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RBI doubles war chest for dollar deals
Those snooping for real estate abroad have to thank RBI, after its new policy, write Gurbir Singh & Sabarinath M.
A flat in Dubai's Marina, a one-bedroom apartment in Central Bangkok's 'The Lofts' or at Pattaya's 'Northshore' project - both costing $100,000 (Rs 45 lakh) - are within striking distance for the Indian property seeker.
Those snooping for real estate abroad have to thank the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which has allowed individuals to remit up to $50,000 (Rs 22.5 lakh) per financial year as against the earlier limit of US $25,000 (Rs 11.25 lakh). The earlier ceiling allowed investors to dabble in stocks, but not in property in foreign capitals and resorts.
It works this way: Since the remittance ceiling or $50,000 is per individual, a husband-wife team can together invest up to $100,000. When invested over two financial years, but effectively over two consecutive months - one tranche in March at the end of a financial year and another in April in the new financial year - the couple can legally invest $200,000 (Rs 90 lakh).
This means properties in the Rs 70 lakh to Rs 1 crore range are now within reach. "Dubai would be a popular spot, within range and on the Indian radar.
Malaysia's Penang, Phuket and Bangkok in Thailand can be hot property-buying destinations," said Pranay Vakil, chairman of broking house Knight Frank India. The choice could lead one to even the Umbria, in Italy's central hills west of Tuscany, where 45 newly-restored studio apartments have been put on sale for 150,000 Euros.
On the other hand, even studio apartments in popular but expensive cities like New York, London and Hong Kong would be out of reach, Vakil warned. But a one-bedroom apartment in Singapore's East Coast Parkway is a possibility.
Other brokers said a one-bedroom apartment in Sydney or larger properties within $200,000 in Johannesburg are good buys as price appreciation can be expected.
Akshaya Kumar, CEO of another big broking house Colliers Jardine, suggested that Shanghai could be a good investment too where the government allows foreigners to own one property. Speculation is currently down in Shanghai with 'A' Class residential properties stabilising at around $250-300 per sq ft (Rs 11,250-13,500/sq ft).
Most corporate executives and individuals that travel abroad welcomed the move, but bankers warned that the government should make reporting on foreign remittances more stringent. "The ceiling has been raised partly because of the large leakages under the previous dispensation," felt Vakil.
However, corporate groups have always owned properties in London and elsewhere as the law allows companies to purchase property abroad from their export earnings to house their employees.
But not all high net worth individuals (HNIs) are looking at investing in property. Some are eyeing the stock markets. "This is a great opportunity for investing in shares abroad," said Sunil Alagh, former managing director of Britannia.
Besides, legal hassles may prevent many from buying properties. "It's not easy to buy properties abroad. There are too many legal hassles," said ad guru, Alyque Padamsee. He, however, feels that investing in shares could be a great opportunity. "I may look at investing in blue chip stocks like Microsoft, which will give me steady returns," he said.
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