BAJAJ FINSERV DIRECT LIMITED
Housing Insight

What is a Home Loan?

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Aakash Jain

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Learn what is a home loan and how it works to fund your dream home with loans up to hlmaxamt at rates starting from 7.25% p.a..

A home loan is a secured credit provided by banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) to help individuals purchase residential property that acts as a collateral until the loan is fully repaid. Understanding what is home loan financing is essential for any aspiring homeowner. With a clear understanding of  home loan details you can easily evaluate your home loan eligibility and equated monthly instalment (EMI) affordability, ensuring a stable path toward long-term financial security and ownership.

How Do Home Loans Work?

Now that you know what home loans are, to understand how home loans work in India, it is important to look at the step-by-step process followed by lenders.

First, you select the property you wish to purchase. After deciding upon the property, you compare different lenders based on their loan terms and conditions, such as interest rates, tenure, processing fees, and eligibility criteria.

Next, you apply for the housing loan by submitting the required documentation. The bank or Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) reviews your credit history, income stability, existing obligations, and property documents to assess eligibility.

Once you meet the lender’s requirements, you pay the required down payment as per the bank or NBFC’s norms. After this, the loan amount is disbursed directly to the seller or builder.

At the time of loan disbursal and sale execution, the purchased property is legally pledged to the lender as collateral. You then repay the loan through Equated Monthly Instalments (EMIs) over the agreed loan tenure. After the full repayment of the outstanding amount, the lender releases the charge on the property and returns the original documents.

Types of Home Loans Available in India

Now that you know what home loans are and how they work, it’s important to note that several lenders offer housing loan options not only for purchasing a property but also for renovation, construction, or refinancing existing home loans. Here are some of the most common home loan products:

  • Home Loan

It is a standard home loan that can also be referred to as a home purchase loan that helps you buy a ready-to-move-in or under-construction property. Lenders typically offer financing up to 90% of the property's value based on the applicant's eligibility.

  • Plot Loan

Specifically for purchasing a residential plot for future construction, this loan facility provides funds solely for land purchase in approved, non-agricultural areas.

  • Home Renovation Loan

Also known as a house renovation loan, this credit facility helps finance remodelling, repainting, or structural repairs. It usually has a shorter repayment tenure due to smaller loan amounts.

  • Home Construction Loan

This is suitable if you already own a plot and wish to build a house on it. The loan is disbursed in instalments based on construction milestones completed.

  • Bridge Loan

It is a short-term swing loan that manages the gap between selling an old home and buying a new one, providing funds for the transition period.

  • Home Extension Loan

This is used to expand existing living spaces, such as adding a new floor or extra room. It differs from renovation loans as it focuses on structural expansion.

  • Step-up Home Loan

Designed for young professionals, these loans start with lower EMIs that gradually increase as the borrower’s income grows over time.

  • Home Loan with Overdraft Facility

It links the loan to a bank account where surplus funds can be deposited to lower the overall interest liability. At the same time, the deposited amount remains accessible, allowing withdrawals when required while maintaining liquidity.

  • Home Loan Balance Transfer

It allows you to shift your outstanding loan to a different lender, who is offering a lower home loan interest rate or better terms.

  • Top-up Home Loan

It provides additional funds over an existing loan for personal or housing needs without any requirement  for extensive fresh documentation.

  • Pre-approved Home Loan

Lenders provide an in-principle approval for a specific amount based on your income and credit score before you even select a property.

Important Terms of a Home Loan

Reviewing essential facts about home loan agreements involves learning the specific terminology used by lenders. These terms define your financial obligations and the repayment structure of your housing loan:

  • Down Payment

This is the initial upfront payment made by the buyer to the seller for the property in question, as lenders usually finance only a specific percentage of the property's total cost.

  • Floating Interest Rate

An interest type that shifts periodically based on market dynamics, causing your monthly payments to rise or fall over time is called a floating interest rate.

  • Fixed Interest Rate

A fixed interest rate is a stable interest option in which the rate remains constant for the entire loan tenure, offering protection against market fluctuations. Since it provides cover against changes in market rates, the fixed interest rate is generally higher than the initial floating interest rate.

  • Loan Tenure

Loan tenure is the total duration granted by the bank to pay back the borrowed sum.

