TaxSavvy

Free guide · no login · checked 4 Nov 2026

Real estate agent

Help people rent, buy and sell property and earn brokerage.

Money to start

Up to ₹50,000

Time it needs

25 to 40 hours a week

Risk

Medium

Works from home

Mostly outside

Explore

What it is, who it suits, what it can pay, how soon, the upside and the risks.

You list properties, show them to buyers and tenants, and help close the deal for a brokerage fee. In states with RERA, agents dealing in registered projects must register.

Who it suits

  • Local people who know their area
  • Good negotiators
  • Those comfortable with uneven income

Upside

  • Large single deals
  • Repeat rental work
  • Local reputation

Risks to know

  • Irregular income
  • Disputes if not documented
  • Never handle cash deals that hide the real price

What it can pay

We do not publish a number without a reliable source.

What drives it: Number of deals closed, deal size, rental versus sale, and your local network.

Time to first income

Weeks for rentals, months for sales.

Assess

Skills, money, tools, hours and registrations you need, and a five question fit check.

Skills

  • Local knowledge
  • Negotiation

Money to start

RERA registration fee, a phone and listing costs.

Tools

  • Phone
  • Listing portals
  • Two-wheeler

Time per week

20 to 50 hours a week.

Licences and registrations

Tick each one as you get it. Your ticks stay on this device.

Quick fit check

  1. 1.Do you know your area's properties and prices?
  2. 2.Can you handle months without a sale?
  3. 3.Will you document every deal?
  4. 4.Do you enjoy negotiating?
  5. 5.Will you register with RERA?

Answer all five to see how well this fits you.

Run

Your first 30 days to the first rupee: set up, price, get paid, find customers, keep records.

0 of 10 steps done

  1. Days 1 to 7

    Set up

  2. Days 8 to 10

    Price it and get ready to be paid

  3. Days 11 to 24

    Find your first customers

  4. Days 25 to 30

    Record and review

Nurture

Grow and stay compliant: tax, GST, government schemes and the help that fits.

Grow it

  • Move into sales and projects
  • Hire juniors
  • Add property management

Tax: Business with full books

Return: ITR-3

  • Keep books of sales, purchases and expenses, and pay tax on actual profit.
  • A tax audit applies under Sec 63 of the Income-tax Act 2025 (old Sec 44AB) once turnover crosses ₹1 crore (₹10 crore if cash is under 5%), or professional receipts cross ₹50 lakh.
  • Small businesses can still choose Sec 58 (old Sec 44AD) presumptive tax and file ITR-4 instead. A Savvy compares both for you.
  • Brokerage is commission income, which the business route of Sec 58 does not cover. Most agents file ITR-3 with actual expenses. Clients may deduct TDS (Sec 393 of the 2025 Act, old Sec 194H).

GST on services

Register once your services turnover crosses ₹20 lakh in a year (₹10 lakh in some North-Eastern and hill states). Below that, register only if clients insist or it helps you claim tax credit.

Make it official

Only what this way of earning needs. Free tools are marked; services are done by a TaxSavvy CA.

Ask a SavvyBusiness income tax returnITR-3 with your books, or ITR-4 if presumptive is better.See how it works →TaxSavvy serviceGST registrationA Savvy files it and tells you if composition suits you.See how it works →Free toolRent agreement builderA clear rent agreement in minutes.Open the tool →

Questions

How much can I earn from real estate agent in India?

What drives it: Number of deals closed, deal size, rental versus sale, and your local network.

How long until the first income?

Weeks for rentals, months for sales.

What do I need to start?

RERA registration fee, a phone and listing costs. Registrations: RERA agent registration in your state, PAN, GST registration.

Which ITR form do I file for this income?

ITR-3. Keep books of sales, purchases and expenses, and pay tax on actual profit.

Do I need GST?

Register once your services turnover crosses ₹20 lakh in a year (₹10 lakh in some North-Eastern and hill states). Below that, register only if clients insist or it helps you claim tax credit.

Sources

Read on 4 Nov 2026. Limits, rates and fees change: check the official site before you rely on them.

This guide is general information from TaxSavvy, not a promise of income. No legal way to earn is guaranteed or instant. Avoid any offer that asks you to pay to join, recruit others or bet.

Also worth a look

All ways to earn →
Professional practiceFull EARN guideInsurance agent or POSPSell life, health and motor insurance and earn commission.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowProfessional practiceFull EARN guideMutual fund distributorHelp people invest in mutual funds and earn trail commission.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowProfessional practiceFull EARN guideBookkeeping and accounts practiceKeep books, invoices and GST data for small businesses.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowJobs and skillsFull EARN guidePM Internship SchemeA 12 month internship in a large company with ₹5,000 a month from government and company.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: Low

Not sure this is the one?

Answer eight quick questions and see every way ranked for you.

Open the EARN finder