Home Loan Market in India for First Time Buyers

1. Home Loan Market in India for First Time Buyers Although analysts expected a higher reduction in the repo rate, RBI made only a modest deduction in its monetary review. However, even the 25 basis point reduction is likely to result in cheaper home loans for prospective buyers in the country. This adds to the existing favorable regime for home loans, and the same is likely to continue in the days ahead as we move further into FY 2017-28. The home loan market is especially lucrative for first time home buyers in the affordable homes category. The home loan market for 2017-18 has a much favorable outlook for the customer because of the governments push for ‘housing- for-all’ scheme. There has been a renewed push from the government to give the real estate/housing sector a push leading to a slew of measures to make home loans an attractive home funding option for the year. Additionally, measures by the government to reign in faulty developers and ensure on-time deliveries have further boosted consumer confidence. The existing incentive structure for first-home buyers further aids availing of home loans. Home buyers can take an additional tax rebate by providing additional deduction in respect of interest on loan taken for residential house property from any financial institution up to Rs 50,000. This is a great incentive for the young and middle class sectors to go ahead and invest in the home of their choice. As private housing is expected to be a considerable contributor towards this and easing home loan options will give the sector a much needed impetus. Home owners in India can continue to avail all previous deductions even in the coming financial year with additional sops added for first time home buyers. In addition to these measures, the home loan market is further expected to favor the consumers with increasing competition. Home loans remain one of the safer lending routes for banks with secured collaterals and assets. The growing non- performing assets issue in the country could make banks pursue a higher ratio of home loans for their lending portfolio, indirectly helping the consumers.

2. Thus, it is evident by almost all measures that the current market for home loans is a very favorable one for consumers. Investment in homes is an excellent tax saving as well as a future securing measure.