Owning a home is a huge achievement, and for many, it’s a dream come true. However, the costs involved make it a substantial financial commitment. To make this dream a reality, many turn to Home Loans.
A Home Loan is a sum borrowed, usually from banks or other lending institutions, to finance a home purchase. Repayment occurs over a period of 10 to 30 years, with borrowers making monthly payments, known as Easy Monthly Instalments (EMIs), comprising the loan amount and interest.
To guide your decision in selecting the best Home Loan in India, here’s a look at the fees involved in getting a home loan in India, along with the top 10 best home loan rates.
Best Home Loan Rates in India: Exploring Types of Fees and Charges
Getting your dream home in India often involves a home loan, a popular and affordable financing option. Besides the interest rate, it’s crucial to be aware of various fees and charges associated with home loans.
1. Processing Fee
When you apply for a home loan, the bank might charge you a one-time fee just for processing your application. This fee can be a small percentage, like 0.25% to 3%, of the total loan amount.
2. Administrative Fee
Some banks might ask for an extra fee to go through your property documents and make sure everything is legally good.
This fee could be a fixed amount or a percentage of your loan.
3. Valuation Fee
If the bank wants to check how much your property is worth, they might charge a fee for that.
It could be a fixed amount or a percentage of your loan.
4. Legal Fee
Making sure your property is legally okay for a loan might come with a charge.
This charge may be a fixed amount or a percentage of your loan.
5. Stamp Duty and Registration Fee
The state government charges some money when they officially record your property purchase.
These charges can vary depending on where you live.
6. GST (Goods and Services Tax):
The government adds a tax on the services the bank provides for your loan.
As of 2023, it’s set at 18%.
7. Prepayment Fee
If you want to pay back a part of your loan in advance, the bank might charge you a fee for that.
But if you have a floating rate loan, there usually isn’t a charge as per RBI guidelines.
8. Foreclosure Fee
Closing your loan before the agreed time might come with a charge from the bank.
Similar to prepayment, if you have a floating rate loan, there might not be a charge as per RBI.
9. Conversion Fee
If you want to change the type of interest rate on your loan, the bank might ask for a fee.
This fee can vary, often as a percentage of the remaining loan amount.
10. Late Payment Fee
If you miss paying your monthly instalment on time, the bank might charge you extra.
This charge could be a percentage of the overdue amount, usually between 2% to 4%.
11. Cheque Bounce Fee
If the check you gave the bank bounces, meaning there isn’t enough money, they might charge you. Typically, this fee ranges from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 per bounced check.
Note: These fees can vary among lenders, depending on factors like loan amount and tenure. Before applying for the best home loan in India, it’s wise to compare these charges and carefully read the loan agreement for terms and conditions.
Exploring Types of Home Loans in India
Home loans in India come in various types, catering to different needs of the different classes and difference income groups. You must be aware of the types of home loans before choosing the best home loan for your needs.
- Home Purchase Loan:
- What: The basics. To buy a house, flat, villa, or bungalow.
- How Much: Up to 90% of the property value.
- Time to Repay: Up to 30 years.
- Interest: Fixed, floating, or a mix, depending on the lender.
- Home Construction Loan:
- What: For building a house on your own land.
- How Much: Up to 90% of construction costs.
- Time to Repay: Up to 30 years.
- Interest: Fixed, floating, or a mix, depending on the lender. Paid as construction goes on.
- Home Improvement Loan:
- What: Revamp, repair, or upgrade your existing home.
- How Much: Up to 90% of improvement costs.
- Time to Repay: Up to 30 years.
- Interest: Fixed, floating, or a mix, depending on the lender. Use it for paint, floors, plumbing—anything to spruce things up.
- Home Extension Loan:
- What: Add more rooms or space to your current home.
- How Much: Up to 90% of extension costs.
- Time to Repay: Up to 30 years.
- Interest: Fixed, floating, or a mix, depending on the lender.
- Land Purchase Loan:
- What: Buying a plot for a home.
- How Much: Up to 90% of the land value.
- Time to Repay: Up to 30 years.
- Interest: Fixed, floating, or a mix, depending on the lender. Perfect for that dream plot.
- Composite Loan:
- What: Buying land and building on it combined.
- How Much: Up to 90% of land and construction value.
- Time to Repay: Up to 30 years.
- Interest: Fixed, floating, or a mix, depending on the lender. Paid in construction phases.
- Balance Transfer Loan:
- What: Shifting your existing home loan to a new lender for a better deal.
- How Much: Up to your existing loan balance.
- Time to Repay: The remaining period or a new one, depending on the lender.
- Interest: Fixed, floating, or a mix, depending on the lender. May involve fees like processing or foreclosure.
- Top-up Loan:
- What: Extra funds on top of your existing home loan.
- How Much: Up to 75% of your property’s current value minus the outstanding loan.
- Time to Repay: Up to 30 years.
- Interest: Fixed, floating, or a mix, depending on the lender. For personal or professional needs.
- NRI Home Loan:
- What: Tailored for Non-Resident Indians wanting a home in India.
- How Much: Varies. Special terms apply.
- Time to Repay: Varies.
- Interest: Special terms. Documents like passports and overseas bank statements may be needed. Repayment through NRE/NRO accounts or foreign remittances.
Remember, these types might vary from one lender to another. It’s smart to compare before you commit and read the fine print in the loan agreement. Understanding the terms is key!
Best Home Loan Rates in India: Overview of Loan Providers
1. Citibank
Citibank is one of the leading multinational banks in India, offering a variety of banking and financial products and services to customers. Some of the USPs of Citibank home loans are
- Attractive interest rates start from 8.00% p.a. for salaried borrowers and 9.15% p.a. for self-employed borrowers.
