A Power of Attorney (PoA) lets one person act for another, and in real estate it is both a great convenience and a source of serious risk. Used properly, it allows an NRI to buy a home in Hyderabad without flying down for every signature; used carelessly, it has been the vehicle for some of the country's worst property frauds. For anyone considering buying remotely in the Godrej Brooklyn Avenue belt in Kukatpally, or being offered a property "on GPA", understanding the types and the legal limits is essential. This guide explains, as of 2026, the kinds of PoA, why registration matters, the position on GPA sales and the key risks. Verify the current law and stamp requirements before acting.

What a Power of Attorney Is

A Power of Attorney is a legal document by which a person (the principal or donor) authorises another (the agent or attorney) to do specified acts on their behalf. In property matters this might mean signing an agreement, completing registration, managing a let-out flat or representing the owner before authorities. The PoA does not transfer ownership; it only grants authority to act. The scope of that authority depends entirely on how the document is drafted, which is why the type and wording of a PoA matter so much.

The Main Types of Power of Attorney

Broadly, there are two forms. A General Power of Attorney (GPA) grants wide authority to handle a range of matters, while a Special (or Specific) Power of Attorney (SPA) is limited to defined acts, such as registering one particular flat. A PoA can also be revocable, meaning the principal can withdraw it, or, in narrow circumstances such as where it is coupled with an interest, effectively irrevocable. For property transactions, an SPA tightly worded to the specific purpose is usually safer than a sweeping GPA, because it limits what the agent can do.

Type	Scope	Best for
General PoA (GPA)	Broad authority over many acts	Ongoing management by a fully trusted person
Special PoA (SPA)	Limited to a specific act / property	A one-off task like registering a flat
Revocable PoA	Can be withdrawn by the principal	Most situations, for safety
Irrevocable PoA	Cannot be freely revoked (limited cases)	Narrow, interest-coupled arrangements

Why a Registered PoA Matters

For property dealings, a PoA that is properly executed, stamped and registered carries far more weight than an unregistered or merely notarised one. Registration creates a public record, reduces the room for forgery and is often insisted upon by sub-registrars and banks. Where the principal is abroad, the PoA is typically executed before the Indian consulate or notarised and apostilled, then adjudicated and stamped in India. Cutting corners on execution and registration is exactly where remote buyers get exposed, so treat this as non-negotiable.

The GPA Sale Position You Must Understand

A widespread but dangerous practice has been the so-called "GPA sale", where a property is transferred merely through a General Power of Attorney rather than a registered sale deed. The settled legal position is that a GPA does not by itself convey title; ownership transfers only through a duly stamped and registered sale deed. So if you are offered a property "on GPA" at an attractive price, treat it as a red flag: you may pay full value and still not become the legal owner. Always insist on a registered sale deed, as explained in our sale agreement versus sale deed guide.

The Key Risks to Watch

• Over-broad authority: a sweeping GPA lets the agent do far more than you intended, including potentially disposing of the property.
• Misuse and fraud: a dishonest agent can act against your interest; choose only someone you deeply trust.
• Forged or stale PoA: verify authenticity and that the PoA has not been revoked or lapsed on the principal's death.
• GPA-as-sale trap: never accept a GPA in place of a registered sale deed for buying.
• Unclear revocation: ensure the document and its limits, including revocation, are clearly drafted.

How NRIs Can Use a PoA Safely at Godrej Brooklyn Avenue

A PoA is genuinely useful for an NRI buying a home in Kukatpally without travelling for every step. The safe approach is to grant a tightly drafted Special PoA to a trusted family member, limited to the specific acts needed, such as signing the agreement and completing registration of that one flat; have it executed before the Indian consulate or notarised and apostilled, then properly stamped and registered in India; and complete the purchase through a registered sale deed, never a GPA "sale". Pair this with the project's RERA registration, Telangana RERA No. P02200010981, and standard due diligence. For the wider buying journey see our step-by-step booking guide, and the NRI buying guide for FEMA-related points.

Who Should Use a PoA, and How Carefully

A PoA suits NRIs, buyers who cannot be physically present, and owners who need someone to manage a let-out flat. In every case, prefer a Special PoA over a General one, register it, define its limits precisely, and revoke it when its purpose is served. Above all, never confuse a PoA with ownership: it is a tool to act, not a substitute for a registered sale deed. Used with that discipline, it makes remote buying smooth; used loosely, it is one of the riskiest documents in real estate. Explore the broader price and legal section for related guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions