Can I sell inherited property in India?

Asked by: Odell Toy Sr.  |  Last update: December 26, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (37 votes)

Once a property is inherited, you are made the owner. Thus, you can make decisions to sell the property as required.

Can a US citizen sell inherited property in India?

Selling Inherited Property

NRIs can sell inherited property to an Indian resident without RBI permission, but selling to a non-resident requires RBI approval. Capital gains tax may apply based on the property's purchase date.

What documents are required for selling inherited property in India?

Steps For NRI's To Sell Inherited Property In India
  • Mutation of Property Title. Start the process of changing the title of the property to your name. ...
  • Tax Clearance Certificate. ...
  • Power of Attorney (POA) ...
  • Compliance with FEMA Regulations. ...
  • Permission for Repatriation. ...
  • Sale Agreement. ...
  • Due Diligence. ...
  • Registration of Sale Deed.

How to avoid capital gains tax when selling inherited property?

One effective strategy to avoid capital gains taxes is to hold property within an estate until the owner's passing. Upon death, the property receives a stepped-up cost basis, resetting its value to the market value on the date of death. This allows heirs to sell the property with little to no capital gains tax liab.

Can OCI sell inherited property in India?

Yes, OCIs can sell inherited property in India. According to Indian law, OCIs have similar property rights to NRIs in India; they can dispose of or sell the inherited property after going through the legal formalities and adhering to the taxation rules.

What is the best way to sell Inherited Property? | NRI & Inherited Property FAQ

27 related questions found

Can inherited property be sold in India?

Yes, you can sell undivided ancestral property in India, but it requires the consent of all the legal heirs who have a stake in the property.

What happens when a US citizen sells property in India?

Selling a property in India while living in the US can have tax implications on the capital gains. You need to be aware of the following before you sell your property: The buyer of your property will deduct a certain percentage of the sale price and pay it to the Income Tax Department in India on your behalf.

How to avoid capital gains tax on inherited property in India?

Avoid Capital Gains Tax through Will Inheritance

There is no tax on property received through inheritance. By planning the transfer of property through a will, individuals can avoid immediate capital gains tax liabilities, as tax is only applicable upon the sale of the property.

What are the disadvantages of inheriting a house?

Inherited properties can come with financial responsibilities such as existing mortgages, unpaid property taxes, maintenance costs, and insurance requirements. Be aware of hidden costs, including emergency repairs, property management fees, and legal expenses.

Is there a time limit on selling inherited property?

In the U.S., there is generally no legal deadline for selling an inherited property, so beneficiaries typically have time to consider their options.

What is the law for inherited property in India?

The property inherited by a Hindu from his father's father and father's is ancestral property. Property inherited by other relations is his separate property. The essential feature of ancestral property is that if that person inheriting it has sons, grandsons or great grandsons, they become joint owners with him.

How do you transfer ownership of a property after death in India?

If the deceased did not leave a will, the property is transferred according to the laws of intestate succession. In India, this typically involves the legal heirs (spouse, children, etc.) who will have to claim the property through a legal process.

How do I sell my deceased parents property?

The Process Of Selling A House When One Owner Is Deceased
  1. Understand The Property's Ownership. ...
  2. Undergo The Probate Process. ...
  3. Submit A Transfer On Death Deed (TOD) ...
  4. Consult An Attorney. ...
  5. File For A Transfer Of Property Ownership. ...
  6. List And Sell The House. ...
  7. Use Proceeds To Settle Outstanding Debts. ...
  8. Pay Taxes.

Can I sell property in India and bring money to USA?

NRIs are allowed to repatriate or bring their sale proceeds of property sold in India to the US. However, the limit to the amount brought from India is $1 million per calendar year, including all other capital account transactions.

Is inheritance in India taxable in USA?

You are not subjected to inheritance or estate tax in America; if you are a U.S. resident or Green Card owner and have inherited assets or property in India, you are not subjected to inheritance or estate tax in America. However, it is mandatory to comply with the requirements and report it to the U.S. government.

How to transfer inherited property in India?

Documents required to transfer the title of inherited property
  1. Death certificate of the deceased: This document proves the demise of the property owner.
  2. Birth certificate of the legal heirs: This document helps establish the heir's identity.
  3. Ration card copy (if applicable)
  4. Bank statement of the legal heirs.

Should I sell or keep an inherited house?

It depends on your personal circumstances. If you want to live in the home or use it as a rental property, keeping it obviously makes sense. If you don't want to do either — or if it needs significant work that you don't want to commit to — selling it will make more sense.

What is the first thing you do when you inherit a house?

You should first determine whether there is a mortgage on the house. If there is, you'll need to contact the loan servicer. Before they can tell you about the loan balance, you'll need to provide a death certificate and verify that you have inherited the house.

When you inherit a house and sell it, is it taxable?

In California, real property is one of the most valuable assets you can inherit from a loved one. But inheriting real estate that has increased in value over time can trigger capital gains tax consequences when you sell that piece of property.

Can a US citizen inherit property in India?

Yes, foreign citizens can inherit property in india. Though they have no right to acquire land meant for farming purposes directly; such people are allowed to do so through inheritance procedures. But then there might be limitations imposed on selling this type of property.

How to avoid capital gains tax in India after selling property?

Section 54: If the gains from selling a residential house are reinvested in another house property within 1 year before or 2 years after the sale date, or if the new property is constructed within 3 years from the sale date, the entire amount is exempt from tax.

How much inheritance is tax free in India?

At present, India has no tax on inheritance. Hence, if you are inheriting any property or assets, you will not have to pay any taxes. However, if you are planning to sell off the inherited property, you must make a declaration of inheritance on your tax returns.

Can an OCI holder sell property in India?

An NRI or OCI who has acquired immovable property in India in accordance with the foreign exchange laws in force at that time can sell such property to an Indian resident, provided: The transaction takes place through banking channels in India; and. Indian resident is not otherwise prohibited from such acquisition.

Do I need to pay tax if I sell my property in India?

But there is something which needs your attention, selling off property is liable for tax payment in India. The tax is paid on the sale of all property types except agricultural land. The property seller has to pay two types of taxes while receiving any income from the sale of immovable property.

Can a foreign national sell inherited property in India?

Foreign Nationals of non Indian origin who have acquired immovable property in India by way of inheritance with the specific approval of RBI can not transfer such property without prior permission of RBI.