For Salaried Applicants:
- Nationality: Indian Resident
- Minimum Age: 21 years (if income is not considered); 23 years (if income is considered)
- Maximum Age: 65 years at the time of loan maturity
- Work Experience: Minimum 2 years
For Self-Employed Applicants:
- Nationality: Indian Resident
- Minimum Age: 21 years (if income is not considered); 23 years (if income is considered)
- Maximum Age: 65 years at the time of loan maturity
- Business Continuity: Minimum 3 years
- Maximum Loan Amount: Up to 10 crores
2. State Bank of India (SBI)
SBI, which is the biggest bank in India, provides various banking services to people all over the country. Here are some special things about SBI home loans:
- The interest rates are low, starting at 8.40%* p.a. (w.e.f. 01.09.2023)
- They offer lower interest rates to women borrowers, existing customers, and those buying eco-friendly homes.
- You can move your loan from another bank to SBI for better rates using their balance transfer option.
3. Bank of Baroda (BoB)
Bank of Baroda (BoB) is one of the oldest and largest public sector banks in India, offering a wide range of banking and financial services to customers. Some of the USPs of BoB home loans are:
- Low-interest rates start from 8.40% p.a.
- Transparent Fee Structure
- No Charges Concealed
- No Penalty for Prepayment
- The interest rate is connected to the Baroda Repo Linked Lending Rate (BRLLR) of the bank and undergoes monthly resets.
- Interest calculated on a Daily Reducing Balance
- Flexible Repayment Period of up to 30 years
4. HDFC Bank
HDFC Bank is one of the largest private sector banks in India, offering a wide range of banking and financial solutions to customers. Some of the USPs of HDFC home loans are
- Attractive interest rates start from 8.50% p.a. for salaried borrowers and 8.70% p.a. for self-employed borrowers.
- Flexible repayment options with a maximum tenure of 30 years.
- Customised loan solutions based on the borrower’s profile, income, and property type.
- Balance transfer facility with a top-up loan option.
5. Bajaj Housing Finance Limited (BHFL)
Bajaj Housing Finance Limited (BHFL) is a subsidiary of Bajaj Finance Limited, offering home loans and other housing finance solutions to customers. Some of the USPs of BHFL home loans are:
- Affordable interest rates start from 8.50% p.a. for salaried borrowers and 9.10% p.a. for self-employed borrowers.
- High loan amount of up to Rs. 10 crore with a maximum tenure of 40 years.
- Balance transfer facility with a top-up loan option upto Rs 1 Cr.
- Loan Santion in 48 hours.
6. LIC Housing Finance Limited (LIC HFL)
LIC Housing Finance Limited (LIC HFL) is one of the largest housing finance companies in India, offering home loans and other housing finance solutions to customers. Some of the USPs of LIC HFL home loans are
- Competitive interest rates start from 8.50% p.a.
- 50% off on Processing fee..
- No prepayment charges for floating-rate home loans.
- Maximum Tenure- 20 years
7: Punjab National Bank (PNB)
Punjab National Bank (PNB) is another leading public sector bank in India, offering various products and services to cater to the diverse needs of customers. Some of the USPs of PNB home loans are
- Competitive interest rates start from 8.50% p.a.- 9:00 p.a. for salaried borrowers and 8.8% p.a. To 9;30% p.a. for non-salaried borrowers.
- Multiple home loans are offered for government employees, for the public, home loans for the public as per Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Housing For All, and more.
8. Axis Bank
Axis Bank is another prominent private sector bank in India, offering a variety of banking and financial services to customers. Some of the USPs of Axis Bank home loans are:
- Affordable interest rates start from 8:70% and 9:10% p.a., depending upon the nature of the employer; salaried or self-employed.
- A low processing fee of 0.50% of the loan amount is subject to a minimum of Rs. 10,000.
- No prepayment charges..
9. ICICI Bank
ICICI Bank is a well-known private sector bank in India, providing multiple banking & financial offerings to its customer base. Some of the USPs of ICICI Bank home loans are:
- Competitive interest rates start from 8:75% p.a.
- Processing Fees 0.50% of the loan amount+ AT*
- Zero Prepayment Charges
- Instant home loan approval and sanction.
10. Aditya Birla Housing Finance (ABHFL)
Aditya Birla Housing Finance (ABHFL) is part of Aditya Birla Capital Limited, offering customers home loans and other housing finance solutions. Some of the USPs of ABHFL home loans are:
- Customised interest rates start from 9.05% p.a.
- No prepayment charges for floating-rate home loans.
- Loan amount of up to 90% of the property value with a maximum tenure of 30 years.
- Quick and transparent loan procedure with easy and quick online application.
Conclusion
Buying your dream home is within reach with the right Home Loan in India. You must explore and understand fees, interest rates, and types of loans to compare the top providers and choose one best suited to your needs.
FAQs-Best Home Loan Rates in India
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as different banks offer varying home loan schemes. You can choose from Citibank, SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, and PNB after comparing their features, charges, and eligibility criteria to find the best fit.
The best home loan scheme depends on factors like income, property type, and loan amount. Common types include regular home loans, balance transfer home loans, Flexi home loans, top-up home loans, and joint home loans.
Determining the best bank for loans depends on the type (personal, car, education, business, etc.). Specify your loan needs, such as amount and tenure, and compare offers. No single bank is universally best; it varies based on loan type and individual preferences.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks; read all the related documents carefully before investing.