  • Resale

This term applies when you buy a house from an existing owner instead of a fresh unit from a real estate developer.

  • Joint Ownership

A legal arrangement where two or more people share the title of the property and combined responsibility for the debt.

  • Sanction Letter

It is an official certificate issued by the financier that confirms your eligibility and states the approved loan terms.

  • Collateral

The property for which the loan is taken is pledged to the lender as security. It serves as a safeguard for the lender, as the same property can be liquidated or sold to recover the outstanding debt if the borrower fails to repay the loan as agreed.

  • Disbursement

The actual transfer of funds or approved debt from the bank to the seller or builder once all legal formalities are finalised is called disbursement.

  • Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio

The Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio refers to the proportion of a property’s value that a lender is willing to finance through a loan. A higher LTV means the borrower needs to contribute a smaller down payment. However, it may also influence the loan conditions, including repayment terms and the applicable interest rate.

  • EMIs

The scheduled monthly payments you make, which gradually reduce the outstanding principal while covering the applicable interest, are called EMI.

  • Foreclosure

The act of settling the entire remaining balance in a single payment before the original tenure ends to become debt-free early is called foreclosure.

Benefits of a Home Loan

Securing a home purchase loan offers several financial advantages beyond just acquiring a property. It serves as a systematic method to build wealth and manage housing finance effectively. Discussed below are some of its benefits.

  • Asset Growth and Wealth Creation

A house is considered to be a growing asset. Instead of paying rent, your installments build equity in a property that generally appreciates over time, providing long-term security.

  • Significant Tax Savings

Borrowers enjoy tax relief on home loans. You can claim deductions on the principal under Section 80C and up to ₹2 Lakhs on the interest payable under Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act in 2026 but only when you opt for the Old Tax Regime as these deductions are not available under the New Tax Regime.

  • Affordable Interest Rates

Compared to unsecured debt, a home loan interest rate is much lower. This makes it a cost-effective way to fund a dream home without straining your minimum income.

  • Enhanced Credit Profile

Consistently paying your EMIs on time demonstrates financial discipline. This positive behavior significantly boosts your credit score, easing future inquiry procedures for other credit products.

  • Repayment Flexibility and Safety

Adopting specific home loan rules with floating rates allows for early payments without penalties. Furthermore, the lender’s rigorous legal checks on property documents ensure a safe and verified purchase.

Risks and Considerations When Taking a Home Loan

Evaluating the potential challenges of long-term borrowing ensures you stay financially prepared for the future. Being aware of these factors helps you manage your home loan information without compromising your financial stability.

  • Impact of Interest Rate Fluctuations

If you opt for a floating rate, a sudden rise in market rates can increase your interest amount and monthly EMI burden.

  • Long-term Financial Commitment

Since tenures can span decades, any shift in your minimum income or employment status could make loan EMI payments difficult to manage.

  • Hidden Costs and Other Charges

Beyond the principal, you must account for processing fees, insurance and property document retention charges that add to the total cost.

  • Risk of Asset Forfeiture

As a secured debt, failing to meet the repayment plan gives the lender the legal right to seize the property used as collateral.

Tips for Getting a Good Home Loan

Optimising your borrowing strategy involves understanding how can I get a home loan and taking proactive steps that can lead to more favorable loan terms and lower long-term costs.

  • Strengthen Your Credit Profile

Maintaining a credit score above 750 improves your bargaining power for lower interest rates and faster inquiry procedures.

  • Compare LTV and Tenure

Use a loan EMI calculator to evaluate repayment options and compare shorter loan tenures with instalment amounts that remain manageable, helping you reduce the total interest payable.

  • Opt for Joint Applications

Adding a co-applicant can enhance your home loan eligibility conditions and may provide access to higher loan amounts.

  • Review the Fine Print

Always check for conversion fees and the terms listed in your sanction letter before committing to the disbursement process.

 

Government Schemes and Tax Benefits for Home Loans

Benefiting from state-sponsored initiatives and legal deductions can significantly lower the effective cost of your housing loan. These schemes are designed to make home loan options more accessible for different income groups.

  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)

This flagship mission provides interest subsidies up to ₹15 Crores on Home EMIs to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Low Income Group (LIG), and Middle Income Group (MIG) categories for buying or constructing a house.

