As an NRI working in Dubai, the idea of owning a piece of home back in India was both exciting and emotional. I wanted a comfortable space for my aging parents and a secure investment for my future. But buying a property from thousands of miles away wasn’t as simple as wiring the money and picking a flat. Here’s my honest experience of buying a 3 BHK in Gurgaon while living abroad—and what I learned along the way.

Why I Chose to Invest in a 3 BHK

I didn’t want just a compact apartment—I wanted space. A 3 BHK offered flexibility: a room for my parents, a guest bedroom, and a personal study or home office for when I visit. Gurgaon, with its booming infrastructure, proximity to the airport, and cosmopolitan vibe, felt ideal.

Finding the Right Property Remotely

I relied heavily on:

• Virtual tours: Many real estate platforms offer 360-degree walkthroughs.

• Friends & family in India: They physically visited the sites and shared videos.

• Realtor services: I hired a reliable agent with experience handling NRI clients.

Despite all the tech, it was their feedback and honesty that helped me shortlist a trustworthy project.

Navigating the Legal Maze

Legal paperwork was the trickiest part. I had to:

• Get a Power of Attorney (PoA) drafted, notarized in Dubai, and attested by the Indian embassy.

• Ensure the developer shared RERA-approved project details.

• Hire a property lawyer to cross-verify title deeds, encumbrance certificates, and approvals.

Tip: Never skip the lawyer, even if the builder says “all documents are in place.”

Handling Finances from Abroad

Transferring money wasn’t as complicated as I feared. I used an NRE account for the transaction and made sure all payments were documented. The builder allowed digital agreements and receipts, making the process seamless.

A bonus? I qualified for home loan offers tailored for NRIs, with online documentation and approval.

Possession and Aftercare

Possession was delayed slightly, which is common in under-construction projects. However, since I had all legal documents and the PoA holder monitoring the site, it helped resolve issues quickly.

Post-possession, I hired a property management company to handle interiors, utility setups, and tenant management—highly recommended if you plan to rent it out.

Final Thoughts

Buying a 3 BHK from abroad wasn’t easy—but it was absolutely worth it. Having a home back in India gave me emotional security and a solid financial asset. If you're living overseas and considering the same, surround yourself with the right people—an honest agent, a good lawyer, and a trusted relative. They make all the difference.

Today, when I video call my parents and see them enjoying morning tea on our Gurgaon apartment balcony, it all feels worth it.