Resident Indians: yes, within the Ceiling
Yes. Tamil Nadu does not restrict resident Indian citizens who are not farmers from buying agricultural land, subject to the land-ceiling limits of the Tamil Nadu Land Reforms (Fixation of Ceiling on Land) Act, 1961.
The ceiling is 15 standard acres for a family of up to five members, with the 'standard acre' varying by land quality, so the physical acreage you can hold depends on the land. Companies and trusts face separate rules.
NRIs and OCIs: no fresh purchases
NRIs and OCI cardholders cannot buy agricultural land, plantation property or farmhouses in India under FEMA rules (inheritance is treated differently). They can buy residential or commercial land and houses.
Some land marketed to NRIs as a 'farm plot' or 'weekend farmhouse' is still classified as agricultural in revenue records. Check the classification before paying: an NRI purchase of agricultural land is not permitted.
| Buyer | Agricultural land | Residential / commercial |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Indian | Yes, within ceiling | Yes |
| NRI / OCI | No (inheritance differs) | Yes |
| Company / trust | Restricted; take advice | Yes |
Inheritance
An NRI can inherit agricultural land. Selling inherited agricultural land is generally permitted to a resident Indian buyer. Take advice on repatriation of sale proceeds.
Questions? Call +91 95974 74888 or WhatsApp +91 80564 73519.
Common questions
Can an NRI buy a farmhouse in Coimbatore?
No: farmhouses and plantation property are covered by the same FEMA restriction as agricultural land.
Can an NRI buy a residential plot near Coimbatore?
Yes. NRIs can buy residential and commercial plots, houses and villas.