  • Delhi Development Authority (DDA) Housing Scheme

The Delhi Development Authority offers affordable housing through a computerised draw of lots, specifically targeting various income segments in the capital.

  • Rajiv Awas Yojna (RAY) 

This scheme envisions a slum-free India by formalising illegal constructions and providing ₹75,000 in support along with dwelling units for the EWS category.

Alongside these government schemes, you can further lower your financial burden by utilising specific tax provisions available on home loans under the Old Tax Regime:

  • Claim an exemption of up to ₹1.5 Lakhs every year on the principal repayment under Section 80C, provided that the property is not sold within 5 years of possession to avoid a reversal of the deduction.

  • Deduct up to ₹2 Lakhs annually from your taxable income against the home loan interest paid under Section 24(b), which also covers interest for rented properties (limit reduces to ₹30,000 if construction exceeds 5 years).

  • Get an additional interest deduction of up to ₹50,000 as a first-time homebuyer under Section 80EE, applicable if the property value is less than ₹50 Lakhs and the loan amount is under ₹35 Lakhs.

  • Benefit from a further tax deduction of up to ₹1.5 Lakhs under Section 80EEA for first-time buyers of affordable housing (stamp duty value up to ₹45 Lakhs) for loans sanctioned between April 2016 and March 2017.

Home Loans at Bajaj Markets

Finding the right financial partner is key to a smooth property buying experience. Bajaj Markets provides access to diverse home loan providers offering distinct features tailored to meet various buyer requirements. 

  • Substantial Loan Sanctions

Access to significant loan amounts of up to hlmaxamt, makes loan products on this financial marketplace suitable for purchasing your ideal residence or financing new construction.

  • Attractive Interest Rates

Competitive home loan interest rates starting from just hlminint p.a. make borrowing more cost-effective over the loan tenure.

  • Zero Foreclosure Charges

The option to partially or fully prepay the loan amount before the scheduled tenure without additional foreclosure fees.

  • Flexible Repayment Tenure

Repayment tenure options of up to 32 years allow borrowers to structure their monthly instalments based on their financial capacity.

  • Minimal Documentation

Basic  documentation requirements support a simplified application process and reduce procedural complexity.

  • Quick Approval and Disbursal

A structured review process enables timely approval and prompt disbursement of funds for property purchase.

  • Transparent Terms and Conditions

Benefit from clear and simple housing loan terms that eliminate hidden fees or unexpected charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we get a 100% home loan?

No, as per RBI guidelines, lenders usually provide up to 70-90% of the property value; the rest is a down payment.

A home loan makes home ownership affordable by spreading the high cost of property over a manageable long-term repayment plan.

Not exactly, these are different home loan products, home loans are specifically for residential properties, while property loans can be used for any purpose using property as collateral.

To qualify for a home loan on Bajaj Markets, meeting the following eligibility conditions: 

  • You must be an Indian resident aged between 21 and 70.

  • You must have at least 3 years of work experience for salaried individuals.

  • You must have 5 years of business continuity for the self-employed.

The documents typically required to apply for a home loan on Bajaj Markets include identity proof like an Aadhaar card or PAN card, along with financial records such as salary slips, bank statements, income tax returns (ITR), and the specific property documents for the house you intend to buy

A home loan can be used for buying new or resale property, constructing on an owned plot, or renovating an existing structure via specific loan products.

Yes, a higher credit score facilitates quicker approval and allows you to access lower and more competitive interest rates.

The home loan approval process generally takes around 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the type of applicant, speed of document verification, and other factors.

The tax benefits you can claim on home loan repayment in India mainly cover:

  • Up to ₹1.5 Lakhs on the principal repayment structure under Section 80C.

  • Up to ₹2 Lakhs on the interest payable under Section 24(b).

  • Potentially more under Sections 80EE or 80EEA for first-time purchases.

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Hi! I’m Aakash Jain
Financial Content Specialist
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Aakash is a seasoned marketing and finance professional with over five years of experience. With a unique blend of financial expertise and creative flair, he excels in crafting succinct, user-friendly content that empowers readers to make well-informed choices. Specialising in articles, blogs, and website pages for loan products, Aakash is dedicated to simplifying complex concepts and delivering valuable insights that resonate with diverse audiences.

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