Department of Revenue, 2024).
10. Collection of registered sale deed: The original registered sale deed can generally be collected within 15–20 days after registration.
11. Mutation of property records: Apply for mutation (transfer of ownership) in the municipal records (MCD/NDMC) to update property tax records in the buyer's name.

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) are permitted to purchase residential and commercial property in Delhi under FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) regulations, without requiring prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Agricultural land, farmhouses, and plantation properties remain prohibited for purchase by NRIs (source: HDFC Bank / FEMA guidelines, 2024).

Home loan options for NRIs:

• Major Indian banks — including SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank — offer dedicated NRI home loan products for property purchase in India.
• Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio: For loan amounts up to ₹30 lakh INR, LTV can reach up to 90% of the property value. For higher loan amounts, the maximum LTV is generally 75%–80% (source: SBI NRI Home Loan terms, 2024).
• Repayment: All EMI payments must be made through the borrower's NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) bank account in India, or via direct foreign remittance. Payments cannot be made in foreign currency cash or traveller's cheques.
• Credit score: A CIBIL score of 700 or above is generally targeted for favourable loan terms.

Key documents required for NRI buyers:

• Valid passport and visa / OCI / PIO card
• Overseas address proof
• NRE/NRO bank account statements
• Salary slips and overseas income tax returns
• Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC) confirming funds transferred to India
• Power of Attorney (POA) in favour of an Indian resident, if the buyer cannot be present in person — must be notarised and apostilled or attested by the Indian consulate

Foreign nationals (non-Indian passport holders) are generally not permitted to purchase immovable property in India without specific RBI approval, except in limited circumstances such as inheritance.

When buying property in Delhi, buyers typically engage several professionals whose fees form part of the total acquisition cost.

• Real estate agent / broker commission: In Delhi and other major Indian metros, broker commissions typically range from 1% to 2% of the purchase price, charged to the buyer, the seller, or split between both parties. The rate and payer should be agreed and confirmed in writing before engaging the broker (source: NoBroker / South Delhi Prime, 2024). Premium or luxury properties may attract higher fees.
• Buyer's agent (buyer-side broker): A buyer's agent advocates exclusively for the purchaser's interests, negotiating on price and terms. Their compensation is commission-based on the final sale price.
• Property lawyer / legal counsel: Engaged for title verification, drafting the Agreement to Sell, reviewing the sale deed, and advising on due diligence. Fees vary by complexity and are typically charged as a fixed professional fee or a percentage of the transaction value — confirm the scope and fee structure upfront.
• Home loan processing fee: Banks and housing finance companies generally charge a processing fee of up to 0.5%–1% of the sanctioned loan amount, plus applicable GST.
• Property valuation fee: Lenders commission an independent valuation of the property before sanctioning a loan; this cost is typically borne by the borrower.

All fees should be discussed, agreed, and documented before any work commences to avoid disputes at a later stage.